Hands down, THAT PINSON GIRL is an amazing historical fiction debut. I can not wait to read the next books

Water and Blood – Family Ties Strengthen “That Pinson Girl” by Gerry Wilson

Wilson expertly presents a devastating landscape that left me crying, hoping, and holding my breath for answers as she unravels each mystery at an organic pace. I highly recommend "That Pinson Girl" for its deep exploration of different versions of loss—death, grief, dysfunction, sense of purpose— as well as its precise prose. It is especially recommended for readers of historical southern fiction.

Leona Pinson won’t let anyone know who the father of her child is. She does so to protect the father who may or may not still be alive. She is living under harsh and sometimes unsafe conditions. But thankfully she has someone looking out for her.

This book really drew me into what life was like for Leona and her family in this small community in Mississippi. I found myself rooting for her and her young child living under harsh conditions. As you discover the secrets in her family you begin to understand how the past has shaped them.

This is one of those dysfunctional family stories that you boh struggle to read and can’t stop reading because the drama never stops.

Fantastic story - couldn’t put it down. It’s the story of a complicated family in rural Mississippi in the years around WWI. It covers almost every social and economic issue of that day, and because it’s Mississippi, there is a lot of racism.

The writing and setting is authentic - so much happens within this small book, and I’m so happy I got to be there. That Pinson girl will remain in my memories.

I’ll be recommending this to my Mississippi book club soon. It will invite a wonderful discussion.

That Pinson Girl is a debut historical fiction novel set in the author’s home state of Mississippi during and immediately following WWI. The novel adopts a largely kaleidoscopic narrative style, jumping around from character to character in order to give an overview of the families and characters inhabiting the small farming town. At the center of the novel lies the Pinson family, particularly Leona, a young single mother who is keeping the identity of her child’s father a close-guarded secret, and Raymond, her cruel and violent older brother whose reputation casts a long shadow in the family.

I found myself engaged in the characters that Gerry Wilson crafted in this story, and personally found her character work and exposition to be the strongest aspects of this novel. Almost immediately, I was drawn in to Leona Pinson’s life, and was impressed with Wilson’s ability to give the reader enough information to understand the pre-existing dynamics between characters without over-explaining or taking me out of the story. I also enjoyed the tension that Wilson was able to maintain during several key points in the novel. At one point, my heart was actually pounding, and I was so captivated by the danger that Leona and her son were in that I physically could not stop myself from reading.

While these moments of tension are wonderfully written, I will admit that the suspense is largely situational, and any intrigue or mystery that’s baked into the plot is pretty easy to figure out long before it is “revealed” to the characters or reader. I was able to guess the “twists” as soon as their relevant characters were introduced, although I will say that I do feel like this may have been intentional. The driving force of the plot was not necessarily “finding out” what’s going on in the town and in these characters’ histories, but rather seeing how all of the characters will react once everyone else’s secrets come to light. Unfortunately, some of these big reveal moments were somewhat anti-climactic (or never occurred at all), and I was left wishing that some of the characters had had a more impactful resolution or managed to achieve more emotional closure. Some characters felt like they were just removed from the story entirely with no real reason other than to narrow down the cast, which was unsatisfying and gave certain aspects of the plot an unfinished feel. If you’re going to write a novel from several perspectives, it feels incomplete to only give one of those characters true resolution.

My largest issue with the novel, and the reason that I hesitate to recommend this to other readers, is the way that Wilson has written race into this book. There are important stories to be told about Black individuals and families at this point in history, but I felt that Wilson’s representation of her Black characters relied largely on stereotype and depicted substantial trauma that was not necessary to the central plot or meaning of the novel. Racism, violence against Black characters, and the very characters’ identities as Black men read more as plot devices or ways for Leona to experience emotional growth. In the end, Wilson’s conclusion largely abandons the primary Black character in the novel, and the resolution of Leona’s emotional arc has much more to do with her brother and the father of her child than the racial violence in which she played an integral role (even though she never was able to take full responsibility for it).

Thank you to NetGalley and Regal House Publishing for providing an e-ARC of this novel!

