Critical Praise

“Soaring high above the trite aphorisms of Southern “chick” literature, Odell incorporates the essences of other literary offerings in the same genre, putting his second novel alongside such notables as THE HELP, GONE WITH THE WIND, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLESTOP CAFÉ and THE SECRETS OF THE YA-YA SISTERHOOD. Not to mention the works of Eudora Welty, the pioneer of Southern fiction.”

—Author Exposure

“A writer whose work combines “the historical significance of Kathryn Stockett's THE HELP with the wisdom of Toni Morrison's BELOVED.” 

—Minneapolis Star Tribune

“A terrific writer who can take his place in the distinguished pantheon of Southern fiction.”

—Pat Conroy, author of THE PRINCE OF TIDES, THE GREAT SANTINI

“Here it comes --- barreling down the track like a runaway train, a no-holds-barred Southern novel as tragic and complicated as the Jim Crow era it depicts...This is a big brilliant novel whose time has come.”

—Lee Smith, author of THE LAST GIRLS and GUESTS ON EARTH

“Book clubs, this one is definitely for you!”

—Meg Waite Clayton, author of THE WEDNESDAY SISTERS