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There are currently 6 member reviews
for Smothermoss
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Gloria K. (Madison, WI)
Smothermoss
Alisa Alering has the ability to paint pictures with words. When I read her description of the turtles sunning themselves on the rocks I had a beautiful vision of them.
Unfortunately the author falls short on character development. We learn the sisters have a brother named Sam who is prison. We do not receive additional information about him. Likewise 2 hikers , Gayle and Russell stop on the sisters'property asking for food. No additional information is given about them.
The sisters, Sheila and Angie approach life very differently.
Angie's thoughts and actions are based on magical realism. Sheila's worldview is based on a practical approach and a strong work ethic. Throughout the book Sheila is struggling to keep the family together by taking care of their homestead as well as the animals they own.
Perhaps the author wants the reader to define "the stone" and "the rope" in their own terms. The rope and the stone are frequently mentioned in the book but not clearly defined.
Both sisters are discovering their sexuality as they approach womanhood. Near the end of the book the sisters have an honest discussion which brings them closer. Prior to that it seems that they were at war with each other.
I would have liked a tighter ending to the story as it left me dangling with many unanswered questions.
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Kay D. (Strongsville, OH)
The Otherworldly World of Smothermoss
This was one of the oddest, well written, lyrical, mystical, and mysterious books I have read in a long time. I found myself constantly questioning is this real or is this one big dream. Whichever, I was continually compelled to keep reading. Both Sheila and Angie were unique characters and added their own dimensions to the entire story. Supporting characters were developed enough to make them worthwhile. Lots of layers of things to think on long after I was finished reading. I loved the way bits and pieces were constantly inserted into the storyline, leading me to think I had it figured out, just to discover I really didn't know exactly what was real. Highly recommend for those who like some mystery and mystical elements to their books.
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Helen S. (Warren, IN)
Smothermoss
This book reads quickly, and is had to put it down, although the other-worldly aspect sometimes overrides the story line. The author's imagery and prose is breathtaking, even exquisite at times. The human characters are authentic, even with the unbelievable fantasy. Perhaps the fantasy is necessary the author for the author to achieve what was intended. Smothermoss, the mountain which is central to the story, seems almost to come alive, and in one way or in many ways, it influences Sheila, Angie, and their mother.
Symbolism and fantasy come together effectively, an example being the rope which constantly winds around Sheila's neck, limiting her life physically and mentally. Also, she is a lesbian, which in the eighties was not widely accepted. This keeps her from finding her place in the world.
Sheila's younger sister Angie is an imaginative brat who is not afraid of the murderer who is on the loose. She sets out to capture the man, all on her own.
Lack of money, friends, and conveniences brings a hard life, where darkness, a believable haunted mountain, and ghost-like people are paramount.
The ending of the book did not satisfy me, although it was gripping and intense. I will follow this article and see what develops.
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Celeste W. (Washington, DC)
Absorbing Debut Novel
Beautifully written, Smothermoss will engage you from the opening chapter. It is, in part, the tender story of the relationship between two sisters, Sheila and Angie, in rural Pennsylvania. But it is also a story about Sheila's relationship with herself. The story contains elements of a thriller (a murderer is loose on the mountain) and a touch of magic. It is a perfect "book club" book. I did not expect to be captivated by this debut novel, but I was. I will be adding Alisa Alering to my list of authors to watch in the future.
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Renay (MS)
An Eclectic Choice
Smothermoss by Alisa Alering is an eclectic novel set in the 1980s in Pennsylvania. I would categorize it as a spooky horror novel with magical/fantastical elements. I was often left confused as the reader is dropped into the story unaware of the overall situation; however, eventually, I was able to piece together enough information to follow the story. I think fans of non-gory horror novels would enjoy this novel, and it reminded me of some of the short stories in the anthology, Never Whistle at Night.
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Loren B. (Appleton, WI)
A Bit Much
Normally I enjoy stories about the Appalchian region because my ancestors are from there.
I was aware that there would be supernatural elements to the plot but it was all a bit much.
While I'm willing to suspend belief to some degree I prefer some explanations.
I would recommend this novel to someone who enjoys the Gothic and off- beat.
