The Dry Grass of August
The Dry Grass of August
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011
Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Southern United States • 1950s
2011
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Dry Grass of August by Anna Jean Mayhew, set in the summer of 1954, follows 13-year-old June "Jubie" Bentley Watts from North Carolina on a family vacation that unravels disastrously. As racial tensions mount post-Brown vs. The Board of Education ruling, Jubie becomes increasingly aware of the harsh realities faced by their Black maid, Mary, during their journey through the segregated South. Includes explicit portrayals of racism and violence.
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
29,080 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Dry Grass of August by Anna Jean Mayhew has been praised for its rich, atmospheric setting and compelling narrative. The novel's exploration of racism and family dynamics in 1950s America resonates with readers. However, some critique its predictability and slower pacing. Overall, it effectively captures the tensions and complexities of the era.
Who Should Read The Dry Grass of August?
Readers who enjoy poignantly narrated Southern family sagas with themes of racial tension and coming-of-age will appreciate The Dry Grass of August by Anna Jean Mayhew. Comparable to The Secret Life of Bees and To Kill a Mockingbird, this novel captivates those drawn to heartfelt stories set against the backdrop of 1950s America.
29,080 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Novel • Fiction
Southern United States • 1950s
2011
Adult
18+ years
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