A Short History of a Small Place: A Novel [Paperback]

T. R. Pearson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1994

T. R. Pearson's first novel is resonant with the pain of lost love, the burdens of family legacy, and the vanity of human wishes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An absolute stunner. "--The Washington Post Book World

From the Inside Flap

"Pearson's is a different and distinctive voice and a most welcome one. In this novel his talent shows sparks of genius."
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
Young Louis Benfield tells the story of his tiny little North Carolina town. There is the looniness of his family, the town of characters, the charm and naviete that gives us a world unknown, and stories that deserve to be told about how it is to grow up a certain kind of way, and to suddenly discover there's a world beyond your own that calls to you.... --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks (May 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805033203
• ISBN-13: 978-0805033205
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,431,428 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars delightful humor and honesty ........, January 25, 2003

By 

jeanne-scott (Virginia) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: A Short History of a Small Place: A Novel (Paperback)

This is a beautiful Southern novel that moves at it's own pace to paint a picture of a small town populated by unique individuals. It is told through the eyes and ears of a young boy, Louis Benfield. There is no pretense to the tale Louis passes on to the reader, merely a child relaying what he has heard being said between adults or to him by an adult. The naivete and the simple artless manner that Louis passes on the information he has heard in conversations is the key to this delightful tale. The stories all center at some point on Miss Myra Angelique, who was the beloved sister of the former Mayor.
The stories each take on a life of their own, but eventually find their way back to Miss Myra Angelique. This book is full of wonderful Southern sayings and "wisdom" that will leave you laughing at their simplicity and homespun quality. There is however an underlying complexity to this wisdom that weaves it's way into the Southern tale. T.R. Pearson leaves no stone unturned, even delving into the realities of prejudice and intolerance, not with any judgement involved, but as a part of the history of the town of Neely observed and interpretted through Louis's young eyes, heart and soul. T.R. Pearson can truly join the ranks of the true, great Southern writers. He portrays the Southern culture with delightful humor and honesty that evokes thoughtfulness and deliberation on the true meaning of the tale that has been carefully crafted with a casual feel.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite American novels, December 5, 2001

By 

Matthew Spady "800rsd" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Short History of a Small Place: A Novel (Paperback)

"A Short History of a Small Place" is on my personal list of ten best American novels. Mr. Pearson is a Southern story-teller to the bone, interrupting himself, digressing, supplying minute detail, but always focusing on the main thread of the story, always evoking a sense of place, and always, always depicting characters whose eccentricities are both endearing and defining.

I first became acquainted with Mr. Pearson and this, his first-published work, in the mid '80s when I was living in North Carolina and heard this novel read on a radio program, a medium which suited it perfectly, given Mr. Pearson's conversational style. Soon after, I read it for myself, and have since reread it in entirety and in part, enjoying it even more with each new visit.

Through the eyes of young Louis Benfield, who though apparently innocent is a keen observer, the reader meets the inhabitants of Neely, NC and learns some of the history that causes them to do the things they do. The ancient Miss Pettigrew, who has never recovered from being jilted is a not-too-distant cousin to Miss Haversham. The Epperson sisters with their petition and seemingly unending quest, Louis's mother who washes dishes and stares out the window (behavior that the reader comprehends immediately, but Louis only gradually), the town Sheriff who is not as fearless as he seems to Louis, all are fully drawn portraits of endearing people.

Every year, close to Christmas time, I take out "A Short History" and re-read the Christmas pageant section in which Miss Pettigrew's appearance causes such a stir that the dog (that would be the dog playing the part of the donkey in the Christmas play) knocks over a candle and nearly sets fire to the whole church. It is both uproariously funny and completely recognizable for anyone who grew up in a small place (regardless of geography) and participated in the yearly church Christmas pageant.

Since "A Short History", I've eagerly awaited each of Mr. Pearson's successive novels and have enjoyed all of them;his humorous observation of human frailty remains keen. With each successive novel, he has tightened his style and honed his descriptive abilities, which is admirable, but I must admit that it was the expansive, langorous style of his first story -- a style of story-telling that took me back decades to a front porch, summer heat, and my grandmother's voice -- that I most admired and enjoyed.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute masterpiece!, February 6, 2001

By A Customer

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This review is from: A Short History of a Small Place: A Novel (Paperback)

I first read this book many years ago, and have read it several times since. Pearson is a first-rate storyteller, a modern day Mark Twain. A Short History of a Small Place is without a doubt the funniest book I've ever read, and of the hundreds of books I've read in my adult life, it's one of my top 3 all time favorites in any genre. His descriptions are hilarious and priceless. His narrative style had me hooked from the first page, and I've been a fan ever since. His description of the townspeople's actions and reactions during an rare snowstorm is hysterical. I've read that particular passage again and again, and laughed out loud every time. I find myself often reading passages aloud to someone else, because I just have to share the sheer joy and mastery in his writing.

The other two books in this trilogy -- Off for the Sweet Hereafter, and The Last of How it Was -- are also wonderful and brilliantly funny. But they are all stand-alone books. You don't need to read them in sequence. I've read all of Pearson's books, and A Short History of a Small Place remains my favorite. It's one of a kind, a thoroughly entertaining read.

There's really no present day writer who can compare to T. R. Pearson. He's an original. His narrative style will sweep you in, hold you captive, and leave you wishing for more after you've turned the last page. Pearson has written a true American classic.