THE SILENT STARS GO BY
A True Christmas Story
Philip Lee Williams | Author

  • $14.95 hardcover
  • 96 pages
  • 1-892514-07-9
  • Memoir | Christmas




An original 1950s Christmas memoir in the spirit of Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory

“Williams reinvents the classic southern novel, and William Faulkner would cheer.”—Anne Rivers Siddons

the book

In this touching, true story, award-winning writer Philip Lee Williams tells how life changed for him in 1959 as he spent his last Christmas in the country. It is a powerful memoir of southern Christmas traditions and one boy's dreams. Williams brings back Christmases of the 1950s with insight, affection, and a keen eye for the world around him; a world much bigger than his back yard in Madison, Georgia. This timeless holiday memoir will be cherished for years by all who can see Christmas through the eyes of a nine-year-old child.

the author

Philip Lee Williams is the author of the acclaimed book, Heart of a Distant Forest, and seven other novels. He lives in Watkinsville, Georgia.

the praise

"This is simply one of the most sensitive and joyful stories of Christmas that I have ever read. This beautiful memoir of family and of dreams goes to the core of what Christmas should be, and demonstrates, once again, that Williams is one of the most gifted writers in America. Read it. It will make you exceedingly happy."—Terry Kay

"A prototype of southern Christmases at mid-century."—Publishers Weekly.

"Readers of all ages will appreciate the young boy's longing for one very special gift."—Atlanta

"Williams feezes an idyllic moment in time wiht a nostalgic flair that could rival Norman Rockwell."—BookPage

"A deeply satisfying experience. . . . With great poignance and truth, Williams illuminates both the hazards and the necessity of discovering new ways of loving."—May Sarton on Heart of a Distant Forest

"Williams eloquently recaptures that age of innocence."—Don O'Briant, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"It has been a long, long time since I've felt as much enthusiasm for an author's talent and sensitivity."—Eugenia Price

"Not since Capote wrote about a boyhood Christmas has there been a book as fine."—Rheta Grimsley Johnson

"Williams reinvents the classic southern novel, and William Faulkner would cheer."—Anne Rivers Siddons

also of interest:  The Hand-Carved Creche

also of interest:  Fruitcake

also of interest:  Southern Christmas