Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (02/2025)
5*- Laugh Out Loud Fun!
Terri Martin’s “Roadkill Justice: Featuring Yooper Woodswoman Nettie Bramble” offers a collection of stories that take readers on a fun romp through the rugged landscape of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The tales are mainly centered around a Yooper Woman named Nettie Bramble. Nettie is a feisty character who has a fierce spirit and often a shotgun in hand. She embodies the resilience and resourcefulness of those who live off the land. The book’s cover, featuring a photograph of a spirited young woman, perfectly captures Nettie’s essence. It draws readers into the life of a young woman who is full of spirit and adventure.
The tales chronicle Nettie’s life alongside her quirky mother, as they navigate the challenges of rural living. From their initial struggles without electricity and running water to the gradual modernization of their home, the narrative depicts the evolution of their lifestyle. However, nothing comes easy for them, so they often have to lose something before they have success, like when Nettie’s brother-in-law starts a fire while trying to install electricity in the house, by using an instruction book aimed at dummies. Many stories also feature Nettie with her precocious nephews, Wanton and Wiley, as she attempts to toughen them up through a series of laugh-out-loud misadventures.
Adding to the richness of the narrative is Nettie’s relationship with her snooty sister MarshMarigold and her husband Tag Alder, whose septic plumbing business provides comic relief, especially when she tries to use his honey truck for fishing. Nettie also has entertaining interactions with a conservation officer who is determined to catch her without having fishing and hunting permits. Nettie always comes out with the upper hand, except for the time that she got community service at a local nursing facility. The absurdity of these situations showcases Martin’s talent for blending humor with heartfelt moments.
What sets “Roadkill Justice” apart is Martin’s authentic portrayal of the local dialect and culture, immersing readers in the charm of the Upper Peninsula. Her vivid storytelling and relatable characters make this collection a must-read for anyone looking to experience the joys and struggles of rural life through someone else’s eyes. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for writing humor, Terri Martin has crafted a memorable anthology that leaves readers hoping for more adventures with Nettie Bramble.
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Roadkill Justice
Terri Martin
Modern History Press (2023)
ISBN: 978-1615997749
