Carolyn Chute (born in 1947) is an American writer and populist political activist strongly identified with the culture of poor, rural western Maine.
Chute is known most for her first novel, The Beans of Egypt, Maine (1985). After that came Letourneau's Used Auto Parts (1988), Merry Men (1994) and Snow Man (1999).
The last book deals with the underground militia movement, something that Chute has devoted more of her time to in recent years. She is currently the leader of a group known as the Second Maine Militia, and she speaks publicly about class issues in America.
Chute lives in North Parsonsfield, Maine, near the New Hampshire border. She is married to Michael Chute and has a daughter named Joannah, as well as several grandchildren.
Chute continued the Bean saga in her second novel, "Letourneau's Used Auto Parts." That was followed by "Merry Men," which she still regards as her favorite, and "Snow Men," the most recently published book that was savaged by critics.
Chute's rebellious nature, activist bent and taste for satire have led her to engage in protests in support of workers' rights, float the prospect of a write-in campaign for governor and contribute a "Dear Revolutionary Abby" column to the Maine Commons, an alternative newspaper.
The family's plight recalls Chute's loss 20 years ago of a child that was stillborn, a tragedy that she blames on her inability to get timely hospital care because she and her husband lacked insurance.
Feeds |
Contact