by Rebekkah Pullen
Rebecca Carroll, instructor of English at Pellissippi, has published a book entitled “Milk Glass Moon.”
“Milk Glass Moon” is a historical novel set in Oak Ridge just prior to the Manhattan Project.
“It chronicles one family’s experiences in the summer of 1942 when they learn of the takeover of their home and farm,” said Carroll. “Much of the story centers around the father’s desperate efforts to find a new home and make the move.”
The book also depicts other struggles the family endures.
“There is a murder; and turmoil ensues from there,” she said. “People can relate to the book and the characters because this is part of our history. Many older people will recognize some of the things in the book.”
Carroll said she grew up listening to her father talking about having to move out of Oak Ridge for the Manhattan Project. She said that it fascinated her.
In order for Carroll to write this book she went to relatives. She was able to obtain a large amount of insight due to the willingness of people to share their stories.
“My favorite part in the writing was using the notes I had gathered from my research and interviews and turning it into a readable story,” said Carroll.
“When I get an idea for a story, I work out most of the plot in my head before I type anything,” she said.
Carroll’s short stories have been published in several literary magazines. She said she chose to make this a novel because “it was too long of a story for a short story.”
Although this is Carroll’s first published book, she doesn’t intend it to be her last. She is working on two more books.
“One is about an outstanding man, a married pillar of the community who falls in love with a young girl,” she said. “The relationship ruins his life. The other is about a girl who is sent away from home suddenly. She gets off the train at the wrong stop and assumes the identity of another person, wreaking havoc upon the small town.”
