Heartland is a memoir by writer Sarah Smarsh to be published on September 18, 2018. Set in 1980's and 1990's Kansas, the book follow the story of young Smarsh, daughter of a poor wheat farmer. With themes of America's continuously changing economic policies, that often discriminate against the poorest classes, Heartland gives a real perspective to those looking for the simple aspects of life.
America is known for having many things - life, liberty, and happiness among them. However, a stereotypical view of the country is that there is an excess of wealth among its general population. Sarah Smarsh, however, brings to light the truth on this topic. Being raised by her grand-mother because her mother was too young to care for her, Smarsh lived on a farm near Wichita. Just miles away, you could find bustling streets of the 1990's, with people spending their money window shopping and at the mall. Heartland was written to show that there are divisions of class everywhere, but personal identity should never be compromised for that reason.
Sarah Smarsh is an up and coming author that has previously written for The New Yorker, The Guardian, and The New York Times. Previously working as a non-fiction writing professor, she pursued her dream of speaking out against economic inequality. Still living in Kansas today, Heartland is her first book.
