Kinfolk
A Novel by “Sean of the South”
-
-
4.5 • 30 Ratings
-
-
- $9.99
Publisher Description
An artistic "gem," (Historical Novel Society) as revealing as it is beautifully told from beloved author "Sean of the South."
"The Southern story you've been waiting for." --Patti Callahan Henry, NYT bestselling author
"A heartwarming and well-told tale with lyrical writing." --Boo Walker, bestselling author
Sometimes it's the most unlikely meetings that give life's greatest gifts.
1970s, Southern Alabama. Sixty-two-year-old Jeremiah Lewis Taylor, or "Nub," has spent his whole life listening to those he loves tell him he's no good--first his ex-wife, now his always-disapproving daughter. Sure, his escapades have made him, along with his cousin and perennial sidekick, Benny, just a smidge too familiar with small-town law enforcement, but he's never harmed anyone--except perhaps himself.
Nub never meant to change his ways, but when he and fifteen-year-old Waffle House waitress Minnie form an unlikely friendship, he realizes for the first time that there may be some good in him after all. Six-foot-five Minnie has been dealt a full deck of bad luck--her father is a convicted murderer serving a life sentence, her mother is dead and buried, and she has a Grand Ole Opry-worthy singing voice with no place to perform. Oh, and there's the small fact that she's unexpectedly pregnant, courtesy of a no-good high-school boy.
Gradually, Nub realizes the gift he's been given: a second chance to make a difference.
Beloved Southern writer Sean Dietrich, also known as Sean of the South, once again brings people and places to life in this lyrical song-turned-story about found family, second chances, country music, and the poignant power of love and forgiveness.
This standalone novel includes discussion questions, which makes it perfect for book clubs. Also by Sean Dietrich: Over Yonder, The Incredible Winston Browne, Stars of Alabama, and You Are My Sunshine
Customer Reviews
Starts Slow But Is Worth The Wait
Kinfolk by Sean Dietrich was read by the author. I often find this to be a mixed bag because an author knows the pronunciation of the names s/he is using and the voices that s/he imagined when writing the book, but may not be a proficient narrator. That was not the case in this instant. The author had a slow, southern drawl that was perfect for the setting of this story. The story is primarily about “Nub,” a man in his sixties who was divorced and estranged from his daughter due to his alcoholism, and Minnie, a fifteen year old Waffle House line cook. Minnie had been dealt a hand of bad luck. Her father was in prison as a convicted murderer and her mother died. Nub and Minnie’s paths crossed in a shared hospital room, and both of their lives were changed for the better. This is a story of found family, second chances, country music, and the power of love and forgiveness. It took me a while to really engage with this audiobook. The author followed the storylines of Nub, his daughter Emily, Minnie, and Minnie’s father and there was quite a lot of world-building that was done to really set the scene for the story. I stuck with it because the writing was good and the characters were interesting and I was sure that when the author pulled it all together it would all make sense. It turned out that I was absolutely right and the resulting story is one that will stick with me for a long time. He described the hardships of living in a small town in impoverished circumstances, struggling with impact of PTSD from fighting a war, growing up as a child of an alcoholic, or finding one’s parent after a suicide. The intersection of these characters’ lives result in the opportunity to make amends for past mistakes or find hope when it seemed all hope was lost. It is a story that leaves the reader with a feeling of well-being when a number of seemingly hopeless circumstances are altered for the better. I fell in love with these characters and if you are a lover of historical fiction, you may too. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after listening to an advanced complementary copy of this audiobook thanks to Netgalley and Harper Muse.
Perfect
Cry, get mad, laugh in the story of these beautiful people
Loved ones
Blood does not always make a family. Sometimes the most unexpected person comes into your life and loves you. That person will be your family from then on. I loved Minnie and Nub. This is a journey of perseverance, a higher power that you have to follow and don’t look back. I couldn’t put this book down and enjoyed this story immensely.