A review by kklemaster
Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson

2.0

High expectations based on The Girl Who Stopped Swimming (which is definitely a favorite), so maybe it's partially my fault that this one seemed to fall short. The plot is supposed to be circular and mysterious but it ends up being redundant and difficult to read - the characters keep making assumptions and acting based on those, then they realize they were completely wrong and make new assumptions and act based on those, on and on and on. No character is particularly relatable or likeable. I'm glad Jackson wants to keep writing about strong female protagonists, but Arlene doesn't really make sense. She is a bundle of good, interesting contradictions, like the Southern girl grown up and moved to the city, and the smart woman sometimes lacking in social or common sense, but too often she is just incongruous with herself, or mean, or preachy. Instead of satisfaction upon reaching the end, I was relieved to be done with these distant characters and the tiring plot. But that doesn't mean I still don't adore Jackson's writing talent and language.