Kings of the Earth by Jon Clinch

This source, an excerpt from Jon Clinch's novel "Kings of the Earth," revolves around the Proctor family, particularly the brothers Vernon, Audie, and Creed, and their sister Donna, in a rural upstate New York setting. The narrative touches upon Vernon's death and the subsequent investigation, including Creed's coerced confession of asphyxiating his brother. It also explores the family's harsh, isolated farm life, their struggles with poverty, and their unique bond, often viewed through the eyes of outsiders like Margaret and Preston Hatch. Furthermore, the text details Donna's attempts to navigate modern society while maintaining ties to her unconventional family, and the story of Tom, Donna's son, who becomes involved in his uncles' illicit marijuana business. Interspersed throughout are glimpses into the family's past, revealing their origins and the events that shaped their present circumstances, such as the construction of their home and their mother's illness.