Holly

Set in the final year of World War II in a small North Carolina town, Holly is the story of a young white girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Her world is transformed when she falls in love with a handsome, educated black soldier just back from the war. Their relationship touches off a maelstrom that leaves no doubt as to the consequences of crossing proscribed boundaries.

"Illuminates a great deal not only about black and white Americans and the history of our depressed, desperate intermingling but also about the sturdiness of humbler notions like decency and love. . . . The beauty of Mr. French’s language is exceptional."

--New York Times Book Review

"Evocative and ruthless . . . French beautifully sketches Holly’s tale, painting characters rich enough to demand sympathy even as they react with unthinking racism."

--Washington Post Bookworld

"Dramatically vivid. . . . Readers will enjoy Holly for the distinctive poetry of much of its prose, and for its evocation of an isolated world that unhappily reflects too accurately the larger truths of our nation’s racial divide."

--Chicago Tribune

Set in the final year of World War II in a small North Carolina town,"