The Coal Tattoo

A Novel

By: Silas House

Narrated by: Kate Forbes

Two sisters can’t stand to live together, but can’t bear to be apart. One worships the flashy world of Nashville, the other is a devout Pentecostal. One falls into the lap of any man, the other is afraid to even date. One gets pregnant in a flash, the other desperately wants to have a child. This is what’s at the heart of Silas House’s third novel, which tells the story of Easter and Anneth, tragically left parentless as children, who must raise themselves and each other in their small coal-mining town. Easter is deeply religious, keeps a good home, believes in tradition, and is intent on rearing her wild younger sister properly. Anneth is untamable, full of passion, determined to live hard and fast. It’s only a matter of time before their predilections split their paths and nearly undo their bond. How these two women learn to overcome their past, sacrifice deeply for each other, and live together again in the only place that matters is the story of The Coal Tattoo.

©2004 Silas House (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC

Kentucky classic

Being from a coal town myself, I felt as if I could relate to the emotions of the characters. It’s hard to understand the resilience of people from that area unless you know some of the background. Lovely and a perfect read.

Good Book - A bit heavy reading

What does Kate Forbes bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Great narration...no complaints at all.

Any additional comments?

Got this on sale and not something I would not normally have purchased. Good read - this is not a beach or light reading. Enjoyable but one must pay attention!

Great book

Awesome book. Definitely a must read. I'm so glad I did. I enjoyed it very much.

Love a southern writer! Esp from Kentucky

Love the complexity of the characters, the relationships and the generational trauma and grief Easter and Anneth carry with them.

This Story Touched My Heart!

I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the characters in this story. Easter and Anneth especially were much more loveable in their imperfections than the story synopsis had led me to expect. Their love for each other and for their home was very touching.

The one aspect I would have liked to read more about was their "magic". Easter has the second sight and Anneth is always talking about believing in magic, but I would have liked these elements to have been more prominent in the story.

Kate Forbes did an excellent job as narrator - loved the accents!