Description
Description
Longlisted for the Center for Fiction 2023 First Novel Prize A novel inspired by true events The coming-of-age story of Philbet, a gay, physically-misshapen boy in rural Georgia, who battles bullying, ignorance, and disdain as he makes his way in life as an outsider--before finding acceptance in unlikely places. Fueled by tomato sandwiches and green milkshakes, and obsessed with cars, Philbet struggles with life and love as a gay boy in rural Georgia. He's happiest when helping Grandaddy dig potatoes from the vegetable garden that connects their houses. But Philbet's world is shattered and his resilience shaken by events that crush his innocence and sense of security; expose his misshapen chest skillfully hidden behind shirts Mama makes at home; and convince him that he's not fit to be loved by Knox, the older boy he idolizes to distraction. Over time, Philbet finds refuge in unexpected places and inner strength in unexpected ways, leading to a resolution in the form of a letter from beyond the grave.
About the Author
About the Author
Jeffrey Dale Lofton hails from Warm Springs, Georgia, best known for Roosevelt's Little White House. He calls the nation's capital home now, where early on he spent many a night acting on the stages of DC's theaters and performing arts centers. He even scored a few television appearances, including a Super Bowl halftime commercial, which his accountant wisecracked "is the finest work of your career." When he stepped away from acting for other, more traditional employment (much to his parents' delight and relief), he also focused on pursuing post-graduate work, ultimately being awarded master's degrees in both Public Administration and Library and Information Science. Today, he is a senior advisor at the Library of Congress, surrounded by books and people who love books--in short, paradise. Lofton is gay and is afflicted with pectus excavatum, both reflected in his debut novel Red Clay Suzie.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
"Arresting debut...a vivid depiction of a unique childhood that feels universal in its longing."--Christopher Castellani, author of Leading Men
"A fabulous and heart-wrenching debut novel."--Rasheed Newson, author of My Government Means to Kill Me
"It's so important that marginalized people have access to this book."--Neema Avashia, author of Another Appalachia: Coming up Queer in and Indian in a Mountain Place
"This fantastic novel is striking. You won't be able to put it down."--Morgan Talty, author of Night of the Living Rez and Fire Exit
"I was sad to reach the end of Philbet's story, but will undoubtedly return again. A true hero."--Laura Warrell, author of Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm
"An intimate exploration of people, place, and identity, Red Clay Suzie opens up the idea of the South into one that is more inclusive and real."--W. Ralph Eubanks, author of A Place Like Mississippi: A Journey Through a Real and Imagined Literary Landscape
"If eleven-year-old me had had a book like this to read, what a joy that would have been. It's beautiful. It's important. It's F@#%ing magic."--Pete Cross, Audie and Earphones Award-Winning Audiobook Narrator and Producer
"From a new, pitch-perfect, Southern voice, a story so close to the heart you can almost hear it beating."--James Hart, author of Lucky Jim'
"Jeffrey Dale Lofton is a writer's writer, whose strong, authorial voice captures your imagination with an unshakable grip."--Willee Lewis, PEN/Faulkner board member, editor of Snakes: An Anthology of Serpent Tales
"A deeply moving story by a unique new voice in Southern literature, Red Clay Suzie belongs in the high school English syllabus."--Elaine Greenstone, educator, former International Baccalaureate examiner in English, curriculum specialist
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
Publisher:
Post Hill Press
Pub date:
2024-03-05
Length:
352 pages
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