Tears for a Small Town

            In the second third of Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, Tom Franklin creates a plethora of tear- jerking moments. Although he grew up in a small town in Alabama, Franklin describes the disappearance of Larry Ott’s childhood crush, Cindy Walker, with deep empathy. The subject of abduction hit home for many Americans in the 1970s who blamed the inadequacy of law enforcement. Abduction remains prevalent in society today, with adults reporting a missing child every 40 seconds. I felt like crying the most at the disappearance because of the disastrous consequences it brings for Larry, extending far into his adult years. Although Larry plans an exciting night for his first date, Cindy wishes to meet her secret boyfriend. Larry resists, pleading “‘I don’t want to’” (129). Through the uneasy diction of “don’t,” Franklin foreshadows the horrors the night will hold. He also creates dramatic irony: how could Larry know that helping Cindy would lead to her disappearance? Larry’s apprehension heightens when he goes to meet with Cindy, but he sees “no car” (132). As a result of the negative connotations of “no”, the author implies the horrible outcome: Cindy’s disappearance.  For the next 25 years, the town assumes Larry’s guilt. As a result, the citizens ostracizes him. After years of isolation, Larry realizes how “empty” he has become as a result of this abandonment (182). Through the negative denotations of “empty,” Franklin implies the terrible solitude Larry wrongly endures. The author also asserts that all humans need companionship. Without friends, one’s life can become unbearable. Ultimately, in the second third of the book, Franklin acknowledges many opposing groups in Larry’s town. He addresses those who judge other too swiftly, encouraging them to take a second look at any situation. But on a more negative note, he attacks child abductors in order to show them the cruelty of their actions. I personally could hardly control my emotions as I read of poor Larry’s predicament. I can only hope for the people who live in solitude throughout the world to stand strong, just as Larry Ott does.