Reviews – Page 23 – Southern Review of Books

“Daybreak” Confronts US Involvement in Russo-Ukrainian War

By: Nicole Yurcaba February 23, 2024February 23, 2024

ReviewsAtria Books, Daybreak, Fiction, Matt Gallagher, NovelLeave a Comment

Part love story, Army veteran Matthew Gallagher’s latest novel primarily explores the complexities of war.

Adult Malice and Childhood Savagery in Dizz Tate’s Debut “Brutes”

By: Stephen Meisel February 21, 2024February 21, 2024

ReviewsBrutes, Catapult, Dizz Tate, FictionLeave a Comment

An early scene in Dizz Tate’s debut novel Brutes depicts a birthday party of teenage girls stuffing water balloons inside their shirts: Leila told us that one girl had stuffed two balloons down the front of her bikini-top, and soon all the girls were running around with large, wobbling breasts. Then they started body-slamming each other to…

“Slow Noodles” Shows One Small Act Can Establish a Cornerstone

By: Nicole Yurcaba February 16, 2024February 13, 2024

ReviewsAlgonquin Books, Chantha Nguon, Nonfiction, Slow NoodlesLeave a Comment

This Cambodian culinary memoir reminds readers that even for daily living, certain recipes are required for personal success and mindful living.

Resilient Family Spreads Love, Goodwill in “Redwood Court”

By: BettyJoyce Nash February 9, 2024February 7, 2024

ReviewsDéLana R. A. Dameron, Dial Press, Fiction, Redwood Court, Review1 Comment

A review of “Redwood Court” by DéLana R.A. Dameron.

“Dear Sister” Explores Twin Darknesses of Private Violence and Carceral Violence

By: Moa Short February 5, 2024February 5, 2024

ReviewsDear Sister, Grand Central Publishing, Memoir, Michelle Horton, Nonfiction, ReviewLeave a Comment

Michelle Horton’s sister, Nikki Addimando, made national headlines in 2017 when she was convicted of killing her partner. In a new memoir, Horton sheds light on their story and the issue of domestic violence.

Nevertheless, They Persisted: Six Enslaved Women Rebel in “Night Wherever We Go”

By: Kate Valach January 29, 2024January 19, 2024

ReviewsEcco Press, Fiction, Night Wherever We Go, Novel, Review, Tracey Rose PeytonLeave a Comment

A review of “Night Wherever We Go” by Tracey Rose Peyton.

“Thick with Trouble” is also Rich with Mystique

By: Nicole Yurcaba January 24, 2024January 23, 2024

ReviewsAmber McBride, Poetry, Review, Thick with TroubleLeave a Comment

In this poetry collection, “a chorus of unapologetic women” are the vehicle for examining America’s fraught history.

‘The Bullet Swallower’ Explores Who Pays for the Debts of Ancestors

By: Chaney Hill January 22, 2024January 23, 2024

ReviewsElizabeth Gonzalez James, Fiction, Simon and Schuster, The Bullet Swallower1 Comment

Elizabeth Gonzalez James’ third novel asks what the relationship between revenge, retribution, reparation and remedy is.

In “Only If You’re Lucky,” Female Friendships Prove Anything But Fortunate

By: KT Sparks January 12, 2024January 11, 2024

ReviewsFiction, Novel, Only If You're Lucky, Review, Stacy Willingham, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Stacy Willingham’s latest novel isn’t her best work, but she still deserves a place alongside Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn in the pantheon of great psychological thriller authors.