"Kinfolk" by Sean Dietrich

Anais' Annotations

Sean Dietrich is a Southern writer who gained popularity online by sharing pieces of his creative nonfiction. Long-time fans like me consider these short reads to be some of his most heartwarming, but the writer, also known as Sean of the South, is also a highly regarded novelist. One of his most recent books, “Kinfolk” (2023), is a combination of redemption stories, modern odysseys and small-town justice tales. 

The novel is set in the 70s in our great state of Alabama. For all its many flaws, Dietrich asks readers to see the Southern United States for both its best and worst qualities,

something that has drawn much of his fan base. That is exactly the kind of story told in “Kinfolk” as Nub, an alcoholic and failing father, encounters Minnie. Minnie is a teenager who has faced many hardships– an absent father, the recent death of her mother, constant work and school troubles. When readers first meet Minnie, her greatest challenge is yet to come; enter Nub. 

While Minnie and Nub are a fascinating duo on their own, many other characters help see this plot through to the end. The dynamics of the community are woven throughout this story, bringing in folks from all walks of life. I think anyone from a small town, no matter where it is located, can understand how important community support is. Dietrich incorporates a wide cast of characters, all of whom step right into the center stage when it matters most. I know this sounds hokey on paper. Yet it remains one of my favorite features of Dietrich’s work: the message of hope in what is to come never fails. 

More than just a story of hope with some extraordinary characters, this book is  something of a cultural time capsule. It captures many elements of its period, but none of these is more important than its emphasis on country music. Not to spoil anything, but it is filled to the brim with references to important founders of the country music genre, including a fabulous ending involving the Grand Ole Opry. Anyone who has been in the South for any length of time knows how treasured music is to this region, and it is an element that flows right into the main narrative. 

As much as I enjoyed this book, it is only fair to give some warnings about the content. The novel deals with suicide, teen pregnancy, religious trauma, substance misuse and terminal illness. Much of the meaning and hope found within its pages comes from these struggles, but I strongly encourage interested readers to be prepared for these heavier themes. 

In this dreary, cold weather, “Kinfolk” may be just what readers need to raise their spirits.

It has found a permanent place on my shelf, and I find it to be a constant reminder of what a beautiful thing it is to have people you love by your side– your kinfolk, even if they are kinfolk by choice rather than blood. I confidently give this book a 10 out of 10 and encourage you to give it a chance, too.