Prayers the Devil Answers | A Special Lecture with Sharyn McCrumb

Sharyn McCrumb, New York Times bestselling author of the acclaimed Appalachian “Ballad” series, masterfully combines historical research and captivating folklore in her new Depression-era novel, Prayers the Devil Answers.  Suddenly thrust into the role of primary caretaker for her family following the tragic death of her husband, Ellie Robbins is appointed to serve out his term as sheriff of their rural Tennessee mountain town. Her role is largely symbolic, until she is asked to execute a prisoner in a public hanging.

A light reception will precede the event at 6:30, and books will be available for purchase and signing. Presented in partnership with the Friends of the Knox County Public Library.

About Sharyn McCrumb

The award-winning Southern writer is best known for her Appalachian “Ballad” novels, set in the North Carolina/Tennessee mountains. Included in these are the New York Times Best Sellers, She Walks These Hills, The Rosewood Casket, and The Ballad of Frankie Silver. Sharyn McCrumb's other best-selling novels include King’s Mountain, The Ballad of Frankie Silver, The Songcatcher, Ghost Riders, St. Dale, and The Ballad of Tom Dooley.

McCrumb, who was named a “Virginia Woman of History” in 2008 for Achievement in Literature, received the 2011 Perry F. Kendig Award for Achievement in Literary Arts from the Blue Ridge Arts Council of southwest Virginia. McCrumb's many honors include: Appalachian Writers Association Book of the Year Award; the Wilma Dykeman Award for Literature given by the East Tennessee Historical Society; the Audie Award for Best Recorded Book; AWA Outstanding Contribution to Appalachian Literature Award; the Chaffin Award for Southern Literature; the Plattner Award for Short Story; and AWA's Best Appalachian Novel. She was the first writer-in-residence at King College in Tennessee. In 2005 she was honored as the Writer of the Year at Emory & Henry College.