Special to Iredell Free News
Redhawk Publications has announced the release of “Iron Bridge Sunday and Other Stories,” the latest book written by Troutman resident Les M. Brown.
This collection of short stories takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the heart and soul of Appalachian life, immersing them in a world of family, tradition and the timeless beauty of a bygone era.
Brown, a retired professor of biology and geology at Gardner-Webb University, brings a wealth of experience and passion to his writing. With two books of poetry already published by Redhawk Publications, as well as a forthcoming book, Brown has established himself as a versatile and gifted writer.
“Iron Bridge Sunday and Other Stories” is the culmination of Brown’s lifelong love for storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from his family’s rich oral traditions and his own experiences growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brown weaves together a tapestry of tales that span three generations. The book is divided into three sections, each representing a distinct era in Appalachian history.
The first section delves into the stories passed down by Brown’s ancestors, offering a glimpse into the farm and family life that preceded his own birth. These narratives capture the essence of a simpler time, painting vivid portraits of a community deeply rooted in tradition.
The second section introduces readers to the characters and events of Brown’s father’s generation. Through his creative storytelling, Brown brings these figures to life, painting a vivid picture of their struggles, triumphs, and the unique challenges they faced in rural Appalachia.
In the final section, Brown presents fictional stories that draw inspiration from his own generation. These narratives bridge the gap between the past and the present, exploring universal themes of identity, love, and the pursuit of dreams.
Lee Smith, esteemed author and a literary force in her own right, has praised “Iron Bridge Sunday and Other Stories,” calling it “the most beautiful collection of pitch-perfect short stories I have ever encountered.”
For Brown, writing “Iron Bridge Sunday and Other Stories” was a labor of love that spanned many years. He found great fulfillment in the freedom and creativity of the fictional world he created, a stark contrast to the constraints of his academic and scientific writing. Brown’s previous works in poetry also informed his prose writing, as he discovered a common ground where language evokes similar emotions in readers.
While “Iron Bridge Sunday and Other Stories” is poised to captivate readers with its authentic portrayal of Appalachian life, Brown believes that the stories transcend regional boundaries. These tales of ancestral heritage, coming-of-age, and the triumphs and tribulations of rural existence resonate with universal themes that will touch the hearts of readers from all walks of life.
LEARN MORE
“Iron Bridge Sunday and Other Stories” is available for purchase at https://redhawkpublications.com.
About Redhawk Publications
Redhawk Publications is an artistic initiative of the Catawba Valley Community College, publishing written works of interest for the local community, North Carolina, and the entire United States. Established in 2017, Redhawk Publications offers over 125 titles to date and is one of only three community colleges nationwide with a publishing press. For additional information on Redhawk Publications, visit https://redhawkpublications.com.