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A Burning in Homeland
"A Burning in Homeland" is...a wonderfully written, crazily romantic story of intense love and devastating betrayal
...a stunning debut of a remarkably gifted young novelist
...a Southern novel that captures the beauty, madness and mystery of both place and time.
In what can only be described as a tour-de-force of passionate atmospheric storytelling, first-time novelist Richard Yancey had created a finely nuanced narrative that resounds with raw, emotional truths -- a story about the ominous return to a small town in central Florida of a man once sentenced to prison for defending the honor of the woman he loved, about the woman and her husband who both betrayed him, and about a guileless young boy who gets caught up in their web of love, lies, and deceit.
The story of the love between Halley Martin and Mavis Howell is seldom talked about in the tiny town of Homeland, Florida, but in the twenty years since Halley was sent to prison for murdering a rival suitor -- the only murder ever in this small, pious town -- the story has become legend. To seven-year-old Shiny Parker it has become a mystery, something his parents whisper about. He knows that somehow the pretty wife of the local minister is involved, but it is all too confusing for him to sort out.
When the church's parsonage burns, almost killing the minister, only days before the legendary Halley Martin is due to be released from prison, Shiny senses a connection between the events -- as do most residents of the town. But if Haley was still in prison when the house burned, who set the fire...and why?
Passionate love, the betrayal of friendship, hidden letters, a suspicious fire, mystery and revenge -- all areelements of this complex and deeply involving Southern gothic tale.
Alternating among a trio of first person narrators -- Shiny, Mavis, and Halley -- Richard Yancey has created a lush, epic Southern landscape bursting with larger than life characters and rich atmospherics. "A Burning in Homeland" is both starkly haunting and exquisitely romantic and a masterpiece of dazzling storytelling you will not soon forget.
...a stunning debut of a remarkably gifted young novelist
...a Southern novel that captures the beauty, madness and mystery of both place and time.
In what can only be described as a tour-de-force of passionate atmospheric storytelling, first-time novelist Richard Yancey had created a finely nuanced narrative that resounds with raw, emotional truths -- a story about the ominous return to a small town in central Florida of a man once sentenced to prison for defending the honor of the woman he loved, about the woman and her husband who both betrayed him, and about a guileless young boy who gets caught up in their web of love, lies, and deceit.
The story of the love between Halley Martin and Mavis Howell is seldom talked about in the tiny town of Homeland, Florida, but in the twenty years since Halley was sent to prison for murdering a rival suitor -- the only murder ever in this small, pious town -- the story has become legend. To seven-year-old Shiny Parker it has become a mystery, something his parents whisper about. He knows that somehow the pretty wife of the local minister is involved, but it is all too confusing for him to sort out.
When the church's parsonage burns, almost killing the minister, only days before the legendary Halley Martin is due to be released from prison, Shiny senses a connection between the events -- as do most residents of the town. But if Haley was still in prison when the house burned, who set the fire...and why?
Passionate love, the betrayal of friendship, hidden letters, a suspicious fire, mystery and revenge -- all areelements of this complex and deeply involving Southern gothic tale.
Alternating among a trio of first person narrators -- Shiny, Mavis, and Halley -- Richard Yancey has created a lush, epic Southern landscape bursting with larger than life characters and rich atmospherics. "A Burning in Homeland" is both starkly haunting and exquisitely romantic and a masterpiece of dazzling storytelling you will not soon forget.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 18, 2003
4 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Rick Yancey
40Ìýbooks9,813Ìýfollowersaka Richard Yancey.
Rick is a native Floridian and a graduate of Roosevelt University in Chicago. He earned a B.A. in English which he put to use as a field officer for the Internal Revenue Service. Inspired and encouraged by his wife, he decided his degree might also be useful in writing books and in 2004 he began writing full-time.
Since then he has launched two critically acclaimed series: The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp, for young readers, and The Highly Effective Detective, for adults. Both books are set in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Rick lived for ten years before returning to Florida.
Rick is a native Floridian and a graduate of Roosevelt University in Chicago. He earned a B.A. in English which he put to use as a field officer for the Internal Revenue Service. Inspired and encouraged by his wife, he decided his degree might also be useful in writing books and in 2004 he began writing full-time.
Since then he has launched two critically acclaimed series: The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp, for young readers, and The Highly Effective Detective, for adults. Both books are set in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Rick lived for ten years before returning to Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 11, 2023
I have been on a Rick Yancey kick for a while now. After reading his Monstrumologist series, I decided to go ahead and read everything he's written. So far, I have not been disappointed. A Burning in Homeland is no exception. This is Yancey's first novel, which is by itself remarkable, but it is also a beautiful story. Yancey explores the nature of obsession and the true meaning of love. As usual, he doesn't give the reader a clear-cut answer.
