43 pages • 1 hour read
Ron RashOne Foot in Eden
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash is a Southern Gothic crime novel set in Jocassee, South Carolina, where Sheriff Will Alexander investigates the disappearance of Holland Winchester. Told through five different narrators, the story delves into the lives and psychological conflicts of the characters while Carolina Power forces them out of their homes to build a reservoir. Themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of secrets unfold as the community faces displacement. The book contains depictions of racism and racist violence, death by suicide, war crimes, miscarriages, and infertility.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash immerses readers in a vividly portrayed Appalachian setting, complemented by Rash's lyrical prose. Critics commend the multilayered narrative and emotional depth, although some find the pacing uneven. The novel's strong character development and evocative atmosphere make it a compelling read despite minor flaws.
Who Should Read One Foot in Eden?
A reader who enjoys One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash is likely captivated by Southern Gothic literature, complex characters, and a strong sense of place. Fans of William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying and Cormac McCarthy's Child of God will appreciate Rash's evocative storytelling and exploration of human nature and rural life.