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Ocracoke, a small island off North Carolina and, as of 1980, home to 658 year-round residents, is a ripe subject, offering intrigue (early 18th-century Ocracoke was a haven for pirates), a romantic setting (wild ponies still roam there) and conflict (outside investors make land acquisition and ownership increasingly difficult for natives). But although Ballance, whose ancestors settled Ocracoke over 200 years ago and who teaches at the local high school, has researched his topic prodigiously and conducted copious interviews, he floats almost arbitrarily from topic to topic. Never does he challenge or probe, despite his stated goal of delving beyond the "quaint fishing village" stereotype. Why, for example, does an elderly woman from Ocracoke's one black family conclude a spirited account of her unruly childhood by stating abruptly, "I can't say that I really enjoy life"? A whimsical, warm chapter about mulleting and the technical skill, old-fashioned wisdom and physical endurance of two veteran fishermen is the welcome exception in an otherwise clumsy, cliche-ridden effort. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Alton Ballance has an appreciation for Ocracoke past, an understanding of Ocracoke present, and a concern for Ocracoke future.
David Stick
Alton Ballance . . . writes with affection and sensitivity about Ocracoke, its history, and the everyday life of its people.
Journal of Southern History
Well written and liberally illustrated with black-and-white photos, Ocracokers is very accessible.
Choice
Vivid and informative.
Carolina Style
Ballance has done a fine job of recording the old before it is gone.
Come-All-Ye
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