Jon Volkmer Knihy

Set in 1950 in the rural Midwest and inspired by real events, this gripping novel delves into the dynamics that unfold when an African American railroad repair crew arrives in a small, tight-knit farm community. Seventeen-year-old Carlin Littman dreams of a life beyond her sleepy town of Julian, Nebraska. Her summer days are spent caring for her little brother, Timmy, until the arrival of the gandy dancers piques her interest. When she befriends Sam Washington, an awkward, bookish gandy a year younger than her, neither anticipates the ripple effects of their connection. Decades later, Tim returns to Nebraska, seeking to uncover the lost history through interviews with surviving seniors. These conversations reveal a narrative that blurs the lines between myth and memory, highlighting the mutual respect between Jerome, the oldest gandy, and Dave, the store owner, as they challenge stereotypes and prejudices. The construction of a new rail line over the route of the underground railroad prompts a new generation of farm families to reflect on their heritage. An unexpected pick-up baseball game serves as a catalyst, inspiring players on both sides to achieve extraordinary feats. This moving tale intertwines themes of race, railroads, and baseball, capturing the essence of the American heartland.