Book Review: Kinfolk by Sean Dietrich #Alabama #1970sfiction #smalltownfiction #SouthernFiction

Alabama 1970s. When Nub Taylor decides to initiate a drunken car chase in Park (temporarily renamed Papk), Alabama, he ends up in the hospital next to 15-year-old Minnie Bass, who has just lost her mother due to suicide. Theirs is an unlikely friendship, for Nub can’t even stay sober long enough to have a relationship with his actual daughter, Emily, who has just received a terminal cancer diagnosis. In a series of events that can only happen in a small town, Nub applies to be Minnie’s foster parent. But there are secrets that are about to be revealed that will change everyone forever.

I started this at night and finished it the next morning. I loved it so much that I gave it ten stars, even though my rating system is based on five stars. Because it was just that good, and I felt like breaking my own rules. This is an amazing story of love, forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. The Southern small-town cast of characters–good, bad, and judgmental–is a delight. Throw in bullies, organized crime, and a mysterious protector, and this is a book you won’t want to put down. I laughed and sobbed. That’s how good this was. I want to read everything this author has ever written. Apparently Sean Dietrich has written 31 books, so I have 30 to go.

If you love Southern Fiction, read this! If you love Small Town fiction, read this. If you love redemptive stories about found family, read this! If you want to laugh and cry, read this. Read it. You won’t be disappointed. I loved it so much I’ve already preordered the audiobook.

I received a free copy of this book from Harper Muse via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Kinfolk will be released on November 14, 2023.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (FROM HIS WEBSITE)

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, novelist, and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Newsweek, Southern Living, Reader’s Digest, Garden and Gun, The Tallahassee Democrat, the Birmingham News, and The Mobile Press Register. His column appears in newspapers throughout the U.S. He has authored fifteen books and is the creator of the Sean of the South Podcast. He also makes appearances on the Grand Ole Opry.

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