Logline:
In the bucolic setting of the Appalachian Mountains, two troubled men desperately seek escape from the addictions that alienate them from their families and community, the greatest resistance to their freedom arising from the one person everyone least expects.
Synopsis:
Mountain Boys is the harrowing tale of two men in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina who desperately try to break free from the wars of life that haunt them. Rodney, the town n’er do well, and Dustin, the town war hero, struggle with functioning in a society that doesn’t seem to understand, leading them to find a number of ways to numb themselves to the pain.
While Dustin’s sister, Cindy, vows to assist them both in their agreement to help each other face their troubles, there are those who are unwilling to see them succeed. Granny, the manipulative and powerful matriarch who contributes to their dangerous antics, refuses to let them forget just who she is. Rhonda, Rodney’s angry estranged wife, refuses to let them know what they can be.
Amidst all the darkness and chaos are the beautiful lands and nature that go unseen by all, except for Rodney’s young son Ethan, who seems to be instrumental in diverting the men to another way of living. However, desperate for attention is Kayley, Rodney’s 14 year-old daughter and her unmet needs seem to threaten the newfound innocence. The suspenseful story unfolds as the desires of everyone seem to converge at the same time, forcing Rodney and Dustin to react in ways one would never expect, which results in a stunning climax.
Jerry Lee Davis is a published novelist, poet, essayist, and playwright. Twin City, his debut fiction novel, was nominated for two prestigious awards: Georgia Author of the Year – Debut Novel and the Townsend Prize for Fiction.