Antenora

“A startling and thought-provoking meditation of religion and community expectations in the American South, Antenora is a profoundly compelling novella written with such richness and complexity.” —Eric LaRocca, author of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke

“Antenora is a singularly haunting book which perfectly illustrates the experience of taking comfort in something destructive. A possession tale like no other. Lumpkin has presented us with a horror story that truly resonates.” —Cat Voleur, author of Revenge Arc

“Antenora delves beneath the hypocritical ‘keep sweet’ veneer of Christianity in the Deep South to the vicious oppression lurking just below the surface, exploring the complications of repressed sexuality and forced submission through beautifully fleshed out characters while still delivering the expected gruesome scenes and tension of a horror story. A spectacular read that will break your heart in the best way.” —Emma E. Murray, author of When the Devil

“In this atmospheric, colubrine tale, Lumpkin expertly weaves together small-town religious fervor with holy snake handling. Amidst the crushing isolation of highly regulated patriarchal norms, childhood friends Abigail and Nora must navigate an unexpected—and socially unacceptable—change in their feelings. To complicate matters, something dark and rebellious is blooming inside Nora, which bares its fangs with devastating results. Fans of The Wicker Man and The Devil All The Time should keep an eye on this extremely talented newcomer.” —Lindz McLeod, author of Turducken and Sunbathers

“Dori Lumpkin has given us a meditative pageturner on memory, community, and religion in the Deep South. You won’t soon forget its tenderness and its terror. Come for the horror, stick around for the lyrical prose on par with the gothic greats. This book marks the debut of a brilliant new voice. Antenora is as moving as it is startling to watch unfold.” —Caleb Johnson, author of Treeborne