The thing that always fascinates me about Yancey's writing is his characterization. Halley is a unique type of character, reminiscent of Heathcliff to me. He isn't someone that I particularly liked, but I didn't necessarily dislike him either. He was clever and sassy, and clearly charismatic. The novel really explored the effect of obsession on his life, but also his personality. Obsessions morph into something dangerous if they are fed and that clearly affected Halley.
The main character, the narrator for most of the book, Shiny, was an interesting perspective. The split between Halley's first-person narrative, and Shiny's perspective on the events at hand made for a very refreshing contrast. Shiny is only seven years old, so the reader has to interpret the actions of adults through the view of a child. Halley's narration was poetic and tragic, adding a weight to the novel. The time jumps and the switches between viewpoints got a little confusing at the end, but I really enjoyed having to think about the timeline.
My favorite part - Elias. He was the best side character. I want a book that is just about Elias. He managed to become a really emotional character, despite not being given too much focus. I don't want to give anything away, but his role in the ending was just perfect.
I took one star away simply because of the series of letters near the end that explained what happened to Mavis after Halley's arrest. There was a little too much in the letters, I thought. I didn't even read them. I liked the way Yancey set that up, but they just couldn't hold my interest and I was too eager to get back to the story.
The thing that always fascinates me about Yancey's writing is his characterization. Halley is a unique type of character, reminiscent of Heathcliff to me. He isn't someone that I particularly liked, but I didn't necessarily dislike him either. He was clever and sassy, and clearly charismatic. The novel really explored the effect of obsession on his life, but also his personality. Obsessions morph into something dangerous if they are fed and that clearly affected Halley.
The main character, the narrator for most of the book, Shiny, was an interesting perspective. The split between Halley's first-person narrative, and Shiny's perspective on the events at hand made for a very refreshing contrast. Shiny is only seven years old, so the reader has to interpret the actions of adults through the view of a child. Halley's narration was poetic and tragic, adding a weight to the novel. The time jumps and the switches between viewpoints got a little confusing at the end, but I really enjoyed having to think about the timeline.
My favorite part - Elias. He was the best side character. I want a book that is just about Elias. He managed to become a really emotional character, despite not being given too much focus. I don't want to give anything away, but his role in the ending was just perfect.
I took one star away simply because of the series of letters near the end that explained what happened to Mavis after Halley's arrest. There was a little too much in the letters, I thought. I didn't even read them. I liked the way Yancey set that up, but they just couldn't hold my interest and I was too eager to get back to the story.
April 5, 2016
In 1961, Halley Martin returns to Homeland, Florida. He just got out of prison, after doing 20 years of hard time. His arrival seems to coincide with a fire that destroys the home of Preacher Ned Jeffries, who is severely burned in the blaze. This causes the town to start talking, and wonder if the two events are related. Also, if they are related then how are they related. The town comes up with their own reasons and beliefs as to why the events may have caused the other to happen, as well as if the men are related. Later, the book shows that Halley and Preacher Ned are related and have a history. Both Halley and Preacher Ned have an old acquaintance. Halley and Preacher Ned have a crazy love triangle going on where they are both in love with the Preacher's wife, Mavis. Some 20 years before, Halley rashly committed a murder, apparently on Mavis' behalf, and following an accusation of rape. The book goes on to see how the love triangle will play out, and if Mavis will either stay with Preacher Ned or marry Halley.
My summary of the book was that it was not at all what I thought it was going to be. I wasn't really overly interested in the book, because I felt like it took awhile for the story line to pick up. Once it did pick up is when I became interested. Overall, I think that this is, quite simply, a terrific novel. I really like the way Rick Yancey writes, and I like how he is able to make a book set in older times interesting for young readers like me. The book is beautifully written and fun to read. I think that it also has a highly engaging plot, considering how it is set in a very romantic southern setting. The characters are well-developed and diverse. The narrative style is very clean. I think this is a very deep book with a lot of subtlety below the surface. This book would be a great choice for book clubs and contemporary literature courses. I think this book will have enduring value in time to come.
Content warnings:
none
My summary of the book was that it was not at all what I thought it was going to be. I wasn't really overly interested in the book, because I felt like it took awhile for the story line to pick up. Once it did pick up is when I became interested. Overall, I think that this is, quite simply, a terrific novel. I really like the way Rick Yancey writes, and I like how he is able to make a book set in older times interesting for young readers like me. The book is beautifully written and fun to read. I think that it also has a highly engaging plot, considering how it is set in a very romantic southern setting. The characters are well-developed and diverse. The narrative style is very clean. I think this is a very deep book with a lot of subtlety below the surface. This book would be a great choice for book clubs and contemporary literature courses. I think this book will have enduring value in time to come.
