Daughters of Green Mountain Gap

Teri M. Brown's Daughters of Green Mountain Gap offers a seductive saga spanning three generations of resilient North Carolina women at the cusp of the twentieth century. The narrative revolves around Maggie McCoury, a revered Appalachian granny woman, her daughter Carrie Ann, a staunch believer in scientific progress, and Josie Mae, caught in the crossfire of their conflicting ideologies.  Set against the backdrop of the late 1800s and early 1900s, Brown masterfully captures the cultural and traditional setting, creating a wonderful portrait of life in the small town of Green Mountain Gap. Maggie, steeped in generational healing traditions derived from local Cherokee lore, becomes a focal point of admiration and conflict. Meanwhile, Carrie Ann, propelled by grief and a desire for scientific solutions, strives to bring modern medicine to the community.

Brown writes intelligently about the conflict between tradition and science, examining what happens when someone is challenged to leave beliefs that are passed down from one generation to another. Themes of racism, fear of change, and the erosion of traditions within a family are dominant in this exciting tale. Brown's vivid prose transports readers to the heart of Appalachia, immersing them in the struggles of a community facing societal shifts. The discrimination faced by the characters serves as a powerful backdrop for the escalating conflict. The author intricately weaves the stories of Maggie and Carrie Ann, creating a captivating drama that explores the tension between traditional methods and modern medicine. At its core is Josie Mae, torn between her family's ingrained beliefs and the external pressures of a changing world. The bond she shares with her grandmother is strong and real and it brings strength to the narrative. The drama is in full gear and it is enriched by the gorgeously crafted dialogue. Daughters of Green Mountain Gap is a stirring and moving tale that explores the timeless struggle between faith and science, tradition and progress. Teri M. Brown's superb storytelling brings the characters to life and a world that is stunningly imagined and finely drawn.