Book Review: The Pecan Man

Set in 1976 in Mayville, Florida, in the opening pages of The Pecan Man readers are introduced to Ora Lee Beckworth, Blanche and the Pecan Man. Ora Lee is a white, recently widowed, middle-aged woman. Blanche was Ora Lee’s black maid, who raised her five children in the section of town referred to as “colored town.” Blanche worked for Ora Lee until her death. The Pecan Man (Eddie) was a black, elderly homeless man who took up residence in nearby woods and was hired by Ora Lee to care for her yard. Neighborhood children gave Eddie the nickname as a result of the sack of pecans he often had with him.