St. Dale
By: Sharyn McCrumb
The Dale Earnhardt Memorial Pilgrimage is the last trip Judge Bekasu Holifield would have chosen for her vacation. But this year it's her sister Justine's turn to make their plans, and soon Bekasu's boarding a silver cruise bus for a tour of Southern stock car speedways with Justine, their cousin Cayle, and a group of strangers--all of whose lives have somehow been touched by the legendary racer they never met. . . For Shane McKee, the tour is a chance to get married at the speedway with his hero there in spirit. New York stockbroker Terence Palmer has made the trip to honor his only link with the father he never knew. Rev. Bill Knight, whose hobby is medieval pilgrimages, agrees to chaperone a dying child--and finds himself on a strangely familiar journey of faith and devotion. Bekasu begins connecting with her fellow travelers in unexpected ways. But she's not the only one. As the bus rolls down an uncertain road, prayers will be answered, secrets will be revealed, bonds will be forged, and no one will leave this journey of self-discovery quite the same. "One of McCrumb's finer achievements." --Denver Post & Rocky Mountain News "A wild ride! Sharyn McCrumb has done it again." --Ward Burton, winner of the Daytona 500
AI Overview
"St. Dale" by Sharyn McCrumb is a novel that explores various themes and elements, which can be summarized as follows:
Key Themes
- Faith and Pilgrimage: The book delves into the spiritual journey of its protagonist, Rev. Bill Knight, who is involved in medieval pilgrimages. This theme is central to the narrative, as Rev. Knight's experiences on these pilgrimages influence his actions and perceptions throughout the story.
- Mystery and Suspense: The novel incorporates elements of mystery and suspense, particularly in the context of a fatal car accident that sets off a chain of events involving a hidden stash of methamphetamines and cash.
- Community and Tradition: Sharyn McCrumb often explores the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian region, and "St. Dale" is no exception. The story likely touches on community traditions and the historical context of the region, given McCrumb's known focus on celebrating her ancestors and the land of the mountain South.
Plot Summary
The plot of "St. Dale" revolves around Rev. Bill Knight, a man with a unique hobby of leading medieval pilgrimages. When he agrees to chaperone a dying child, he embarks on a journey that becomes strangely familiar to him. This journey is not just about the physical path they take but also a deeply personal and spiritual one. The story intertwines elements of faith, mystery, and suspense as Rev. Knight navigates through the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of his own spiritual quest.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews for "St. Dale" are not extensively detailed in the provided sources, Sharyn McCrumb is known for her engaging storytelling and deep exploration of themes related to faith, community, and the Appalachian region. Her Ballad Novels series, which includes "St. Dale," has been praised for its rich storytelling and historical context. The general critical reception of her works often highlights her ability to weave complex narratives that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Additional Context
Sharyn McCrumb's writing often blends elements of mystery, suspense, and historical fiction, making "St. Dale" likely to follow this pattern. The novel might also include elements of the supernatural or the unknown, given McCrumb's penchant for exploring the mystical and the traditional in her stories.
In summary, "St. Dale" by Sharyn McCrumb is a novel that combines elements of faith, mystery, and suspense, set against the rich cultural backdrop of the Appalachian region. The story follows Rev. Bill Knight on a deeply personal and spiritual journey, intertwining themes of community, tradition, and the human condition. While specific critical reception details are limited, McCrumb's reputation for engaging storytelling suggests that "St. Dale" would be a compelling read for fans of her work and those interested in historical fiction and mystery.