Okay I've mulled this one over to figure out how I feel.

The main problem with this book is that it can't decide whether it wants to be plot driven or character driven, so in the end it's not enough of either. 

If he'd taken a straighter, character driven approach, I think this would've been a much better read. The author is really good about character voice too. 

I think there needed to be more Motty to compare/contrast with Stella. There were moments where he was just outside of something with the two of them that would've really worked for me in terms of complicated familiar relationships. Same thing with the "history written by men but women carrying the truth". Almost there, but just outside.

Unfortunate because the concept of an Appalachian gothic about a God in the Mountain is such an easy sell for me. So close, man.

Note: while it is basing itself in a historically accurate worldview, some of the racial undertones started to feel a bit unnecessary in regards to indigenous people. Especially because none of it needed to be there for the setting to feel real.