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Bookworm

Linda Spalding: A Reckoning

Linda Spalding’s novel, A Reckoning, based on her family history, describes past nightmares that trickle into today.

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By Michael Silverblatt • May 31, 2018 • 28m Listen

In Linda Spalding’s novel, A Reckoning, ill fortune befalls a family with a farm in Virginia, ten years before the Civil War. The state is in a crisis of conscience. An abolitionist lies to gain the family’s trust; then persuades a slave to flee. A reckless brother wastes the family’s fortune. Broken, the family escapes to the west on a wagon train; Martin, thirteen-years old, brings a bear with him. Beginning then, Martin chooses for himself what his manhood will become. A story based on Linda Spalding’s family history: her great-great-grandfather had been like Martin. A deeply affecting novel that describes past nightmares trickling into today.

Photo by Christopher Ho.

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    Michael Silverblatt

    host, 'Bookworm'

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    Michelle Escobar

    Director, Volunteer Services

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    Alan Howard

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