The Widow's Mite and Other Stories (Hardcover)

by Ferrol Sams (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Most of these stories focus on the Byzantine social politics within small Georgia towns; they typically display an earthy vernacular, gossipy digressions, and down-home wisdom. In the richly comic title story a young widow negotiates with the local Baptist minister about the proper tithe on the proceeds from her late husband's double-indemnity insurance policy. In "Fulfillment," the failure of an aging spinster to recognize an obscene phone call inadvertently arouses in a young handicapped girl the determination to avoid a wasted life. The first-person narration creates much dramatic irony, and as in the stories of Ring Lardner, this irony may carry a grim undertone. Albert E. Wilhelm, Tennessee Technological Univ., Cookeville
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
"These stories focus on the Byzantine social politics within small Georgia towns; they typically display an earthy vernacular, gossipy digressions, and down-home wisdom."--Library Journal. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 218 pages
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers; First Edition. 1 in number line edition (November 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0934601267
• ISBN-13: 978-0934601269
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #906,922 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keen observations--from hilarious to dark. Fascinating., November 18, 1998

By A Customer

This is a brilliant observation of rural Southern life from dark to side-splitting; always affectionate and often surprising. It is infused with the compassion of a skilled but humble healer. It is an unusual juxtaposition of broad literary and poetic references and the unique rural, Southern witticisms and dialect.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amusing, moving, and memorable, February 26, 2004

By	Martha B. Spencer "Bookish woman" (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Widow's Mite (Contemporary American Fiction) (Paperback)

This was my first exposure to Ferroll Sams and a couple of the stories will stick with you forever. You will have to figure this out for yourself. I recently listened to a recording of these stories and was surprised all over again just how wonderful they are.

Most of these incorporate Southern quirkiness. There is one very moving story in the form of a letter to the author from a young doctor who treats Sams. These are original and well-written stories and provide a sample of Dr. Sams' writing skill. His three autobiographical novels that followed these stories are worth looking for.

4.0 out of 5 stars The Widow's Mite, May 26, 2009

By	Dorothy L. Link - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Widow's Mite (Contemporary American Fiction) (Paperback)

A wonderful read---typical of all of Ferrol Sams wonderful "down home humor" books! Loved it!