TO ADD TO YOUR READING LIST

Red Clay Suzie by Jeffrey Dale Lofton

Longlisted for the Center for Fiction 2023 First Novel Prize

A beautiful, distinctive voice that transcends genre and category

“Red Clay Suzie is beautifully written, deeply and authentically rooted in its small-town Southern setting, and powerfully driven by the distinctive voice of its main character, Philbet. This novel transcends category and genre: Its story of a child and then a young man "living and loving on the fringes," as Lofton says, and finding his place in the world would speak to both teens and adults. The story begins when Philbet is a young child, and Lofton's ability to conjure this child's unique perception of the world and the people around him is masterful. Lofton writes with deep compassion for all his characters and takes readers to an ending that is satisfying and life-affirming, but not easy or simple.” Five Star Reader Review