Kent Wascom crafts narratives that delve into the darker, complex facets of human nature, often steeped in historical contexts. His prose is rich and evocative, offering profound psychological insights into his characters' struggles. Wascom is drawn to exploring moral ambiguities and the lasting impact of significant choices. His work invites readers into a deep examination of the intricacies of the human condition and the worlds they inhabit.
It is 1861, and Angel Woolsack is a confederate about to breathe his last, as the Union forces make their inexorable approach. Rejected by his wife, his wealth no longer useful to him, he sets about recording his testament.
Set against the backdrop of the Gulf Coast in 1914, the narrative follows Isaac, a nature-loving artist with a mysterious past, and Kemper, a defiant heiress entangled in family rivalries. As they seek solace in their idyllic surroundings, tensions rise within Kemper's family, particularly with her brothers Angel and Red, whose secrets and violence threaten their refuge. The story intertwines themes of love, family drama, and the looming shadow of World War I, exploring the complex legacy of beauty and turmoil that defines their lives and the region.