Jeannette Walls' Hang the Moon offers an engaging narrative with well-developed characters and evocative writing. Readers and critics alike commend its richly layered storytelling and historical context. However, some feel the pacing lags in parts, and certain plot points lack depth. Overall, it's a compelling read that balances historical background with personal drama effectively.

Readers who enjoy Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls typically appreciate character-driven historical fiction with a strong female protagonist, akin to those found in The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Color Purple by Alice Walker. These readers value rich storytelling and nuanced explorations of resilience and family dynamics.

Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls is a historical novel set in Virginia during Prohibition, following Sallie Kincaid, who, after being banished for an accident involving her half-brother, returns to claim her place in the family. The story explores themes of memory, family dysfunction, commitment fears, and loneliness amid complex family dynamics and the challenges of bootlegging. The novel features depictions of physical assault, domestic abuse, suicide, murder, and racism.

Mysterious / Emotional / Gritty / Challenging / Inspirational

**Sallie Kincaid**  
A bold and resilient young woman, Sallie is the protagonist of the story who navigates a journey of self-exploration against the backdrop of family expectations and societal limitations.

**Hank “The Duke” Kincaid**  
The authoritative patriarch of the Kincaid family, he is a complex businessman who maintains a respectable facade while engaging in the moonshine trade.

**Eddie Kincaid**  
Sallie’s younger half-brother, whose fragile health and introverted nature contrast with his sharp intellect and diverse interests in music, arts, and sciences.

**Aunt Faye**  
Sallie's maternal aunt who raises her and is a resourceful and compassionate figure working as a seamstress and hair stylist, despite facing societal judgment.

**Tom Dunbar**  
A loyal confidant to the Kincaid family whose relationship with Sallie evolves as he returns home changed from his wartime experiences.

Jeannette Walls

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