Publisher: Flatiron Books

Publication Date: 4/4/2023

Pages: 304 pgs.

Nineteen-year-old Magnolia just lost her grandmother. Mama Brown was the only stability in her life. Magnolia’s mother, Cherry, became drug-addicted and abandoned her. Mama Brown raised Magnolia and taught her about life. Magnolia helped by working at the local gas station at night. Now that Mama Brown is gone, what is to become of Magnolia? The gas station job won’t pay enough for rent, utilities, food, and clothing. Her landlord, Sugar Foot, is willing to work with her on the rent in exchange for some favors.

As she works one night, a man comes into the gas station and tells her that he would like to help her model. Magnolia looks at this man, Cotton, and tries to decide whether to trust him or not. With her bank balance at nearly zero, Magnolia decides to see what this modeling job is all about. Magnolia’s instincts about Cotton say he is trouble. Is she right or just fearful from her interactions with Sugar Foot?

This book is gritty. The dialogue can be rough, the scenes can be graphic, and some people are nasty. Just a warning for those who don’t like that type of book. Magnolia lives in poverty with little to no chance of getting out. She understands her condition but doesn’t accept it. She wants to find a way to be free of her dependencies. The other characters in the book feel ominous. You just get that feeling that nothing good is going to happen with them involved. Magnolia has some awareness of how awful these people are but still can’t step away from them. This is grief, loneliness, naivete, and seduction with a sprinkle of carnality and mysticism thrown in for good measure.

While reading this novel, I realized how sheltered I am. I haven’t experienced anything close to Magnolia’s experiences. I know I’m lucky. Surprisingly, Magnolia is not a pitiful character, she is far too strong and determined. Magnolia is fierce. I found myself struggling to believe that Magnolia would stay and allow so much to happen at Cotton’s house. She allows so much more to happen to her than she should. There are uncomfortable scenes in this book and it is definitely intended for an adult audience. Monica Brashears takes us on a graphic look at the harsh realities of life. Monica is not afraid to make the reader uncomfortable and this story is one that will make you think long after you finish the last page. The raw power of this author’s voice is one to watch.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻/5