Content warnings:
none
July 17, 2015
I was a little reluctant to start this book. It wasn't something that I typically reach for but I stuck with it even though it's a little slow at first. Parts that I don't really understand. But gradually i got into it and enjoyed it. I like that the story is told from a few different people's viewpoint. You can get into the mind of a couple of characters. in the beginning of the story is being told by a seven-year-old boy. He doesn't have a whole lot to do with the actual circumstances that the book surrounds. He's just an observer. With a child eyes of course. I enjoyed the story more when it progressed and we got into the head of the protagonist. It was interesting to see his point of view. Overall I felt the story was very sad. The whole concept of it at the end. And I found myself believing something that the pastor says. That love is the root of everything. It is the reason why we do everything. And can cause so much evil. Anyway good story. I suggest checking it out if you're in a rut and don't know what else to read. Would make a pretty good movie too. Had some plot twist that you don't really see coming.
May 12, 2010
All the elements of a good southern yarn are present in this novel. Told from the point of view of a seven-year-old boy growing up in the late 1950s (shades of John Grisham's A Painted House [2001:]), the story begins with a mysterious fire that destroys the home of the pastor and his family. All is lost except for a pile of letters saved by the pastor's beautiful wife, Mavis. Miss Mavis and her daughter, the sightly disturbed Sharon-Rose, are taken in by the Parkers to the dismay of the Parker boys, Bertram and Shiny. In the months to come, Shiny is tormented by Sharon-Rose and taken into confidence by Mavis as all await the release from prison of Miss Mavis' first love, the murderer Halley martin. Told in flashback, Mavis' and Halley's stories finally converge, with tragic consequences for all. Occasionally the story lapses into melodrama and most of the characters are easily recognizable southern types. Dripping with atmosphere and drama, it's a pleasure as guilty as a third helping of pecan pie.
October 5, 2015
This was a long book for me, but yet it kept me hooked just enough to keep me going and finish. I thought the author did a great job utilizing the story being told by different viewpoints. It was definitely not the kind of book I am used to reading. There were a couple of times, I thought I might have to put it down because I was afraid it might go into "pornographic mode", but the author spared us the details and I am grateful that wasn't the case. I was intrigued by Halley and by Mavis and I really couldn't wait to find out how after 20 years, how it would all turn out. Sadly, I was disappointed in the ending. Not the outcome I was wishing for, but then that is life. Our endings aren't always perfect. And deep down, the ending is kind of as it should be. I mean, hey, murderers and liars shouldn't get the happy ending right? But I really thought the author told the story well and for someone reason I felt sorry for Halley and his circumstances. Great first novel. I will try another from this author.
May 6, 2012
This was an intriguing story of a small town with an old, buried story of murder that begins to resurface.
Begins with the narration of a 7 year old boy whose voice I absolutely loved to hear! But the narration does change to different characters, but the little boy's voice will return - thankfully. The thoughts he shares made me laugh out loud and smile a lot.
Deals with issues of mistrust, betrayal, lie vs. truth, love, faith....an ending that will really take you by surprise.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Begins with the narration of a 7 year old boy whose voice I absolutely loved to hear! But the narration does change to different characters, but the little boy's voice will return - thankfully. The thoughts he shares made me laugh out loud and smile a lot.
Deals with issues of mistrust, betrayal, lie vs. truth, love, faith....an ending that will really take you by surprise.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 13, 2009
I can't believe this is Mr. Yancey's first novel. It is like nothing I've ever read before, he weaves a great story. I love how the story is half narrated by a character "outside" the main plot. This second perspective makes it like two stories in one. The only complaint I have is that I had hoped the ending would be a little stronger, but I can't complain that much because it is written realistically. This author has tremendous talent!
June 2, 2011
Wow. Although there were some slow spots, I easily give this book a four star review. There is some very powerful imagery in here that pulls the reader into the characters' misery, but the occasional light, funny moment or comment keeps the "whole" from becoming a maudlin, gothic southern melodrama.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Those 'slow spots' and the too-long "letters as dialogue" sections were the only thing keeping this one from being a five-star.
Powerful book. v
I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Those 'slow spots' and the too-long "letters as dialogue" sections were the only thing keeping this one from being a five-star.
Powerful book. v
June 27, 2016
I loved how well this book went together. Told from the point of view of a little boy for part of the time, and how kids look at life with such innocence. Also told through letters written and sometimes mailed, but mostly not.
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November 23, 2012Great book from a talented writer. A "Shawshank-type" story. with humour & sympathy. I like Yancey.
August 23, 2016
Fantastic read, I loved the characters, the suspense, the changes in POV. Everything about this book is an interesting and twisted read.
5 stars, 10/10, adore this author.
5 stars, 10/10, adore this author.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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