Publisher's Synopsis
"Song on a Hill is a poignant fictional story that deals with the trials and tribulations of a young boy growing up in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in the summer of 1962. The story involves the main character, David Lee, and his diverse and exciting exploits shared by both his family and friends. David Lee's cherished and meaningful relationships with family and friends are well defined and clearly developed. Southern life is vividly portrayed through descriptions of breath-taking scenery, characterizations of Southern culture and customs, and interesting Civil War historical facts and aspersions. The story is complicated by the recent marriage of David's mother, Evelyn, to the overbearing, Mitch, who becomes physically and mentally abusive to the family. David Lee's brother Ronnie frequently sings from a hill in an anguished but beautiful voice that reflects the family's suffering at the hands of the domineering Mitch. Agony and pain are strongly evident as the boundaries of the human spirit are tested. Is the destiny of this dysfunctional Southern family doomed from the beginning or is the answer riding in the wind from a song on a hill? The sequence of events and action flows fluidly and achieves smooth transition and chapter continuity. The story can be read on many different levels because there are many instances of symbolism. This book would appeal to bullied or abused victims as well as to aficionados of 1960's nostalgia. Also, there are many religious overtones as the main character has a strong faith in God. Readers interested in being fully affected by the joys and sorrows of the challenges of life by the plight of the human condition. The author, George Ramphrey, resided in Vicksburg, Mississippi in the decade of the 1960's. This accounts for his strong familiarity with the people, places, and customs of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Also, he was a teacher of History for 29 years in Mississippi and Texas. He was the recipient of the,"Most Creative" Student Award, from the English Department at Hinds Junior College in Raymond, Mississippi, in 1970. He published works at Mississippi College as an undergraduate student. He received his Doctoral Degree from The University of Mississippi in 1984.
