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The Flood Girls by Richard Fifield is one of those books that reminds you of your favourite mixed tape. The writing is absolutely intoxicating and definitely stirs up some raw emotions. In a nutshell, the story is a work of art that captivates the reader with its cast of powerful characters, provides a sense of nostalgia and is all tied together with its richly woven themes.
Title: The Flood GirlsAuthor: Richard Fifield
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Publication Date: February 2, 2016
Rating:
This snappy, sassy redemption story set in small-town Montana is “a wild and crazy debut novel by a talented young writer” (Jackie Collins), filled with an uproarious and unforgettable cast of characters you won’t want to leave behind.
Welcome to Quinn, Montana, population: 956. A town where nearly all of the volunteer firemen are named Jim, where The Dirty Shame—the only bar in town—refuses to serve mixed drinks (too much work), where the locals hate the newcomers (then again, they hate the locals, too), and where the town softball team has never even come close to having a winning season. Until now.
Rachel Flood has snuck back into town after leaving behind a trail of chaos nine years prior. She’s here to make amends, but nobody wants to hear it, especially her mother, Laverna. But with the help of a local boy named Jake and a little soul-searching, she just might make things right.
In the spirit of Empire Falls and A League of Their Own, with the caustic wit of Where’d You Go, Bernadette thrown in for good measure, Richard Fifield’s hilarious and heartwarming debut will have you laughing through tears.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: The Flood Girls by Richard FIfield
❀ Many Wonderful Characters
There are so many wonderful characters in this story that readers will love, hate and empathize with. Told through alternating perspectives, Fifield really paints quite a picture in one’s mind about the events both past and present and how they have affected each of these characters as the story unfolds. There are so many different types of women and men in this small town tale that anyone who lives in or near a small town will undoubtedly feel right at home in this story. The women are most impressive in this book, as they must demonstrate so much strength and determination in order to survive in the small town of Quinn, Montana.
❀ A Trip Down Memory Lane
While reading this book, readers will take a trip down memory lane and be inserted right back into 1991. Honestly, a soundtrack that includes Madonna, David Bowie and Fleetwood Mac will be ringing in your ears as you read this story. