Orphans of the Living by Kathy Watson
TITLE INFORMATION
Orphans of the Living
Kathy Watson
She Writes Press, 352 pages
9780228828880, 09.30.2025
Overall Rating = 5
Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing & Delivery = 5
Editorial = 5
Vividly told through the perspectives of four members of the Stovall family, Orphans of the Living is a historical fiction novel set around the 1930’s, where the ripples from the Great Depression unsettle American society. The narrators: Barney Stovall, his wife Luna, his daughter Nora Mae, and Glen, Lula’s son from her first marriage, each serve a distinct purpose and voice, highlighting their worldviews. As Barney and Glen wrestle with “The Man” to survive, the novel explores the pressures of the era, the weight of the past, and a complex pursuit of the American Dream.
In her debut historical fiction novel, author Kathy Watson sheds light on the racism, injustices, and socio-economic struggles at the time through honest and engaging storytelling. Based on her own family's experience, Watson writes with emotional depth and rich characters brought to life through authentic dialogue and seamless narration. As the story moves through Montana, Mississippi, and California, each setting is described in vivid detail, anchoring the story in time and place. Orphans of the Living is a powerful and immersive read that is especially recommended for fans of historical fiction, but the reader shouldn’t ignore the content warning regarding period-accurate language and potentially triggering scenes.
Sublime Line: “A stirring debut that captures both the hardship and resilience of an era, Orphans of the Living is historical fiction at its finest.”
Sublime Book Review
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