Whistling Past the Graveyard

~*~ by Susan Crandall Coming-of-Age Southern Fiction A nine-year-old girl runs away from her Mississippi home in 1963, befriends a lonely woman suffering loss and abuse, and embarks on a life-changing roadtrip. Whistling Past the Graveyard is a fictional tale, yet depicts an authentic display of the harsh realities of the 1960s Civil Rights era. As she runs from her troubles, young Starla Claudelle is forced to face greater trials and fears than she ever thought possible. I loved the relationship between Starla and Eula. Their skin color, hardships, and outlooks on life are completely different, but they're bonded by their compassionate and steadfast hearts. Pros : The characters are developed beautifully, the struggles and hardships of the Civil Rights movement are realistic, and I was instantly drawn in by the voice and flavor of little Starla's narration. Cons : None. Overall : Whistling Past the Graveyard took me back in time a