Talmadge Farm
by Leo Daughtry
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Pub Date Jun 04 2024 | Archive Date Oct 02 2024
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Description
Leo Daughtry's debut novel, "Talmadge Farm," transports readers to the tobacco fields of 1950s North Carolina. "Talmadge Farm" (Story Merchant Books, June 4, 2024) reflects on the dreams and struggles of the American South, made more poignant by the author's personal experiences growing up among the tobacco fields of Sampson County, North Carolina, during periods of turbulent societal change.
It’s 1957, and tobacco is king. Wealthy landowner Gordon Talmadge enjoys the lavish lifestyle he inherited but doesn’t like getting his hands dirty; he leaves that to the two sharecroppers – one white, one Black – who farm his tobacco but have bigger dreams for their own children. While Gordon takes no interest in the lives of his tenant farmers, a brutal attack between his son and the sharecropper children sets off a chain of events that leaves no one unscathed. Over the span of a decade, Gordon struggles to hold on to his family’s legacy as the old order makes way for a New South.
“Talmadge Farm” is a sweeping drama that follows three unforgettable families navigating the changing culture of North Carolina at a pivotal moment in history. A love letter to the American South, the novel is a story of resilience, hope, and family – both lost and found.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
“Set in North Carolina in the 1950s and 60s, Leo Daughtry’s story gives readers a cast of flawed characters that elicit sympathy, anger, love and hate. The Talmadges, landed gentry, and their two sharecropper families try to adjust to the changing political, economic and social landscape of the decade. Gordon Talmadge commits one mistake after another, ultimately destroying the legacy handed to him, as his loyal wife Claire stands by his side while the sharecropper families – one black, one white – are ultimately driven off the farm for better and for worse. A page turner.” — George Kolber, author of Thrown Upon the World, and writer/producer of Miranda’s Victim
“In this stirring novel, Leo Daughtry creates a big, complicated portrait of family, place, race, class, and greed. Set in North Carolina, Talmadge Farm tells the story of three intertwined families. Daughtry delves deep into the heart of his characters. You’ll almost forget that you don’t know them personally; this story feels that real.” — Judy Goldman, author of Child: A Memoir and Together: A Memoir of a Marriage and a Medical Mishap
“Talmadge Farm is a classic. Through the lives of a farm owner’s family and their sharecropping tenants, Leo Daughtry weaves a story about the emerging South. This is a story of triumph and tragedy, of good and evil, and finally reconciliation. A true morality play.” — Gene Hoots, former tobacco executive and author of Going Down Tobacco Road
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781970157437 |
| PRICE | $14.99 (USD) |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Helen H, Reviewer
An enjoyable and enlightening story about the highs and lows of tobacco farming in North Carolina during the 1950’s and 1960’s. I loved the author’s descriptive writing - I could clearly picture Talmadge Farm in all its glory.
A great plot that takes the reader on a journey with the Talmadge, Sanders and Craddock families over more than a decade. The story kept me engaged from beginning to end and reached a conclusion that perfectly reflected the theme (and Biblical reference from the book of Galatians) that “A man reaps what he sows.” It felt satisfying that those characters who had endured a range of hardships in the earlier chapters, were later able to gain accomplishment, happiness and hope for the future.
A fantastic debut novel from Leo Daughtry inspired by his own personal experiences of growing up among tobacco fields in North Carolina. Highly recommended.
I am grateful to the publisher, Story Merchant Books, via NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thomas K, Reviewer
This is a story that takes place in the 1950's and 1960's on a big tobacco farm in Hobbsfield, North Carolina this farm started in the late 1800's and has been handed to the current generation the third generation which is one Gordon Talmadge and his family whereas you will see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Everyone in the areas knows about the Talmadge house and Gordon Talmadge. Gordon also happens to be the president of the local bank that was started by his father to help out the local farmers. But Gordon is full of himself and always likes to be the center of attention and sure likes to spend his money. There are three families who live on Talmadge farm with the other two families being sharecroppers who don't not have much more then love for each other and their faith. This is still a time where there is a separation of race, and it is an undertone along with the difference between those who have it and those who do not. This is the type of story that can be a read it in one sitting if you have a little bit of time, it is a great read. I definitely recommend it.
Janet G, Reviewer
I enjoyed this book. It dealt a lot with family dynamics through generations. I found myself really liking many of the characters. One was hard to get behind, but there were major reasons for that. There is swearing in the book, so if that bothers you, I would avoid it. Overall, I thought the author was a good storyteller and I never wanted to stop reading!
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