The Book Woman of
Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
Cussy Mary Carter, nineteen, of Troublesome Creek, is the last
of the blue people in the hills of Kentucky.
She is also a pack horse librarian, charged with delivering reading
materials to her patrons located throughout the sparsely populated region. She loves her job and her patrons and does
her best to meet the needs of the desperately poor people she serves. She encounters challenges of many kinds, including
the townspeople and head librarian who despise her because of her color.
When she becomes indebted to the local doctor, he asks for
payment in the way of being able to examine her to see why she is blue. Her father demands that she submit and she is
carted away to Lexington to a hospital where they discover the cause of her condition. An important enzyme is missing in her blood,
which makes her skin appear blue. The
doctors offer her a way to become “white” and she eagerly accepts, hoping to at
last be accepted by society.
I found much to admire in Cussy Mary’s character. She was self-sacrificing and incredibly
determined to help her patrons. Although
she was often feared or shunned, she never seemed to retaliate. She was hard-working and fiercely loyal,
seeking the best for those she served.
This book is inspired by the blue-skinned people of Kentucky
and Kentucky Pack Horse library service.
I found it fascinating. It
presents a revealing look at prejudice, hope, determination and courage. For anyone who loves historical fiction,
unusual characters and books, this story is inspiring. I highly recommend it.
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