I won this book via Goodreads First Reads.

This book was really good. It was a page turner and written eloquently. I thought the author captured the voice of the south very well. The narrator, Ivorie, actually reminded me a bit of Sookie Stackhouse in the way that she was southern, bubbly, and not the norm compared to the people around. I suppose she was much like Sookie in the ways that most of her friends disapprove of her choices, but she stands by them anyway.

I honestly wasn’t sure what would happen in the book, so it kept me guessing. I loved Ivorie’s personality, her big heart, and her dog, Sally. She opens her heart to a small, filthy, and abused child. This is such a tender southern story. I don’t read much southern fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed this story. All of the characters were well described and I felt like I knew them all. The narration switches between Ivorie and the boy, and later, Ivorie’s brother Henry. When Ivorie takes in the boy, I was surprised by the hostility of the townsfolk, and even more surprised by some of the characters who were supportive.

I tend to avoid stories set in such times where women weren’t really seen as equal, because a lot of times, the women in the book disappoint me. I love to see female characters challenge the norm, which is probably why I loved Ivorie so much. While still sticking to the tight knit community feeling that I’m sure those towns had back in those days, the author manages to present a female character with guts.

I would definitely recommend this book to others, as it was well written and enjoyable, set in a believable small Tennessee town in the 1950’s. Great read!

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