Part 1, Chapter 3 Summary

The Padgitt family lives on what is almost an island, except for a small sliver of land formed by the twisting Big Brown River. The circle of land is known as Padgitt Island. The family acquired the land during Reconstruction. From those early years forward the family produced one of the finest Southern whiskeys. During Prohibition, production continued, and the Padgitt family became a crime family. Although never convicted, the family was suspected of killing law enforcement agents and anyone else that got in their way. To insure their success, the family made sure to "own" the proper people in Ford County, such as the sheriff and politicians.

Part 1, Chapter 3 Analysis

The author is further laying the foundation for his story. It is important to understand the Padgitt family and their place among the Ford County residents. Because of their reputation...