Saving Grace, Lee Smith's ninth novel, was published in 1995. Like Smith's 1983 novel Oral History, which is considered by many to be her best, Saving Grace takes place in the Appalachian region of the United States as progress and outside influences are gradually encroaching upon the nature and traditions of the area. In both novels, folklore, faith, fractured families and failed relationships play a role in the telling of personal histories. While Saving Grace lacks the richness of Oral History's multiple narration, its first-person testimony of Florida Grace Shepherd's coming of age and journey to self-knowledge is nonetheless compelling. The particulars of Florida Grace's story provide ample fodder for discussion, making this novel a worthwhile choice for reading lists in a variety of academic classrooms. The novel's title serves as an appropriate governing...
1518 words
Citation: Donohue, Cecilia. "Saving Grace". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 08 November 2002 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=2234, accessed 05 December 2025.]
