Briscoe Chambers is not only the manager of her country music star husband, but a graduate student trying to complete her Virginia Woolf thesis by fall - the same time her cheating husband, Michael, has an album due to avoid being in breach of contract. No problem, right?
Except his co-writer will be Velvet Wickens, his idol who has been opening shows for him. And who happens to be the one he's cheating with. Now Briscoe has been asked by their record label to ensure the album gets finished on time. To accomplish this, they must all live together for the duration of the writing of the album.
And by the way, Briscoe knows.
Fans of the writing of both Taylor Jenkins Reid and Virginia Woolf will enjoy this novel that has plenty of sweet tea, country music, Virginia Woolf, and heartache.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The author does a fine job depicting the dissolution of a marriage and the inner turmoil of a woman who sees the writing on the wall yet still struggles to cut the cord. The references to Virginia Woolf add complexity to the storyline but can at times distract from the central narrative.
Prose: The author expertly depicts the protagonist's internal struggle, her war between head and heart. The prose here, and the narration in particular, is top-notch.
Originality: Southern Fried Woolf offers sparkling originality and layers of psychological depth.
Character/Execution: The author does a superb job of bringing the reader into Briscoe's head. The unusual juxtaposition of music and literature lends a fresh edge to the storytelling.
Date Submitted: April 03, 2023
