Plot summary, “Let Me Die In His Footsteps” by Lori Roy in 5 Minutes - Book Review
0"Let Me Die In His Footsteps" is a novel written by Lori Roy. It was published in 2015 and is a haunting and atmospheric work of Southern Gothic fiction.
The story is set in the rural town of Kentucky in the 1950s and alternates between two narrative threads. The first thread follows Sarah, a young girl who comes from a family with a dark secret. Generations ago, her grandmother Juna was accused of witchcraft and subsequently murdered. Sarah fears that she will inherit Juna's powers and faces pressure from her family to prevent this from happening.
The second narrative thread centers around Juna's childhood friend, Annie, who also carries the burden of the past. Annie lives with the guilt of a secret she has kept for years and is haunted by the specter of the past. As the story unfolds, both Sarah and Annie find themselves entangled in a web of family secrets, betrayal, and rural superstitions.
"Let Me Die In His Footsteps" delves into themes of family legacy, the weight of history, and the power of secrets. It explores the oppressive nature of small communities and the consequences of choices made in the past. The novel masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and coming-of-age narratives to create a chilling and engrossing tale.
Lori Roy's writing style captures the atmosphere of the Kentucky landscape and the tension that pervades the town. The characters are richly drawn, and their struggles with guilt, fear, and the desire for freedom are skillfully portrayed. The book also touches on issues of gender and the limitations placed on women in a patriarchal society.
Overall, "Let Me Die In His Footsteps" is a captivating Southern Gothic novel that combines elements of mystery, coming-of-age, and family drama. It explores the dark undercurrents of a community burdened by secrets and the ways in which the past can shape and haunt the present.