The School on Heart's Content Road, Carolyn Chute returns to Egypt, Maine, the setting of her earlier novel The Beans of Egypt, Maine. At the center of the story are Gordon St. Onge and Rex York, who have known each other since childhood. Gordon runs a polygamous commune (he calls himself a prophet) and is into alternative energy and organic produce. Rex heads the right-wing militia. While they seem to be of contradictory mindsets and politics, they also find commonality being the working poor in a part of the country ignored by the government, unless it decides to intrude on their lives. Carolyn Chute's novel has received positive reviews with the Christian Science Monitor saying, "
The School on Heart's Content Road is a triumph of characterization and color. Following the plot requires concentration, energy, and a willingness to look past the political posturing and simply enjoy the ride."
