Kinfolk

A Novel by “Sean of the South”

De: Sean Dietrich

Narrado por: Sean Dietrich

An artistic "gem," (Historical Novel Society) as revealing as it is beautifully told from beloved author "Sean of the South."

"The Southern story you've been waiting for." --Patti Callahan Henry, NYT bestselling author

"A heartwarming and well-told tale with lyrical writing." --Boo Walker, bestselling author

Sometimes it's the most unlikely meetings that give life's greatest gifts.

1970s, Southern Alabama. Sixty-two-year-old Jeremiah Lewis Taylor, or "Nub," has spent his whole life listening to those he loves tell him he's no good--first his ex-wife, now his always-disapproving daughter. Sure, his escapades have made him, along with his cousin and perennial sidekick, Benny, just a smidge too familiar with small-town law enforcement, but he's never harmed anyone--except perhaps himself.

Nub never meant to change his ways, but when he and fifteen-year-old Waffle House waitress Minnie form an unlikely friendship, he realizes for the first time that there may be some good in him after all. Six-foot-five Minnie has been dealt a full deck of bad luck--her father is a convicted murderer serving a life sentence, her mother is dead and buried, and she has a Grand Ole Opry-worthy singing voice with no place to perform. Oh, and there's the small fact that she's unexpectedly pregnant, courtesy of a no-good high-school boy.

Gradually, Nub realizes the gift he's been given: a second chance to make a difference.

Beloved Southern writer Sean Dietrich, also known as Sean of the South, once again brings people and places to life in this lyrical song-turned-story about found family, second chances, country music, and the poignant power of love and forgiveness.

This standalone novel is read by the author and includes discussion questions, which makes it perfect for book clubs. Also by Sean Dietrich: Over Yonder, The Incredible Winston Browne, Stars of Alabama, and You Are My Sunshine

Reseñas de la Crítica

Kinfolk is the Southern story you've been waiting for.

Dietrich's latest gem combines his trademark wit and compassion. Using short, unadorned sentences, there is a timeless universality to the way in which he conjures ordinary people scarred by hardscrabble lives. His prose has a familiarity and gentle reverence for his cast members, allowing each their moment in the sun. Minnie's artistic coming-of-age is profound and uplifting, while Nub's life-changing decision puts him back in touch with his feelings and those of everyone around him. Reminiscent of his previous novels, and skillfully date-stamped in the early Seventies, Dietrich's keen observations of his native Alabama underscore a natural love of life-affirming storytelling.

Sean Dietrich has a lovely, seasoned voice that's anchored by his deep understanding of the charm and depth of the South. Kinfolk, the latest in his oeuvre, is a heartwarming and well-told tale with lyrical writing that's as rich as my mother's grits casserole. I'm left satisfied, uplifted, and perhaps a little homesick too.

Sean Dietrich is a master at creating Southern characters who are relatable in their brokenness, hope, and perseverance. Laugh-out-loud colloquialisms bring sincerity and realism to small-town life. Kinfolk spins both a heartbreaking and heartwarming tale about family, redemption, second chances, and the power of love that moves us all.

The most beautifully written book I have ever read

This gifted writer can craft the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. All of his books grace the honor of my bookshelves. His passion for writing shines through on each and every page he writes. After finishing listening or reading his books I want to immediately start over again. He writes from his heart and does not settle for second best. His books make me feel like a better person for having read them. He royally entertains his readers and makes them feel life is really worth living.

Heartwarming

Very real, relatable and human! Beautifully written with details which transported me to the scene. Found myself laughing, worrying, tearing, crying, heartbroken and heart warmed, as I read.

Kinfolk~ Thankful for your story!

I love Sean's character development. These characters are so real. Thank you for writing these stories!!!

Sean Dietrich just keeps getting better

Each of his novels is his best yet! Just when you think he cant do better - he does. Superb story telling.

storytelling at its best!!

I've read several books by Sean and he has such a unique way of touching your heart and soul. I'm so grateful for his stories. Please keep writing.

The story and performance

I enjoyed it very much!! I’m so glad I found this author. I will definitely get more of his work.

The ties that bind us to one another

Sometimes we need to just stop and get off this crazy 'merry-go-round' called life and take a trip down memory lane. You know the one's that I'm talking about....the ones where you can almost smell that sweet apple pie that just came out of the oven grannie's kitchen ..or the smell of the grass after fresh fallen rain! Those precious memories that each of us tuck away in the deepest parts of our hearts and souls are essential. They are the things that help us survive those times when the trial and tribulations as well as the heartaches and joys of life...blow our sails off course. This author has the God given gift of embracing all the beautiful aspects of living a Southern born and breed life into a story that elevates the human spirit and reminds us of why we are here. Those memories we cherish extend out across time and space and touch and connect with others of like mind and spirit. They may be family by blood and lineage but they can also be our chosen 'extended' family that allow us to be more fully complete and whole. You see.... we each see the world through a different set of glasses (some are rose colored!) and by having the support and love of 'kinfolk' all around us....we are blessed by the simple truth of Pure LOVE!! Thank you Sean for the journey you took us on along with you...it is so nice to be reconnected with my 'kinfolk' whom I had lost touch with so long ago!!!

Sad to have it end...

Sean's descriptive and wonderfully phrased writing made this writer put off acknowledging all 17 items on my to-do list - except taking our puppy to the groomer, as that gave me an excuse to sit in my car and continue listening to this special book.

Realistic

The story was realistic. I kept expecting “tied in a bow” sweet things to happen and was pleased that it was more true to life. Plus, I’ve never heard an author be such an excellent narrator.

Best narration!

Beautifully constructed story. Light-hearted and gentle, but straight-forward delivery. The directness of some of the characters provided an interrupted (and welcomed) chuckle…. it made me think of my grandfather and his story telling.