Money

In Money, A Novel, I combine subjects that I am most knowledgeable of - South Carolina (especially a small place called Britton's Neck) and conflicts between good and evil. It is South Carolina as it was in the 1900s where, by most standards, outlying farming communities consisted of two kinds of people - the poor (even if they didn't know it) and, once in awhile, a very slight sprinkling of the rich and powerful. When one of the rich, Moses Lackey, sets up his medical practice in Britton's Neck, hopes as well as suspicions are raised. Some people begin to dream of greater medical access and brighter futures due to more career options. On the other hand, some people begin to devise ways to access the Lackey fortune. Moses' only friend is Marty who has returned from the Korean Conflict wounded and bitter. Ostracized all their lives, the two have always been drawn to each other, giving cause for many to question their relationship. Moses' father is dead. Marty is illegitimate. Part One of Money, A Novel furnishes the background of the story including the gang rape of Marty while in Korea and Moses' similar experience with a mill hand's daughter while he was a student at the University of South Carolina. The tone and pace change in Part Two. Marty's mother Pauline, the symbolic sacrificial figure, reveals on her deathbed the identity of Marty's father. He vows to avenge him. Instead he feels only pity when he sees him. He also learns he has a half brother, a man who looks and acts much like he does. As Marty sees his half brother accept his help and follow his advice, he becomes more content with himself. Marty's relationship with his old friend Moses deteriorates as he spends more and more time with his half brother until Marty learns that Moses has fallen prey to new friends intent on gaining the Lackey wealth even if it means murder. In fact, the new "friends" have already begun to take over the Lackey mansion. Marty enlists his half brother's help to save Moses and

SANDRA R. POUND has authored fiction and nonfiction in various genres. Her articles have appeared in educational and literary magazines. She holds a Ph.D. in Language and Literacy from the University of South Carolina and National Board Teacher Certification in English. She has more than thirty years teaching experience. She and husband Terry have four children and eight grandchildren.