The Wettest County in the World by Matt Bondurant

The Wettest County in the World by Matt Bondurant

Publisher: Scribner (October 2008)

322 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $9.73)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Sexual Situations, Swearing and Violence

This is the story of the three Bondurant brothers (Howard, Forrest and Jack) and their adventures in bootlegging in backwoods Virginia during the throes of Prohibition and the repercussions thereafter. This is based on a true story, written by Jack’s grandson, though fictionalized when history didn’t provide enough to go on. This book has also been made into a movie called Lawless. This story plunges you into a harsh, gritty world with characters that are so vibrant you can’t tear yourself away. I was especially drawn to Forrest, a mysterious character, shrouded in myth and with all the determination and stoicism of a warrior, made all the more interesting by his undefined relationship with Maggie, a woman as mysterious as he is. Howard struggles with alcoholism and life, unable to let go of the horrors he had seen in war, his way of seeing the world almost poetic. Jack, so different from his brothers, was interesting as a contrast to the others and his simple courtship of Bertha, despite all that was going on, was touching. A wonderful glimpse into a time and place gone by.

Movie Adaptations/Modern Retellings/Related Works:

Lawless (2012)

Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pearce

Movie Rating: R

My Rating: 5 Stars

Adaption: Verbatim-Tweaked-Veiled

Eye Candy: Plain-Pretty-Sultry