I was gifted a copy of “The Hollow Ground” via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That in no way changes my opinion of this book or author.“The Hollow Ground” is a very simple, heart-warming, emotional story based around Brigid and her family. They live in Pennsylvania, and are not only escaping the coal burning underneath the town and destroying homes; but what they believe to be a family curse. They blame the family curse on misfortune, but learn that only you can control how you let the situations define you.Brigid’s family is on the low-end scale in regards to finances, and after they lose their home due to the coal fires, have no option but to move back with her grandparents. Does that mean the 5 year feud and silent treatment between her mother and grandmother will finally come to an end? Brigid’s dad is sure that once the Government gets the paperwork in order, and they are given money for the loss of their home, they can find their own housing. Until then, weird things are happening, and secrets are being revealed. Overall, a good, solid read. I enjoyed “The Hollow Ground” more than I expected to, and for that, I thank the author. Not bad for a debut novel. the first half of the book was way too depressing, and the family just too dysfunctional. In the second half the family dynamic started to make sense and the characters--though not always likable--became a bit more real for me.There is an element of a mystery story here; I wish the novel focused more on the mystery than the family problems. Though at the end I felt it all came together in a satisfying way.
What do You think about The Hollow Ground (2014)?
Had a hard time connecting with the characters.
—ViolinWire
