Deep Down is a fantastic read for hot summer days, detailing the mountain people of Kentucky's disappearing way of life. Readers who appreciate dialogue with different dialects of English will love Deep Down’s Appalachian language, though it might be a little too much for some.
Readers who like romantic suspense novels, should grab this here book and take a spill in the holler down yonder.
Appalachian Kentucky in Deep Down
Karen Harper chose a very unique setting for this story; the Appalachian hill territory of eastern Kentucky. Referencing Lexington and the acclaimed University of Kentucky, the author deals more with the hill folk of Deep Down to keep readers involved in the intrinsic story line. Wildcrafters who know the plants of the woods better than they know the town, an old Cherokee man who holds true to his ancient beliefs, and the natural elements of the Appalachia’s make this a very interesting read.
Within the pages of Deep Down, readers will experience beautiful scenery like Indian Falls and Bear Falls, with picturesque views of waterfalls and wildlife, but the linguistic hill speak of Kentucky’s mountain men will draw the readers into the novel and make them feel a part of the story itself.
Panax Ginseng in Deep Down
As Karen Harper mentions at the end of Deep Down, a fascination with ginseng tea inspired her to use the phenomenal root for the hook of the story. Going so far as to cut and save any and all article clippings about ginseng, Karen Harper knew her stuff when she detailed it within the pages of the novel.
Ginseng, jen-shen as it’s known in Hong Kong, Sang as it’s called in Kentucky and Panax being it’s botanical name, is something people would kill for, making it a great choice in a suspenseful romance novel. Wild ginseng, which is becoming rarer by the moment, can still be found in the hills of eastern Kentucky and can fetch as much as $1000 a pound on the black market of Hong Kong. The ginseng trade is currently a matter for debate around the world, adding a truth to this fiction novel that is gripping.
Characters of Deep Down
The characters chosen for Deep Down are incredibly unique and memorable. Fitting in with the Deep Down Appalachian territory, the characters are natural hillbillies in a way. The two protagonists are two stereotypical kids raised in a small town who made their way to the big city and saw the world. Jess, Jessie or Jessica, as she is known in the book, is a character reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s character; Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Jess get’s picked up by a professor from the University of Kentucky who is interested in studying her unique speaking patterns, and ends up rearing Jess in a knowledgeable school where she ends up studying ginseng as a possible cure to breast cancer.
Sheriff Webb, the no account kid who always caused trouble and performed pranks in his early years, is working at tearing away his past to become a committed Sherriff when Deep Down needs him the most. His experience in the Marine Corps helps him further his investigations in the strange goings-on of the story.
Deep Down also has some unforgettable secondary characters; a Chinese man who breeds pott hounds, a wildcrafter intent on murdering her baby’s daddy, an energy drink advertising agent and a mythical creature, to name just a few.
About the Author of Deep Down, Karen Harper
New York Times bestselling author Karen Harper has written over twelve romantic suspense novels and a large group of historical novels and historical mysteries and was the winner of the 2005 Mary Higgins Clark award. The latest in Karen Harper’s romantic suspense novels, a 2010 release by Mira Books; Down River has already hit big with fans. Within the pages of suspenseful romance novels, Karen Harper has definitely found her voice as an author, with Deep Down being one of her best novels thus far.
Publication Details
Author: Karen Harper
Title: Deep Down
Publication Date: 2009
Publisher: Mira Books
ISBN: 978-0-7783-2645-8
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Jessica Hastings - Jessica Hastings is a published author/poet, professional reviewer, and avid reader. Schooled in journalism and creative writing, she ...
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