Oxford English Dictionary

Edith Hemingway’s debut novel, Road to Tater Hill, chronicles the life of eleven-year-old Annie Winters at her grandparent’s house in the mountains of North Carolina during the summer of 1963. While there, Annie’s mother gives birth to her baby sister, but the baby does not make it. Each family member grieves the loss of the baby in a different way. Annie cannot understand why her mother will not talk about the baby and soon discovers that her mother is dealing with depression. Annie also agonizes over her father‘s absence while he is overseas with the military. Annie feels like she has no one to confide in as she grieves for her baby sister and tries to reach her mother. While wandering in the woods, Annie meets a mysterious woman. Annie befriends the woman and learns all about her difficult past. Their friendship teaches Annie about acceptance and unconditional love. While telling Annie’s story, Hemingway skillfully combines a family’s heart wrenching loss with intrigue and mystery. Though the storyline seems burdened with many heavy themes, it ultimately showcases a story of strength, healing, and hope.