This is the story of a young girl and her problems set against the backdrop of a community divided against itself.
Tension and ill feeling lie close beneath the surface in Leola, a Midwestern town. Migrant workers employed by the town's only big industry, the growing and canning of corn, operated by the Allard Company, are both the base of its prosperity and the object of the townspeople's resentment. Hated by some, feared by others, suspected by many of unsolved crimes, the migrants reciprocate in mistrust and sullen anger.
Into this confused and explosive atmosphere comes Christie Allard, the eighteen-year-old daughter of the plant's absentee owner. Raised in the distant city, she has had no contact with the town, or interest in its problems. Though her visit is intended as a quiet retreat to sort out her own personal problems, she is shortly engulfed in the conflicting attitudes and efforts of her aunt, Miss Amelia Allard; of a surprising young minister, Alan Bennett; of a social worker, Marge Molloy; and of Tom Webb, an outspoken reporter.
Through a girl of the migrant camp--Aurora Gomez of the flashing eyes and fiery temper--Christie finds herself drawn still more deeply into the conflict. The way in which Christie works for a solution to the situation and resolves her own problems as well makes for a deeply satisfying story of real people in our times.
- Publish Date 1954
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 30 September 2008
- Publish Country US
- Imprint David McKay Company
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 245
- Language English