12 year old Addy is the youngest member of the locally deplored and infamous O’Donnell clan, a matter for both pride and shame. When she is finally abandoned by her mother, in the wake of her father’s leaving, Addy is taken in by the local schoolteacher. She struggles with feelings of loss and confusion at her torn loyalties, as the KKK not only gains a foothold in the area, but proves to have an uncomfortable tie to Addy’s own home life. McMullan allows Addy to narrate events and feelings in a wise and practical manner that breathes warmth throughout the story.

I didn’t realise until about half-way through that this is a sequel to How I Found the Strong, which tells the story of Frank, a young boy caught up in the tumult of the war (and is, incidentally, biographical fiction, loosely based on the author’s family). Even without reading this first, it added a richness to the story to know there was a history to the character who takes in Addy.

Definitely a young adult read, When I Crossed No-Bob deftly deals with racism, poverty and family loyalties in the American South just after the Civil War. McMullan has a lovely writing style that never intrudes on the story or her character’s ‘voice’ and the well-researched background manages to infuse atmosphere without suggesting an author with a list of proudly-learned facts to impart.

I have made a note to get a copy of How I Found the Strong and catch up with the story that came before Addy’s. ( )

It’s Addy’s story of her poor mountain community, family loyalties (or lack of in some cases) and learning to decide for herself the kind of person she wants to be. You get a good insight for all points of view for each of the characters, even if it is through someone else's observations. AHS/LB

Brutal life in South

told with sensitivity.

Her clan's in the Klan.

Read my review at www.yasarah.blogspot.com ( )