The story takes place in a poor town called Marshall, NC, which is not an easy place to call home. There is a small church in the town, led by the evil Pastor Chambliss. This character has a magnetic hold over his congregation, and one young mother in particular. This mother, Julie, has two sons. The older brother is called Stump, and is mute. The story is centered around him, and the pastor's attempt to heal him.
The group had mixed feelings about the way the story was told, which was from the perspective of three different people involved. One story came from Adelaide, an elderly lady who feels it is her responsibility to protect the children from Pastor Chambliss. Stump's protective younger brother, Jess, is also a narrator. This adventurous and precocious young man was a refreshing and innocent voice. The group's favorite point of view, however, was the sheriff, Clem. He was not a native to the town, but was a no-nonsense character with a big heart. The author does a good job of making you care about the characters and also breaking your heart. In spite of the tragedies in the book, however, the ending is hopeful. It is a tale of courage and the power to overcome.
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