The Sanctum

Author: Pamela King Cable
Genre: Historical Fiction

On a November day in 1951 Neeley McPherson turned five ... and accidentally killed her parents. Thrown into the care of her scheming and alcoholic grandfather, she survives by her quick wit, and the watchful eye of an elderly black man, Gideon. In 1959, as equal rights heats up the South, authorities accuse Gideon of stealing a watch and using a Whites Only restroom. Neeley, now thirteen, determines to break him out of jail.

When the infamous Catfish Cole, Ku Klux Klan Grand Dragon of the Carolinas, discovers their courageous escape, he pursues Neeley and Gideon into the frozen Blue Ridge Mountains to a wolf sanctuary. There Neeley crosses the bridge between the real and the supernatural. But will Neeley's actions lead to tragedy again? Or will she finally realize the desire of her heart?

Set during a volatile time in America, The Sanctum bestows sanctuary and invokes the power of second chances.

---

Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

The Sanctum by Pamela King Cable is quite probably the best book I have read this year (and I've read some really good books) and reminds me of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. In fact, dare I say this might even be better than To Kill a Mockingbird? Would that be sacrilegious to literary critics? The main character, Neeley McPherson, has endured more than any child should and the one person she loves most in the world is now wanted by police simply because of the colour of his skin, setting the stage for a cast of characters and a storyline that is filled with sorrow, joy and surprises that will grip your heart and stay with you for days.

The Sanctum takes place in the South during the turbulent 1950's. Yes, there is language that is inappropriate today because the "N" word is used. However, this book would not have felt real if it had been omitted. The author has dug deep into the lives of her characters and shows the good and the bad, along with exposing the racial hostility that defined so much of the South during that time period. But the relationship between Neeley (a white girl) and Gideon (a black man who is her best friend) is both endearing and heartbreaking because of what they must endure to keep each other safe in a world that isn't willing to accept their special relationship. But through it all Gideon keeps his faith in God and Neeley begins to learn what true Christianity is all about.

The surprising twists this story takes will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you grabbing for tissues before you are finished. If this doesn't get made into a movie I will be in shock. Kudos to the author! This one is a keeper.

---