Night Bird Calling

A hard-hitting novel set in the Appalachians of North Carolina. This one covers all sorts of difficult topics, but mostly racial tensions and abusive relationships. There are a lot of POV characters but the deft touch in writing POV switches kept it clear and easy to follow. I love the setting and the characters, especially savvy young Celia and sweet, aching Liliana.

This wasn't a quick read. It's a deep story that needs a few days to digest properly (and if you gulped it down fast, put it on your reread list to get another layer of story the next time through). The characters have real concerns and pains and they need a whole lot more than just a happy ending in the future–they have to find healing for the past and safety in the present.

The story isn't an easy one and you will feel many of the emotions and dangers of the characters. It's also not a romance, but more of a human-interest or women's literature sort of story. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.