Women bootleggers in the time of Prohibition

Editor’s note: This program was originally preempted by breaking news coverage. The post has been updated to reflect the new broadcast date.

Jeannette Wells’ 2009 memoir “The Glass Castle” has been a New York Times bestseller for more than eight years. The movie adaptation starring Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts also won awards.

Her much-anticipated new book, “Hang the Moon,” is worth the wait. Set in 1920s rural Virginia, it centers on young Sallie Kincaid whose daddy runs the county where they live. Sallie wants to go into the family business, which includes running moonshine. But is she ready to fight through the conflict that awaits her?

This week, on Big Books and Bold Ideas, Wells joined MPR News host Kerri Miller to talk about the relative morality of Prohibition in America.

“In my neck of the woods, rural Virginia, whiskey making had long been a tradition,” says Wells. ”What Prohibition did was turn this money-making operation, that for many was the only cash crop they had, into something illegal. It turned law-abiding folk into outlaws.”

Wells also talked with Miller about how the era mirrors the tumultuousness of America today.

Guest:

Jeannette Walls is the author of “The Glass Castle” and “The Silver Star.” She lives in rural Virginia with her husband, writer John Taylor.

Use the audio player above to listen to the conversation.

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