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The River Knows Your Name
Kelly Mustian
Publication Date: April 1st, 2025
Sourcebooks Landmark
432 Pages
Amazon | Goodreads | Bookshop.org
Genres: Historical Fiction | Women’s Fiction
I loved Kelly Mustian’s debut novel, The Girls in the Stilt House, so it was a no-brainer to request this from NetGalley. The book is deeply emotional and weaves two tales that take the reader on a journey from the Depression-era American South to the 1970s. Southern historical fiction is my favourite genre, so it’s no surprise that I absolutely loved this one.
Dual timelines are a favourite format for me, and as usual, I loved the older timeline, BUT with the second being far back in the 1970s, I found that a plus. They’re both complex storylines but are skillfully interwoven and seamlessly reveal the connection between the characters and their shared history.
The setting is atmospheric and took me to the Mississippi Delta and the North Carolina mountains in my head. I can’t forget to mention the river of the title, as it is a character in and of itself and is a big part of the characters’ lives. The characters are complex, and so are their backgrounds; each has their struggles and vulnerabilities to deal with. I liked how the author showed how family secrets from the past can affect the present and even the future. The women in these two timelines are strong and resilient and do whatever they can to protect those they love and survive. I enjoyed being on this journey with Nell, Becca, Evie and Hazel and their search for the truth.
Overall, this book was compelling and beautifully written and will be enjoyed by anyone who loves historical fiction with strong female leads and detailed, complex storytelling. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
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