By Kit Cottrell

Renowned Appalachian writer Gurney Norman, the featured author for the Summer 2005 issue of Appalachian Heritage, read in tribute to the Fall 2007 issue featuring Thomas Wolfe.  The edition introduced three previously unpublished story fragments by Wolfe, as well as photographs and other writings.

The evening began with Shawn Holliday reciting Wolfe’s “A Recollection,”a piece of innovative prose charged with intense imagery.  Afterwards, Norman commented on how Wolfe’s language moved him and then read a piece he contributed titled “A Memorable Day,” a reflection based on a day in August 1958 when after reading Wolfe’s Look Homeward, Angel he was inspired to drive to Asheville, North Carolina, to see Wolfe’s famous childhood home,  which Wolfe had immortalized in his novel. As Norman related, “The house had entered me as I read Angel.”

Norman then switched gears and launched into the hilarious new tale “Linville Price”.  The crowd was quite appreciative, often erupting into spontaneous laughter that created a congenial atmosphere of shared community.  Next, Norman read a brief piece titled “Fifteen Dollars,”a segment from a forthcoming publication of which he humorously remarked, “Any of the five readers of this book will have five different reactions, that way, I can avoid having to write transitions; they’re hard.”

Last, but certainly not least, Norman spun a Jack Tale, a traditional folktale usually handed down orally.  In these tales, Jack is usually portrayed as both a hero and a trickster who is often lazy but manages to win in the end through his cleverness.  This time, Jack and his brothers, Will and Tom, kill a monster that is eating the world, after which Jack takes all the credit and gets the “big head.”   In the end, of course, all’s well that ends well, and Jack is rescued by his brothers.  Norman, who is well known for these Appalachian folktales commented, “I’m not sure I’m going to continue writing Jack Tales, but I’ve had a good time fooling around with my version of them.”  The evening drew to a close with a brief question-and-answer session followed by a book signing.  Norman concluded by saying, “I’ve sure had a good time with ya’ll this evening.”   It was a sentiment the audience certainly shared.

Gurney Norman is the Writer in Residence at the University of Kentucky, a position he has held since 1979, as well as a renowned commentator on Appalachian issues and Kentucky history.  He is also the author of Divine Right’s Trip, and the story collection, Kinfolks.

Sponsored by the Appalachian Center and the Department of English, Theatre, and Speech Communication.