Set in the Old Dominion, this collection of stories spans three centuries, weaving together narratives of both hardship and ecstasy. Each tale captures the rich tapestry of human experience, highlighting the resilience and complexity of life in this historic region. The vivid storytelling offers a profound exploration of the struggles and joys that have shaped the lives of its characters over time.
In these stories of magic and memory, clustered around a resort hotel in a small Virginia community, Cary Holladay takes the reader on an excursion through the changes wrought by time on the community and its visitors.
Set in 1967, the story follows a young newlywed on a quest to find her missing husband, leading her to a rural Virginia town. There, she becomes enamored with a disabled African American baby, developing an intense obsession with the desire to make him her own. This narrative explores themes of love, longing, and the complexities of human connections against a backdrop of social challenges.
The history of Glen Allen, a suburb of Richmond, unfolds from its origins as a farming community to its transformation into a vibrant hub. Key landmarks include Walkerton tavern, built in the 1820s, and Forest Lodge, a luxurious hotel established by John Cussons in the 1880s. The narrative highlights Virginia Randolph’s contributions to education for Black youth in the 1890s. Despite facing decline in the 1980s, Glen Allen revitalized its cultural and recreational offerings, reclaiming its legacy of hospitality and community spirit.