Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson
For 10 years Arlene has kept her promises, and God has kept His end of the bargain. Until now. When an old schoolmate from Possett turns up at Arlene's door in Chicago asking questions about Jim Beverly, former quarterback and god of Possett High, Arlene's break with her former hometown is forced to an end.
At the same time, Burr, her long-time boyfriend, has raised an ultimatum: introduce him to her family or consider him gone. Arlene loves him dearly but knows her lily white (not to mention deeply racist) Southern Baptist family will not understand her relationship with an African American boyfriend. Reluctantly, Arlene bows to the pressure, and she and Burr embark on the long-avoided road trip back home.
A Story of Secrets and Redemption
As Arlene digs through guilt and deception, her patched-together alibi begins to unravel, and she discovers how far she will go for love and a chance at redemption. This Southern literary novel explores themes of family dysfunction, racial tension, and the weight of buried secrets in a small Alabama town.
Perfect for Book Clubs and Southern Fiction Readers
Gods in Alabama combines the atmospheric tension of Southern Gothic literature with contemporary relationship drama. The novel examines the complexities of interracial relationships in the Deep South, family loyalty versus personal truth, and the courage required to confront one's past. Ideal for readers who appreciate character-driven narratives with moral complexity and regional authenticity.
