From Library Journal
Ocracoke Island lies on the outer banks of North Carolina, a somewhat isolated community of 500 accessible only by ferry. Settled in the early 1700s, the island has enjoyed a peaceful history interrupted only by destructive hurricanes and more recently by tourists. Much of Ocracoke remains unspoiled--a natural habitat worth preserving. Oddly enough, these two books represent two-thirds of recently published titles on Ocracoke. Ann S. Ehringhaus's Ocracoke Portrait (LJ 8/88) appeared last year. The books by Ballance and Shears are similar and, at the same time, strikingly different. Ballance, who is a teacher and local government official, offers the perspective and love of a native. His narrative focuses on the island and its residents, and he relates their stories in topical chapters, e.g., his chapter on the hurricanes of 1899 gives local color on the storm as well as his version of the disruption of island life. Shears, a frequent British visitor, uses interviews with locals to tell the story of Ocracokers. His text is familiar and readable; his subjects dwell more on themselves and, though they provide entertaining accounts, the overall effect is not as successful as Ballance's in describing the island and its people. Both authors focus more on the history and background of Ocracoke than on the impact of tourism and technology, and it is this characteristic from which both books draw their strength. Both selections are recommended for public libraries and local historycollections. If you have to choose--go with Ballance. It is unfortunate that these books are being published so close together.
- Boyd Childress, Auburn Univ. Lib., Ala.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Boyd Childress, Auburn Univ. Lib., Ala.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
