How the Body Prays
Subtitle: A Novel
By: by Peter Weltner.
Publisher: Graywolf Press
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Saint Paul, Minn
Language: eng
Number of pages: 245
Subjects: Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975 -- Fiction.; Fathers and sons -- Fiction.; Soldiers -- Fiction.; Brothers -- Fiction.; Gay men -- Fiction.; South Carolina -- Fiction.
Genres: Fiction.
Description: "Lay Aside Fear" has been the Odom ruling motto for generations. In this novel, Peter Weltner explores how various members of the family have lived up to - or fallen short of - this fierce command.

The indomitable grandmother who cannot forgive her son for surviving World War II, her son who wants to do "nothing" with his life, his daughters who refuse to cry, their brother who resists the Vietnam draft - all are put to the test, and the stakes are high. Who will have the courage to fight, the courage to risk, the courage to die? And most importantly, who will have the courage to love, whatever love asks of them?

For when pride is finally unmasked, it is only through the redemption of love that there is any chance for the family's survival.