Holding On To Nothing - An Intimate Portrait of Life and Loss

Elizabeth Chiles Shelburne's debut novel, "Holding On To Nothing," takes readers on an emotional journey through the lives of Lucy Kilgore and Jeptha Taylor. Set in 1980s Appalachian Virginia, this heart-wrenching story explores themes of love, loss, friendship, and the struggle to find one's place in the world.

The

An Unforgettable Tale of Life's Trials and Triumphs

In "Holding On To Nothing," Shelburne artfully captures the complexities of human relationships and the raw emotions that accompany personal struggles. The characters are so vividly portrayed that readers will feel an instant connection to Lucy and Jeptha as they navigate the challenges of their lives.

Lucy, a young woman with dreams of leaving her small town behind, finds herself pregnant after a night of reckless abandon with Jeptha, a musician with his own dreams of making it big. Their lives intertwine as they face the harsh realities of poverty, addiction, and the consequences of their choices.

Holding On To Nothing

by Elizabeth Chiles Shelburne(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4274 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	259 pages

FREE

As the story unfolds, Shelburne delves deep into the minds of Lucy and Jeptha, allowing readers to intimately understand their motivations, fears, and desires. Through beautiful prose and poignant storytelling, she captures the essence of their struggles and the depth of their love for each other.

A Powerful Examination of the Human Spirit

"Holding On To Nothing" is not just a story of love and loss, but also a study of resilience and the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Shelburne eloquently highlights the strength and determination of her characters as they fight against the odds to create a better life for themselves.

Amidst the poverty and despair that pervade their lives, Lucy and Jeptha find moments of hope and joy, reminding readers of the beauty that can exist even in the most challenging circumstances. Shelburne's vivid descriptions of the Appalachian landscape further enhance the readers' experience, bringing the setting to life and immersing them in the characters' world.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Through Lucy and Jeptha's experiences, Shelburne explores the universal human longing for purpose and fulfillment. As they grapple with their past mistakes and attempt to carve out a meaningful existence, readers are reminded of their own capacity for growth and transformation.

"Holding On To Nothing" serves as a powerful reminder that life is a journey, and our choices shape our destinies. The novel invites readers to reflect on their own lives, inspiring them to confront their fears and pursue their passions with courage and determination.

An Author to Watch

Elizabeth Chiles Shelburne's debut novel showcases her exceptional talent for storytelling and her ability to touch readers' hearts with her words. Her nuanced characters and poignant exploration of the human experience make "Holding On To Nothing" a standout debut.

Shelburne's evocative writing style brings the story to life, immersing readers in a world that is both familiar and unfamiliar. Her attention to detail and grasp on the human psyche make her a writer to watch, and "Holding On To Nothing" is a testament to her incredible storytelling abilities.

"Holding On To Nothing" is a captivating novel that will resonate with readers long after they turn the last page. Elizabeth Chiles Shelburne's skillful storytelling and profound exploration of the human condition make this debut a must-read for lovers of literary fiction.

Through the lives of Lucy and Jeptha, Shelburne reminds us of the strength in vulnerability, the power of love, and the importance of holding on to hope, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. This is a book that will touch your soul and leave a lasting impression.

Holding On To Nothing

by Elizabeth Chiles Shelburne(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4274 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	259 pages

FREE

"Holding On To Nothing is a resonant song of the South, all whiskey, bluegrass, Dolly Parton, tobacco fields, and women who know better but still fall for the lowdown men whom they know will disappoint them." —Lauren Groff, National Book Award finalist author of Fates and Furies and Florida

Lucy Kilgore has her bags packed for her escape from her rural Tennessee upbringing, but a drunken mistake forever tethers her to the town and one of its least-admired residents, Jeptha Taylor, who becomes the father of her child. Together, these two young people work to form a family, though neither has any idea how to accomplish that, and the odds are against them in a place with little to offer other than bluegrass music, tobacco fields, and a Walmart full of beer and firearms for the hunting season. Their path is harrowing, but Lucy and Jeptha are characters to love, and readers will root for their success in a novel so riveting that no one will want to turn out the light until they know whether this family will survive.

In luminous prose, debut novelist Elizabeth Chiles Shelburne brings us a present-day Appalachian story in the tradition of Lee Smith, Silas House, and Ron Rash, cast without sentiment or cliché, but with a genuine and profound understanding of the place and its people.