Above the Waterfall

Les, a sheriff nearing retirement in a rural Appalachian town, investigates a potential case of trout stream poisoning at a local resort. He works alongside Becky, a park ranger who serves as the novel's co-narrator and brings her own perspective to the events. The story moves between Les and Becky's distinct narrative voices as they navigate their roles as law enforcement officers in a community struggling with poverty and drug abuse. Their personal histories - including Becky's experience surviving a school shooting and Les's years of witnessing his community's decline - inform how they approach the investigation and their relationships with locals. The novel intertwines themes of human connection to nature, the impact of trauma, and the tensions between preservation and progress in rural America. Through its dual narrators and focus on both crime and conservation, the book explores how people find meaning and redemption in a changing landscape.

Readers praise Rash's lyrical prose and poetic descriptions of nature, with many noting how the alternating narratives between Les and Becky create an effective contrast in storytelling styles. Several reviews highlight the authentic portrayal of rural Appalachian life and its challenges. Readers appreciate: - Vivid descriptions of mountain landscapes - Complex character development - Accurate depiction of small-town police work - Integration of poetry within prose Common criticisms: - Plot moves too slowly - Becky's poetic sections can be difficult to follow - Some find the ending unsatisfying - Characters' backgrounds could be more developed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (3,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (280+ ratings) One Amazon reviewer notes: "The language is beautiful but sometimes gets in the way of the story." A Goodreads reviewer writes: "The contrast between Les's straightforward narration and Becky's ethereal observations creates a unique reading experience."

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🍁 "Above the Waterfall" was inspired by Ron Rash's own experiences growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, where the novel is set. 🌿 The novel alternates between two distinct narrative voices: a sheriff nearing retirement and a park ranger who writes in lyrical, nature-inspired prose. 🎨 The book incorporates elements of eco-poetry and references to the works of Gerard Manley Hopkins, a 19th-century poet known for his nature-focused verses. 🐟 The illegal fishing practice featured in the book—using poison to catch trout—is based on real methods historically used in Appalachian streams. 🏆 Ron Rash has been called the "Bard of Appalachia" and has won multiple awards, including the O. Henry Prize and the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award for his other works.