Book Review of “Porch Music” by Kathy Maresca

The family’s matriarch, half-Seminole Ma Ki Ebbing, teaches her granddaughter about the nature of life while weaving a basket, an apt metaphor for this gripping novel. Told in the first-person by each of Ma Ki’s descendants, Porch Music records the aftermath of a heinous racially motivated crime which took place in northern Florida during the 1940’s. And though getting to know each of the characters’ takes a minute, it is well-worth the effort as the central drama unfolds.

Poverty, early death, teen-age pregnancy, and fatherless children are the outward results but as the narrative builds, we see the emotional and spiritual damage as well. Ma Ki’s daughters pass their bitterness and fear to their children and the cycle seems destined to continue until one of them encounters a pastor’s wife who introduces her to Jesus. This single act changes the lives of the entire extended family. Like a basket, Ma Ki’s descendants hold together and strengthen each other especially when one after the other they give their lives to Christ.

One motif which sets the book firmly in the early 1950’s is the music. From hit-parade to country, from blues to gospel, songs fill the pages. Music also unites the family, who are all gifted singers. Music helps them draw near to God and to heal deep wounds, even the severe, life-long effects of child-abuse.

Readers interested in the history of Florida, the Seminole, or the American South of the post WWII era will enjoy this book. But anyone from a family with painful secrets will find things to relate to here. Though fictitious, the story rings true. The ending is not only inspiring, its downright poetic.  And it all started when one teen-aged girl said “yes” to Jesus.

Porch Music was published by Touch Point Press and can be purchased on Amazon or on any of the book sellers on the author’s web site:

Kathy Maresca Home – Kathy Maresca’s Site

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Have a wonderful week!

Pat Mooney Sweet