Published April 28, 2015 by Kensington
In 1972, on Mudas Summers' seventeenth birthday, her beloved
Mama, Ella, is found hanging from the rafters of their home. Most people in
Peckinpaw, Kentucky, assume that Ella's no-good husband did the deed. Others
think Ella grew tired of his abuse and did it herself. Muddy is determined to
find out for sure either way, especially once she finds strange papers hidden
amongst her mama's possessions.
But Peckinpaw keeps its secrets buried deep. Muddy's almost-more-than-friend, Bobby Marshall, knows that better than most. Though he passes for white, one of his ancestors was Frannie Crow, a slave hanged a century ago on nearby Hark Hill Plantation. Adorning the town square is a seat built from Frannie's gallows. A tribute, a relic--and a caution--it's known as Liar's Bench. Now, the answers Muddy seeks soon lead back to Hark Hill, to hatred and corruption that have echoed through the years--and lies she must be brave enough to confront at last.
But Peckinpaw keeps its secrets buried deep. Muddy's almost-more-than-friend, Bobby Marshall, knows that better than most. Though he passes for white, one of his ancestors was Frannie Crow, a slave hanged a century ago on nearby Hark Hill Plantation. Adorning the town square is a seat built from Frannie's gallows. A tribute, a relic--and a caution--it's known as Liar's Bench. Now, the answers Muddy seeks soon lead back to Hark Hill, to hatred and corruption that have echoed through the years--and lies she must be brave enough to confront at last.
My Thoughts…
Liar’s Bench starts with a hanging of a slave, Franny Crow,
unjustly. I knew at that point I was
hooked. I am so interested in the
southern history. A time so different
from now, where the color of your skin matters in everything you do.
The story then continues in 1972 with Mudas (love the name)
finds her mother hung in her house with her baby sister witnessing the entire
thing. Mudas then starts her mission to
find out who really caused her mother’s death.
While hiding her plans from her father, she makes many discovers about
people in the community. Rumors she
heard are proven true and her well being is put on the line. Mudas’ strength shows. When she puts her mind to something it
happens.
Mudas’ relationship with Bobby is also discovered. I found it interesting to see how the
different people in the community reacted to it. Some accepted it or just didn’t pay
attention, while some refused service or called him names as he passed by
them. That is hard for me to swallow,
I understand that this was the way of the south, but I do not see the world in
color. Bobby, being from the “wrong”
part of town, understands that this is the way of the world. He tries to protect Mudas from hearing and
seeing this wrong doing.
Once I started Liar’s Bench I could not stop reading. I loved the history, the story, the
community, the mystery, and mostly, Mudas and Bobby. I cannot wait to check out more from Kim
Michele Richardson. This is a book I
highly recommend everyone picking up and reading.
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