“My Review of “My Sweet Vidalia” by Deborah Mantella

Kudos to Deborah Mantella  on her amazing and descriptive  storytelling in “My Sweet Vidalia” by Deborah Mantella.  I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

This is a most unusual and intriguing novel. The genres for this book are Fiction, Women’s Fiction and also has a Magical and Paranormal feel to it.

The story takes place in rural Georgia around 1955. In this book, the story is narrated by Cieli Mae, a baby that was still born to Vidalia Lee Kandal Jackson.  Vidalia’s  husband caused her to lose the baby through violent means. Cieli Mae survives in spirit and serves as a guide, conscience,support system, and storytelling of Vidalia .

These were hard times and there was poverty and discrimination.  The descriptions of the trailer park, and the lack of conveniences were heartbreaking.

I find that the author describes the characters as complex and complicated. There seems to be a contrast in good and evil. Some of the characters have deep secrets. There is betrayal and loyalty.

I  appreciate the way the author describes family, friends, love and hope. To quote the author, the spirit always has a choice.”.  I would highly recommend this amazing novel told in a different perspective. I look forward to reading more from Deborah Mantella.