具体描述
After years working in the coal mines and contracting black lung disease, Mercyas father sells their house and buys a farm in Vermont. They drive to their new home, and hopefully a better life. Through the hard months ahead, Mercyas father dies and life becomes unbearable. How will they survive? Mercyas mother offers their neighbor, Zacharias, a share in the profits if he will help them bring in the syrup. After much thought he agrees. A schedule is written up, equipment cleaned and repaired and the painful long weeks begin. Mercy must take care of her little brother, Stevie, cook, wash clothes and keep the house warm. Her mother, older brother Mitch and Zacharias will work the land and bring in the syrup. With the help of Zacharias, Mercyas fatheras dream comes true. And she sees Zacharias filling the loneliness in their lives in a way that honors her beloved father.
