Kinfolk

A Southern Small Town Novel of Family Secrets, Forgiveness, and Hope

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.

great story

loved all of it
great book I would highly recommend it. This is the fourth book of Sean's I've listened to and loved each one

a very good story, and wow Sean Dietrich can sing!

There is something unique and special about the way this author writes. You kind of have to embrace the "white trash joy" of the writing, which for some inexplicable reason, I find endearing. There are some unlikely events in this book, but you end up believing and rooting for Sugar, Minnie, Nub, Emily, and Leanne, and even for Deputy Burke. It's just a good story. The fact that the author is telling us about an autobiographical event (his father's suicide), made me like the telling even more. I can honestly say that Sean Dietrich is one of the only authors who should be reading his own books, if only so we can hear him sing, which is pretty amazing. I highly recommend this book.

Redemptive and real. Engaging and entertaining.

From the very first sentence to the last, Sean grabs the reader and vividly pulls them into the lives of the people of small town “PAPK.” A true-to-life novel for everyone, Kinfolk is a rollercoaster of surprising joys interwoven into the harder realities that are life. Sean’s descriptions are clever and creative. After listening to his telling of the story, the delighted reader feels like they know and are known by the author. As a Southerner myself, I loved both the subtle and outright Southern bits of the culture of both yesteryear and the present included in these pages. Lastly, the review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning that I shared my headphones forcing my hubby listen to a few sentences just so he could appreciate the gift that is Sean’s uniquely deep and gruff slow southern drawl. Gonna miss these kinfolk now that the story has ended.

Narrator and story is awesome

Funny. Heartwarming. Reminders of sweet time gone by. Totally recommend this book. Mystery and you don’t know the ending…. til the end.

Great story!

I really enjoyed this story and found it hard to stop listening. I really enjoy stories about people and their interactions with each other. This was a real winner!