The latest chapter is in the queue.
First: this chapter has a trigger warning. Cora tells the story of her being victimized at the hands of the town church's pastor, as well as his wife. It isn't terribly explicit, but it is there and I want to be sensitive to people who may struggle with reading that.
The music!
At one point, Cora notes that "Trading in the illusion of love is exhausting." This line was inspired by Harry Chapin's song "Mercenaries" from his 1977 album, "Dance Band on the Titanic."
Mr. Rockton, was, admittedly, deliberately given this name so that I could mention the store owner not using his authority "to crush him." From the 1975 "Portrait Gallery" album is the song, "The Rock." It very much so parallels Harry's efforts to combat hunger in America. The character in the song talks of a large rock on a hill overlooking the town. The song's main character tries to tell everyone that the rock poses an issue that must be addressed, and they dismiss him by saying, "It'll be fine. It hasn't been a problem until now." Until everything isn't fine.
For non-Harry music, there's also a nod to "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia."
Also, by very sheer and happy coincidence, April 11, 1873 was, in fact, Good Friday and coincided with the beginning of Passover that year.
A closing thought. Yes, it discusses politics. No, I don't want to hear it, especially if you keep reading:
Harry Chapin's mantra was, "When in doubt, do something." If you live in the U.S., you have representatives in the halls of government: your Representative and your Senators.
If you are as troubled by the events of the past few weeks as I am, this is your cue to reach out to them. Not a letter writer? Ask ChatGPT to help you write one. Or call them to add your voice to a couple of the current key issues.
In other words, DO SOMETHING. You don't have to be out on the front lines carrying the signs. The people running the operation behind the scenes are important too. You can be part of it. Write or call your Congressional representatives. Go on your area's Facebook page; it's quite probable they are doing something that you'll be willing to do.
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me.
-- Pastor Martin Niemoller