Southern Review of Books

The Anatomy of Returning Home as a Stranger: A Review of Gayl Jones’ “The Unicorn Woman”

By: Don J Rath September 6, 2024September 6, 2024

ReviewsBeacon Press, Fiction, Gayle Jones, The Unicorn WomanLeave a Comment

A review of Gayl Jones’ new novel, “The Unicorn Woman.”

“The Lost Story”: The Strongest Magic There Is

By: Jenny Maattala September 4, 2024August 22, 2024

ReviewsBallantine Books, Fiction, Meg Shaffer, Novel, The Lost StoryLeave a Comment

A review of Meg Shaffer’s “The Lost Story.”

Social Justice Propels “Pay the Piper”

By: Toby LeBlanc September 3, 2024September 2, 2024

ReviewsDaniel Kraus, Fiction, George Romero, Novel, Pay the Piper, ReviewLeave a Comment

Daniel Kraus brings the late George Romero’s last manuscript to light in this horror novel.

Five Stories to Soothe a Weary Soul

By: Jennette Holzworth August 30, 2024August 21, 2024

FeaturesFictionLeave a Comment

SRB editor Jennette Holzworth writes about five books that remind her of the impact of individuals showing up for a better world.

Life Death Rebirth in “Mother Water Ash”

By: Carrie Teresa Sage August 27, 2024August 21, 2024

ReviewsLSU Press, Mother Water Ash, Nicole Cooley, PoetryLeave a Comment

A review of Nicole Cooley’s poetry collection, “Mother Water Ash.”

“The Witch’s Daughter” a Memoir Balancing Darkness with the Light of Recovery

By: Mandianne Berg August 26, 2024August 26, 2024

ReviewsGallery Books, Her Magic, Nonfiction, Orenda Fink, The Witch's MagicLeave a Comment

Acclaimed indie musician and songwriter Orenda Fink draws readers in with insight to her healing.

“Old Enough: Southern Women Artists and Writers on Creativity and Aging”: Life-, Age-, and Art-Affirming Manifestos

By: Amy R. Martin August 23, 2024August 23, 2024

ReviewsEssays, Jay Lamar, Jennifer Horne, Katie Lamar Jackson, NewSouth Books, Nonfiction, Old Enough: Southern Women Artists and Writers on Creativity and aging, Review, Wendy ReedLeave a Comment

A review of “Old Enough: Southern Women Artists and Writers on Creativity and Aging,” edited by Jay Lamar and Jennifer Horne with Wendy Reed and Lamar Jackson.

C’ville Residents Stand By in “Onlookers”

By: Becca Stanek August 21, 2024August 21, 2024

ReviewsAnn Beattie, Fiction, Onlookers, Review, Scribner, Short StoriesLeave a Comment

A review of Ann Beattie’s short story collection, “Onlookers.”

‘Strange Folk’ Shows the Healing of Home

By: Jessi Rae Morton August 20, 2024August 19, 2024

ReviewsAlli Dyer, Atria Books, Fiction, Strange FolkLeave a Comment

Featuring magic, mystery and dark themes Alli Dyer’s debut novel spotlights family trauma, addiction and the healing power of land.

“The Road to the Country”: A War Novel About Brotherhood, Friendship

By: Bradley Sides August 16, 2024August 17, 2024

ReviewsChigozie Obioma, Fiction, Novel, Review, The Road to the Country1 Comment

Obioma captures guilt, fear, anger, hope, and love in his latest work. It’s a big and ambitious book, and it brilliantly succeeds.