Refuge
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009
356
Novel • Fiction
Appalachian Mountains • 1920s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Refuge by Dot Jackson is a Southern Gothic novel set in the early 20th century, following Mary Seneca Steele's escape from an abusive marriage and genteel city life to the rugged Appalachian community of her childhood. Alongside her children, she embraces the harsh yet fulfilling mountain life, navigating physical and emotional challenges while seeking solace and connection. Features instances of domestic abuse and financial ruin.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Mysterious
9,297 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Refuge by Dot Jackson resonates with readers for its atmospheric portrayal of Southern Appalachia and rich, lyrical prose. Praised for its deep character development and evocative language, some found its pacing uneven and narrative occasionally meandering. Overall, it captivates with its portrayal of personal and cultural transformation.
Readers who appreciate rich, Southern storytelling with deep emotional and cultural threads, like in The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd or Big Fish by Daniel Wallace, will enjoy Refuge by Dot Jackson. This novel offers a poignant exploration of personal and social complexities in a rural Southern setting.
9,297 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
356
Novel • Fiction
Appalachian Mountains • 1920s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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