Gloria

Rating:
Summary: A snapshot of Americana, West Virginia, 1957.
Review: This is a credible and fascinating glimpse into a world that probably no longer exists. The innocence of the '50s juxtaposed with the "sophisticated" main character is compelling. I found her mother to be equally interesting in her love/hate relationship with her daughter. Intelligence was evidently not a desirable attribute in a southern girl at that time and Gloria's struggles with that make this an absorbing read. As an English major, I loved the references to what she had read and was reading. Gloria's conflicts with her inner and outer self and the "secret watcher" are worth a few second thoughts. I liked this book and I was disappointed when it ended. I will see what else Keith Maillard has to offer.