Argye M. Briggs (–1995)

Review from Amazon:

"For anyone who grew up in West Texas or Oklahoma a long time ago, this book will bring memories tumbling back. It is a novel, but the depictions of poverty and the hope of riches from oil are true. The family in the novel are a lot like a family you may know---some good citizens and some lamed creatures who are all trying to do the best they can, despite harsh poverty, with very mixed results. Jansie, the humpbacked oldest sister, emerges as the central figure, a woman scarred by hard times who ultimately becomes a reluctant Christian and the anchor of her family. Chris, her foundling daughter, has to decide whether she wants to turn her back on the people who raised her or not. There are episodes in the book, like a bad influenza epidemic, that are far more true than I'd like. Ultimately uplifting and well-received in three generations of my family."

"I consider this to be a profoundly moral book set in a realistic setting at the beginning of the oil boom in Texas. It touches on so many aspects of life, and yet takes a compassionate view of the human condition. One of my favorite books."… (más)