With the Devil's Help: A True Story of Poverty, Mental Illness, and Murder

In the tradition of The Glass Castle, Educated, and Heartland, Neal Wooten chronicles five decades of his dirt-poor, Alabama mountain family, revealing the years and secrets that coalesce. Growing up, Neal was weaned on folklore legends of his grandfather, who led to a murder, conviction, and prison escape.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Pegasus Books

In the vein of The Glass Castle, Educated, and Heartland, Neal Wooten delves into the captivating tale of his dirt-poor, Alabama mountain family over a span of five decades, as the years intertwine with secrets that gradually unfold.

Growing up in a small community nestled atop Sand Mountain, Alabama, Neal Wooten found himself immersed in a world where everyone shared a common identity: being white and living in poverty. The era of Prohibition still held sway, and obtaining alcohol required a trip to Georgia or a chance encounter with a bootlegger during church services. Tent revivals, snake handlers, and the enchanting music of sacred harps formed the backdrop of daily life, welcoming all individuals, except for those who identified as Black, brown, gay, atheist, Muslim, a Yankee, or a Tennessee Vol fan.

The Wooten family, like many others in the region, led a clandestine existence in a shack deep within the woods, devoid of running water, insulation, and electricity. Even the school bus and mail carrier dared not venture to their remote location. However, they were skilled at hiding their true identity, but the undeniable stigma of being poor white trash was impossible to conceal. Cops, teachers, and even strangers could discern their circumstances with ease.

Neal's upbringing was infused with folklore legends about his grandfather, who was renowned for his quick wit, lightning-fast feet, and fiery temper. As he grew older, Neal embarked on a journey to uncover the truth behind his grandfather's tumultuous past, which led to a shocking revelation. The story unfolds from two perspectives, alternating between Neal's life and his grandfather's, culminating in a moment of profound disclosure.

This captivating tale takes readers on a journey to the Deep South, offering a glimpse into the lives of those born on the wrong side of the tracks. It sheds light on the challenges, hardships, and resilience of a family who faced adversity with unwavering determination and a deep sense of family bonds. Neal Wooten's storytelling is masterful, capturing the essence of a bygone era and delivering a poignant tale that resonates with readers of all ages.

Weight: 535g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781639362400