41 pages • 1 hour read
In West Mills
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Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
North Carolina • 1940s
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In West Mills by De'Shawn Charles Winslow follows Azalea "Knot" Centre, an independent and alcoholic woman navigating life in the fictional town of West Mills, North Carolina, from 1941 to 1987. After rejecting a marriage proposal, Knot deals with two secret pregnancies, complicated relationships, and the revelation of family secrets, culminating in a lifelong struggle interwoven with the journeys of her friends and neighbors.
Gritty
Nostalgic
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
2,962 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
De'Shawn Charles Winslow's In West Mills is widely praised for its vivid, character-driven storytelling and rich depiction of African American life in a small Southern town. Some critics appreciate its nuanced exploration of community and identity, though a few mention a slower pace in parts. Overall, it’s considered a compelling and poignant debut.
Who Should Read In West Mills?
Readers who enjoyed The Color Purple by Alice Walker or The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd will appreciate In West Mills. Those interested in richly woven, character-driven stories exploring themes of community, resilience, and identity in the rural South will find this novel captivating.
2,962 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
272
Novel • Fiction
North Carolina • 1940s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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