Synopsis
"Precious Ugly" draws us into the story of a thirteen-year-old girl seeking to escape her abusive, charismatic, alcoholic father. Desperate to protect her mother, her journey unfolds against the backdrop of 1985 West Virginia, in the shadowed towns of Harpers Ferry and Jolo.
This is a narrative anchored in the fractured promises of the Reagan era, the pervasive fear surrounding the nascent AIDS epidemic, and the personal soundtrack of a generation—the urgent anthems of Patti Smith, the defiant pop of Cyndi Lauper, and the raw power of Tina Turner, all filtered through a portable Walkman. It’s a story deeply embedded in the specific signs of its time and place, exploring resilience, survival, and the search for belonging in a world on the cusp of profound change.
Core Themes
- Survival and Resilience in Adversity
- The Complexities of Family and Abuse
- Navigating Adolescence in the 1980s
- Societal Fears and Shifting Cultural Landscapes
- The Power of Music as Escape and Identity
- West Virginia's Distinct Landscape and Culture
Praise for Precious Ugly
"A raw, unflinching debut that captures the voice of a young girl navigating treacherous waters with remarkable clarity and heart."
- Literary Review Monthly
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
"Cline masterfully evokes the specific anxieties and cultural touchstones of the mid-80s, weaving them into a narrative of survival that is both specific and universal."
- The Bookworm's Chronicle
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
" The prose sings with a potent mix of vulnerability and strength, making this a truly unforgettable reading experience."
- Indie Reader Gazette
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
About Rae Cline
Rae Cline brings a deep, personal connection to the landscape and era explored in "Precious Ugly." Her own experiences growing up and observing the cultural shifts of the 1980s inform the novel's authentic voice and setting. Cline is a keen observer of the human condition, particularly the resilience found in unexpected places and the enduring power of familial bonds, even amidst hardship.
Her work often delves into the intersection of personal history and broader societal narratives, capturing the nuances of character and the emotional truths that resonate across generations. Rae is committed to exploring stories that are both timely and timeless.
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More from Rae Cline
Upcoming Events
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Details & RSVP
Book Reading & Signing: Harpers Ferry
October 25, 2023 | 7:00 PM EST
Local Independent Bookstore, Harpers Ferry, WV
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Join Webinar
Virtual Author Talk: AIDS Awareness in 80s Lit
November 5, 2023 | 4:00 PM PST
Hosted by The Literary Society
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Learn More
Panel Discussion: Women Writers of the 80s
November 18, 2023 | 2:00 PM CST
University Campus, Auditorium B
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Info
Meet & Greet: Jolo Community Center
December 2, 2023 | 11:00 AM EST
Jolo, WV