Read Recently: Southern Discomfort

Southern Discomfort is not the sort of book I typically read. Because I am a big dork and typically concentrate a lot more on SF, fantasy and horror. Well, that and romance. But this book was none of those. It is set in Montgomery, and was written by mystery writer Rita Mae Brown. It portrays the lives of the residents of Montgomery, Alabama, near the beginning of the century. Among the cast of characters are Banana Mae and Blue Rhonda, a couple of whores who have a near constant battle with the very overzealous preacher, Hercules Jinx, a prizefighter, and the affluent Bannister family. All these people have their problems and their secrets, and, basically, it’s like a giant soap opera, except without the overwrought dialogue.

I really enjoyed this book. Brown writes all of her characters well, and the drama in their lives seems real. I was able to empathize with them most of the way through the book, and it was fascinating to watch their lives go by. the book is also very dark, and there are lots of references to sex and drugs. Not all the sex is consensual, and not all of it is heterosexual either, which… I have no problem with whatsoever.

My only quibble was that I thought the book lost its momentum for about the last third, at least up until the very end, but aside from that, very highly recommended.

BTW, I’ve decided to tackle one of the romance novels I had on my request list from the library. I may see if I can find the book blurb online and post it, because I think it will bring the snark.