A Space on the Side of the Road

More about the book

The book explores the overlooked narratives of communities in West Virginia's coal camps, highlighting the lives of those marginalized by mainstream American ideals. Through stories of trauma and eccentricity, Kathleen Stewart captures the essence of these towns, revealing a rich cultural poetics rooted in everyday experiences. By intertwining her reflections on language, culture, and politics with local storytelling, she invites readers into a surreal space that reflects the deeper fractures within American society, marked by remnants of material decay and haunting memories.