I had to think about this one for a few days after finishing it, and came to the conclusion that this is a 3.75 stars for me. The story in itself is very compelling, and at times unbearingly stressful. The characters are not simply good or bad but are shown in their complexities, something the author managed to do by switching the point of view around. Not always did I appreciate that, but in itself it was well done.
Once you get a hang for the language (that I thoroughly enjoyed) and the characters, this story just flies by. The storytelling is intricate, the context rich and thought-provoking, subjects like racism, sexism, classism are tackled but also, at times, played down. Especially the depiction of sexual abuse was quite casual at times, but after thinking about it, this also seemed fitting within its context.

Leona's and Luther's stories truly made my heart ache; but they were also the only characters I didn't come to detest. When the ending of the book came around, I was pretty upset myself, since it felt like it was missing a conclusion, and at the same time I guess it didn't need a heavy handed one, the implied one was way more harrowing. Overall, I really liked and appreciated this book.

This novel is set in North Mississippi in 1918. Seventeen-year-old Leona Pinson gives birth to a son whom she names Isaiah. Unmarried, she refuses to name his father, Walker Broom, to anyone. Walker has gone off to fight in the war, but Leona believes he will return and they will become a family. In the meantime, she lives with her damaged, dysfunctional family. Leona’s father Herbert was murdered and his sister Sally, a dwarf, moved in afterwards. Other members of the household are Leona’s remote mother Rose and her dangerous and abusive brother Raymond.

Sally helps Leona look after Isaiah, and Luther Briggs, the son of Leona’s grandfather and one of his slaves, helps her with the farm. Since Raymond is often absent from home, Luther and his 15-year-old son Jesse, described as remaining “forever a child,” do a lot of the physical farm work. Raymond is a racist so when he is around, tensions often arise between him and Jesse in particular. Then Walker returns from overseas, but he brings someone with him.

Leona is admirable in many ways. She is a young woman who has many burdens. She is a single mother raising a child alone and, because she has a child out of wedlock, she has to endure shaming from the residents of the nearby town. Raymond’s behaviour is dangerous so she has to protect herself and her son; also because her brother is irresponsible and unreliable, she has to ensure that the farm work is done. Influenza arrives in the area and Leona is worried about her son, especially after several members of a friend’s family die. And then she has more than one heartbreak.

The perspective of several characters is given: Leona, Luther, Walker, Rose, Raymond, Sally, and Jesse. This narrative approach does allow the reader to know the characters better and to understand their motivations. As a consequence, characters are shown to have both positive and negative traits. For instance, Leona thinks Raymond is “incapable of love. She imagined her brother’s heart a shriveled thing, cold to the touch, relentlessly beating.” Certainly, many of his actions are deplorable and difficult to justify, but his thoughts do explain his motivations.

Unfortunately, I found the motivations of several characters to be rather weak. Sally’s decision to keep a package from her niece is not convincing, though I imagine her mother’s comment that “’No man will ever have you’” suggests an underlying jealousy. Edith’s not wanting to ask her mother-in-law for the name of a seamstress makes little sense since such a conversation might have served to promote a relationship. Sometimes actions are never explained: why doesn’t Luther return with cough syrup, especially when “It wasn’t like him not to keep his word”?

The novel as a whole has a disjointed feel. Characters appear and then disappear until needed to impact the plot. Luther, who is so important to Leona, is not present as much as one would expect. When Sally’s presence would complicate issues, she is helpfully removed. The Ridge Riders conveniently appear and disappear. Wouldn’t Luther recognize Raymond’s beloved horse Belle when the Ridge Riders visit? Sally doesn’t know the young man who drops in to see Leona? She has lived in the area for two years and has never been to the mercantile store? Comments she makes later suggest that she certainly knows his family!

The book examines the destructive power of secrets. Leona hides the identity of Isaiah’s father, but she is not the only one who has secrets. So do Rose, Sally, Luther, Walker, and Raymond. Much tragedy could have been prevented if secrets had not been kept. Even Jesse might have been better protected if he had been more forthcoming. I was not shocked by Raymond and Luther’s revelations; there are clear indications that both are burdened by guilt.

