Gods in Alabama

Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson
Fiction/Literature

Arlene Fleet figures God has gone back on his promise when she answers the door to someone from her hometown asking questions. She made a deal with God not to lie, fornicate and never go home if the body wasn't found.

In the meantime, Burr her African American boyfriend wants to meet her family and it becomes a deal breaker. So Arlene, after 10 years, decides to return home.

Home is the redneck South full of racism. There is Aunt Florence, the strong matriarch of the family, holding everything and everyone together. Mama is eccentric and not quite there. Cousin Clarice is as sweet as pie.

The story is told in a series of flashbacks about the demons and secrets Arlene is trying so hard to forget.

I loved this story for the family affection portrayed and the true outpouring of love. The twist at the end was unexpected and seemed so proper.

First Line: "There are gods in Alabama: Jack Daniel's, high school quarterbacks, trucks, big tits, and also Jesus."

Rating:

(4.0/5)