Down Home Blues

by Phyllis R. Dixon

HOME IS THE PLACE WHERE WHEN YOU HAVE TO GO

THERE THEY HAVE TO LET YOU IN.

Eden, Arkansas is a town you are from, not move to. But when divorce, foreclosure, domestic violence, and an all-expense paid trip (also called prison) disrupt the Washington siblings' perfectly planned lives, they end up back down home. Instead of serenity, sibling rivalries, divided loyalties and money squabbles resurface. Even the good news, that there may be natural gas on their father's land, causes conflict. When their father, C.W. Washington, one of the largest landowners in the county, announces his engagement, barely six months after his wife's death, his daughters fear Viagra is clouding his judgement (his sons say - go for it).

Homemade preserves and family dinners are welcome by-products of the move down home. Unfortunately, family members aren't always singing in the same key. But just a few notes can switch a gloomy blues tune to the soundtrack for a good time. What song will the Washingtons play?

286 pages, Paperback

Published January 6, 2016

About the author

Ms. Dixon is the author of the novels, Something in the Water, A Taste for More, Intermission, Forty Acres, Down Home Blues, and the forthcoming Notes From Beale Street. She is also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul. She is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has also lived in Minneapolis, Houston, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She now calls Memphis, Tennessee home. She is a former bank regulator and book store owner. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and has three adult children. When not reading or writing, she enjoys classic movies, old school R&B and chocolate.

Reviews

[Whit]

Beverly, Cecelia, Carolyn, Anthony, Micheal, Derrick, Carl and Raymond! At times the story was entertaining and then it was just confusing. There were way too many underdeveloped characters. Between Memphis and Arkansas I couldn't keep up with which character was suppose to be where. I received this book, free, in a Goodreads' First Reads Giveaway. Thank you.

[Rochelle A.]

Great read!


it was wonderful " catching up" on the lives of the characters in Ms Dixon's previous book "Forty Acres". So much actual history, blended with of the challenges of life, told through the voices of the fictional characters.

[Carshena]

Enjoyed the Story

It was a nice family story. however, it was a little resilient the back and forth and the different story lines

[Adrian Jackson]

There were some anachronisms, but overall it was a good story for a book club.

[Angela]

ENJOYED!!! The family reminded me of my own family, which made me finish the book quickly!
My Sorority also hosted a Zoom book discussion, which added to my enthusiasm for this book!

[Ava Smith-forrest]

Down Home Blues

This was really a down blues story. No one was able to find happiness however there was family love and support.

[Pamela]

If you like to peer into the lives of drama filled relationships, then this novel is for you. The author exposes complex family relationships and the baggage they drag behind them. I enjoyed reading the novel, but I did have a hard time keeping up with the drama of each character. Because there was so much going on, the story does leave you curious to see what the future holds for each character. It took me longer than normal to read because of the style in which it was written. Overall, it was worth the read and I intend to read the author's first novel.

[Cindy]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. Perhaps because I love seeing how different siblings can be and how they can each have their own challenges and mistakes in life. It was a really well-told story and I found it engaging and entertaining. Loved the way the characters were developed and how they related to one another.

[Flashette]

It could have been a good book if the story line wasn't so disjointed.