I highly recommend Sweeping Up Glass to anyone who enjoys Southern literature, rich characters, and excellent storytelling. There were several times that I found a lump beginning to form in my throat as I was reading this novel and I genuinely cared about the characters. Even though the book did, as others said, change its tone halfway through, I actually didn’t find that too jarring. That being said, I preferred the beginning plot, which was more character-driven, than the ending. I agree with the previous reviewer in that then ending tied itself up a little too neatly and was unbelievable. Still, I have found a new author to enjoy, and I love Ms. Wall’s writing. ( )

Before I get too far down some random road, I feel I need to say I liked this book/ books. The reason I mention book(s) is best described below in the review by msbaba, who describes the first portion of the book as a wonderfully written character study and the last few chapters as a suspense thriller. I liked them both because at any given time I can appreciate both genres, however, I found the change somewhat jarring in this book to the the point where I almost flipped to the front page and started reading again, for fear I had missed something really big (and obvious). Long story short, liked the book, would recommend it to others, and would read another by the same author. In this case, the flaws don't negate the overall quality of the writing and the experience of 1930's Kentucky. ( )

This is a lovely book that I couldn't put down. A mystery (who is killing the wolves on Olivia Harker's property?), a love story, a history lesson on race relations in 1930's Kentucky and, most of all, a story of family. The first half of the story is narrated with childlike innocence by the young Olivia, then returns to the present day and the dangerous goings-on in the small town in the hills of Kentucky. A wonderful debut. ( )

quite good novel of Olivia who wants to save the wolves but someone is kiling them and cutting off their ears. Her mother Ida is nuts and they are poor store owners. The town has a rage that is only discovered at the end. Hangings, killings, corrupt police.....well written. ( )

The blurbs used to describe Carolyn Wall’s debut, Sweeping Up Glass, compare Wall to Harper Lee, William Faulkner, Eudora Welty and Flannery O’Connor. I mean WOW, how does a novel live up to those kinds of expectations? And yet, even from the beginning, it just does. The striking similarities to To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the most beloved books ever written, are unavoidable. The innocent narrator, and explored themes particularly evoke Mockingbird, and that is a statement I’d never make lightly. Wall’s narrative voice with its colloquial speech is so entrenched in classic southern tradition that it becomes hard to believe that I wasn’t reading a much older novel.

This tale offers more than nostalgia. It is basically the life story of hard working and very poor general store owner, Olivia Harker. Olivia lives life in no uncertain terms. She idolizes her father, adores her grandson, loves her lifetime friends, is wary of her daughter, protective of the wolves that roam her property, and hates her mom. Her story is set in a very small town in Kentucky. And her town has some dark secrets yet to be unveiled. Unknown truths waiting in Olivia’s past threaten her life and everything she knows. It is hard to go into much more detail as the book is masterfully structured--even Olivia doesn’t know the tale she is telling. Just know that the plot offers mysterious surprises.

I have almost no criticisms of this book, but if I really reach, I could say that this book doesn’t feel modern. It tells of a bygone time period and past issues. Which some readers might find to be to the books credit especially after reading it. I will say this book is an old fashioned good read, and its historical feel was most likely calculated move on Wall’s part.

The strengths of the novel abound. Foremost, Olivia’s voice is forcibly engaging, and stayed with me long after the book conclusion. Every character is fully drawn and compelling. The plot is constructed with doses of mystery, literary tension, and layers of characterization. It is easily the best book I’ve read all month, and sure to be one of my favorites this year. Wall’s tale is sure to be cherished by anyone who reads it. It is deserving of all the gushing praise it has and will receive. ( )