Though it touches on several important issues, the novel is uneven in quality. The pace at the beginning is slow, and then the ending feels rushed. And, as mentioned, the plot lacks fluidity and there are some plot holes.

This is a twisty family saga set around the time of World War I which compelled me from beginning to end. Exploring themes such as class, racism, disability and female agency this historical fiction illuminated attitudes of the era in Deep South America well. The protagonist Leona is strong and well drawn - someone the reader immediately feels they are rooting for. Occasionally the threads of the plot were left hanging a little and therefore felt they had only appeared for the sake of convenience to the story building but nevertheless I really enjoyed this novel.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

This was a historical novel full of strong characters and drama. Highly enjoyable book with much potential for discussion.

I didn't love this one but I also didn't hate this one. However I'm not sure how I feel about this one.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
This is a historical fiction set in 1918 in a small town in USA. As it is nearing the end of the world war and the start of the spread of influenza worldwide, Leona and her small town go through a lot of losses. They lose children, partners, parents and friends, both to the war and the pandemic. I had seen photos of the people in 1918 adopting to the pandemic. But reading this reminded me of the pandemic I've myself lived through. It was surreal seeing the people go through the same a century ago. This pandemic was accompanied by the tensions of the war and the young men fighting in Europe.
Leona was also eagerly waiting for somebody to return. Walker Broom. Yes, that is indeed his name. She was also waiting for him with a teeny tiny surprise. His baby. Despite being scorned by everybody for having an illegitimate child (it's 1918 afterall), she never reveals the name of the father. All she hopes for is his safe return and acceptance of the baby.
But this novel isn't just about her. It's also about Luther, Raymond, Sally, Jesse and Walker (Yes, him!). This novel also represents the blatant racism against the Black community during that period. Luther and his son Jesse work for the Pinsons and face utter disrespect and insults of Raymond because they are helpless. If they speak up, they would face severe consequences. Leona tries her best to stop her brother but he cannot be restrained. He's older plus, he's a male. His word is law in the household as he is the eldest male in the family. He was an awful person but whenever I was reading his pov, it felt like maybe he's redeemable? But then I'd read the other povs and go back to hating him. Maybe because in Raymond's mind, he's not as awful as he really is and being inside his brain convinced me temporarily too. It was the way the author brought nuance to the villain's character. He wasn't a personality-less villain whose only trait was being evil.
There were certain storylines like Jesse's which had a mysterious air around them but they were quite predictable from the beginning. I had guessed the secrets about him and Luther. It was pretty obvious. Despite that, I wasn't ever bored in this novel. The writing style flowed smoothly. The slump I had been in since New Year has finally abated. This novel made me eager to finish it.
This novel ends on an ambiguous note. I wish I could have gotten more from this. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the novel yet. I wanted to see where Leona's journey led her to. Moreover, reading certain parts of the novel formed a lump in my throat. The injustice, the helplessness, the deaths, the sickness, the unhappiness, it all got to me. I was sitting in public transport and barely controlling my emotions. I'm very glad to have read this novel.

The Pinson Girl is a gripping , unforgiving look at life in rural America. Leona Pinson is used and discarded but a young man whose family has some sway in the town where she lives. The man in question left for war and Leona is pregnant and in the end alone . Leona has a brother who is dealing with his own demons in an increasingly violent way. Her story unfolds with little relief, and you find yourself wishing for a way for this character to rise.

My thanks to NetGalley and Regal House Publishing for the ARC of Gerry Wilson’s That Pinson Girl.

An illegitimate child is born, a father returns but not to claim the mother or child, and the mother of the child turns to a former slave for protection. Set during the early decades of the 20th century, this novel grapples with race, gender, and sexuality founded upon generational trauma against the backdrop of WWI. I found the pacing of this novel slow going and had difficulty investing in the characters. The first third left me with the sense of too much information withheld that would have aided the reader in better understanding Leona’s relationships and the responses to her. I didn’t dislike the writing but found myself thinking I had read this story in different ways many times before of illegitimacy and the complexities and social ruptures resulting from slavery.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Historical Fiction

The story focuses on Leona Pinson, a young woman of seventeen years of age who, in 1918, gives birth to an illegitimate son in a desolate farmhouse in the state of Mississippi. Leona is adamant that she will not reveal the identity of the man who is the father of her child; however, she is of the firm belief that he will come back from the war to save her from a difficult life. Whether it is society, a distant mother, or a dangerously abusive brother, Leona has been rejected and ridiculed by all.

