To The Bright and Shining Sun

by James Lee Burke
To The Bright and Shining Sun cover
Good Books rating 3.77
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 6546
  • Added: 2025-11-21
  • Updated: 2025-11-21
  • ISBN: 9781476708522
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2014-05-27
  • Reviews: 3

James Lee Burke's 'To the Bright and Shining Sun' transports readers to the heart of Appalachia during a transformative period in American history. The novel captures the essence of the region with Burke's signature attention to detail and atmospheric prose, immersing readers in the landscapes and cultures that define it. /n/nThis powerful narrative delves into the lives of its characters, exploring themes of resilience, change, and the enduring spirit of the people who call this place home. Burke's brilliant feel for time and place brings a stunning story to life, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and the rich tapestry of American life.

Reviews
Goodreads · A Goodreads User · 2000-01-01
profound 4.00

The book beautifully portrays the resilience of men oppressed by society. It's a powerful exploration of human spirit and survival.

This novel is a profound journey into the lives of men who are constantly beaten down by their society. The author does an exceptional job of letting us see inside their souls, making us feel their pain and their strength. It's a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. The characters are deeply flawed but incredibly human, and their struggles are portrayed with such raw honesty that it's impossible not to be moved. The prose is poetic and the themes are universal, making this a book that resonates on many levels.

Quick quotes

    This was a beautiful book in many ways, most particularly in letting us see inside the souls of men beaten down on all sides by their society, yet never giving up.

    The characters are deeply flawed but incredibly human, and their struggles are portrayed with such raw honesty that it's impossible not to be moved.

    The prose is poetic and the themes are universal, making this a book that resonates on many levels.

Audible · An Audible User · 2000-01-01
engaging 3.50

The protagonist is difficult to like, but the ending is one of Burke's better ones. The novel is well-performed and tightly written.

This book is a tough read because the protagonist is not an easy person to like. However, the ending is one of James Lee Burke's better ones, which makes the journey worthwhile. The novel is well-performed and tightly written, with a strong narrative that keeps you engaged. The characters are well-developed, and the story is compelling, making it a memorable read despite the challenging protagonist. The audiobook performance is particularly noteworthy, adding another layer of depth to the story.

Quick quotes

    Tough read as the protagonist is a difficult person to like.

    One of James Lee Burkes' better endings.

    A well performed and tightly written novel.

Amazon · An Amazon User · 2000-01-01
compelling 3.80

The story is very good, but it's definitely early James Lee Burke. The main character is strongly done, but some secondary characters could use more depth.

This novel is a very good story, showcasing early work by James Lee Burke. The main character is strongly developed and compelling, but some of the secondary characters feel a bit thin. The narrative is gripping and the themes are well-explored, making it a worthwhile read. While it's clear that this is an earlier work, the strengths of Burke's writing are already evident. The story is engaging and the prose is solid, making it a book that fans of Burke's later works will appreciate.

Quick quotes

    Very good story, but definitely early James Lee Burke.

    The main character is strongly done, but some of the secondary characters could use more depth.

    It is a well-written and engaging narrative that showcases Burke's early talent.

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