RAMP HOLLOW The Ordeal of Appalachia

Stoll's analysis of what ails Appalachia is given an unremarkable narration by Brian Sutherland. Stoll, a professor of history at Fordham University, has written both a history of the factors that have led to Appalachia--and more specifically, West Virginia--being what it is, as well as his ideas for how its predicament can be improved. Some have seen this work as a response to Vance's HILLBILLY ELEGY, which this reviewer has not read. Stoll sees corporations and government as being the cause of the region's woes. His answer is for more government programs. Sutherland's voice is clear; he enunciates well and is easy to understand. However, overall, his reading is somewhat monotonous and pedantic. Many may find it difficult to listen to this production to the end. M.T.F. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2018]