Under the Magnolias

More the I Expected!

This book delivered much more than I expected! Our protagonist, teenager Austin, comes from a family of seven kids, all named after Southern cities by her recovering hippy parents. Her father preaches, off and on – in the backyard, mind you – at the church that he and all the townfolk refer to as the First Riffraff of Magnolia, South Carolina. How serious could this book be, right? It seemed like it set out to be a light, quirky coming-of-age tale. And it was in some ways. Magically, the author was able to maintain that tone, while also telling a powerful story that compassionately looks at mental illness and its collateral damage. Yet, a prevailing thread of the story is that good people … and people who love God with all sincerity…. can struggle with their own demons. The book is beautiful and heartfelt.