Upon the return of her lover, accompanied by his wife, her hopes and dreams were dashed. She had waited so long for him to come back to her, and now that he was here, he was with someone else. She felt like her heart was being ripped out of her chest. She had never felt so betrayed and alone

As her brother's violent behavior becomes more severe and her aunt runs away, Leona is forced to rely on the assistance of Luther Biggs, the son of Leona's grandfather and one of his former slaves, in order to safeguard her child. Leona's brother, who is a violent alcoholic, has been threatening to harm her and her child. Leona's aunt, who has been living with her and helping to take care of the child, has decided to move on with her own life, so Leona is left alone and afraid, and she doesn't know what to do.

This is a beautiful family saga that focuses mainly on the Pinson girl (Leona), but it is narrated in the third-person style from several characters’ perspectives. This allows the readers to look at things from all the different points of view. It took me some time to get into the story and understand the structure of that household. But once I grasped it, I was totally immersed in this family saga. This is one of my favorite tropes, especially when it is in historical fiction.

The fact that this tale goes in a completely unexpected direction is one of its most appealing aspects. It is really impossible to predict how a character will act or how the story will conclude. The story being set against the backdrop of World War I gives it a rich reading experience. The author has done an excellent job of incorporating a tremendous number of significant settings and topics into this book without making it appear superfluous or excessively lengthy. Injustice, sexism, betrayal, and racism are just some of the many complex issues that are taking place in this story. I truly loved it, and the cover is very appropriate for the narrative.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced reader copy of this book.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This novel tells Leona's story. She's a poor girl from the outskirts of town who falls in love with a young man. War happens, and he signs up. Unbeknownst to them both, a baby is on the way. Family secrets are revealed through plot twists.

The ending is satisfying but it leaves unanswered questions.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

That Pinson Girl is a thrilling story following young Leona, whose life becomes entangled in a variety of situations. We get to witness the choices of the protagonist and the people around her in many settings and many points in life. The book is incredibly well-written and exciting, and it won't let you put it down once you get familiar with the characters and their secrets! I loved how each one of the characters is unique and has a hidden story to tell, and how they all add a little piece to the big jigsaw puzzle that the story is. The ending was very abrupt though and I must admit I didn't expect that at all, so be ready for that in case you are hoping for a "It all makes sense now!" type of an ending. All in all, I really enjoyed the book and would totally recommend it to everyone who likes historical fiction and a bit of a mystery and drama surrounding the characters!

I received this from Netgalley.com.

An okay read, the characters were interesting, loveable and detestable, with some historical background information.

3.25☆

Well-told historical fiction about a rural Mississippi town, and one particular family in it. The Pinsons have had their share of problems, and Leona finds herself facing many of them alone and as an unmarried mother. The town, and the Pinsons, are hit with a war, a flu epidemic, bands of ruffians harassing citizens, and much more. This book explores the strained relationships among families and how we can all find small amounts of joy among the hardest of times, like Leona does with her son. Great for those who enjoy historical fiction and stories that focus on families.

A gorgeously told, compelling story set in MIssissippi toward the end of WW1 covering intricately woven influences of race, war, illegitimate children, the flu pandemic. Sorrow, suffering and hope with well rounded characters with a believable, happy ish ending.

I devoured this book over 2 days and loved every moment of this story. A must read for lovers of historical fiction.

Thanks to Netgalley and Regal House Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

Many thanks to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of That Pinson Girl. I've studied in Mississippi and was looking forward to reading this novel about the turn of the century - WWI.

Taking place in a small rural town the novel showed the abject poverty of the folks living during that time period. Leona, the main character of the book, epitomized the rugged life of a young woman living in both that area and time period. This book was a love story, a family saga full of secrets, hardships, adultery, and even murder.

I would have rated this book higher but I felt the ending came quickly after all was revealed.