64 pages • 2 hours read
Jeannette WallsHang the Moon
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls is a historical novel set in Virginia during Prohibition, following Sallie Kincaid, who, after being banished for an accident involving her half-brother, returns to claim her place in the family. The story explores themes of memory, family dysfunction, commitment fears, and loneliness amid complex family dynamics and the challenges of bootlegging. The novel features depictions of physical assault, domestic abuse, suicide, murder, and racism.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jeannette Walls' Hang the Moon offers an engaging narrative with well-developed characters and evocative writing. Readers and critics alike commend its richly layered storytelling and historical context. However, some feel the pacing lags in parts, and certain plot points lack depth. Overall, it's a compelling read that balances historical background with personal drama effectively.
Who Should Read Hang the Moon?
Readers who enjoy Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls typically appreciate character-driven historical fiction with a strong female protagonist, akin to those found in The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Color Purple by Alice Walker. These readers value rich storytelling and nuanced explorations of resilience and family dynamics.