"The World Made Straight" is a novel by Ron Rash that tells the story of Leonard Shuler, a young man living in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina in the 1970s. The novel is set against the backdrop of the region's tumultuous history, including the Civil War, the timber and tobacco industries, and the ongoing struggles of the working class.
At the beginning of the novel, Leonard is a high school dropout who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is drawn to the illicit world of marijuana farming, and begins working for a local dealer named Carlton Toomey. Leonard is drawn to the easy money and the sense of belonging that the drug trade provides, but he also struggles with feelings of guilt and the fear of getting caught.
As Leonard becomes more involved in the drug trade, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of the world around him. He witnesses the brutality of the drug business and the corruption that pervades every level of society. He also begins to understand the deep-seated injustices that have shaped his community, including the exploitation of the working class and the ongoing effects of the Civil War.
Despite these challenges, Leonard is able to find hope and redemption through his relationships with the other characters in the novel. He forms close bonds with his mentor, a former Vietnam War veteran named Travis, and with a young woman named Maddy, who helps him see the world in a different light. With their help, Leonard is able to confront his own demons and begin to build a better life for himself.
Ultimately, "The World Made Straight" is a powerful and moving story about the struggle for identity and the search for meaning in a world that is often harsh and unforgiving. Through the experiences of Leonard and the other characters, the novel offers a poignant commentary on the human condition and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
