Lynn Veach Sadler Foot Ways

Like Shirley Jackson's short story, "The Lottery", "Foot Ways" deals with a community's dedication to an odd tradition. Mr. Rufe arrives yearly, living for free with various families in the community, until it is time for him to leave. The women of the community are quite enamored with Mr. Rufe, and afford him every courtesy and even bicker over who will host his visit first. While the men in the community do not afford Mr. Rufe the same admiration, they nonetheless go along with the tradition. The only female that seems immune to Mr. Rufe's charm is young Polly Jr, a "right-smart girl" who resents Rufe's presence in her parents' home.

The author does an exceptional job of defining place in her work. While the town is never obviously identified, the setting has a familiarity about it that makes the story all the more personal. This adds a unique feel to the story, as if we ourselves have taken part in the world.

The story's plot is moved along from three different perspectives, and it can be said this novella is actually three different stories loosely tied together with a common theme. The author skillfully transitions from one POV to another, allowing the reader to easily follow along.

This is an interesting coming-of-age tale with a supernatural twist. Subtle, endearing, and poignant, Foot Ways is an intriguing read from start to finish.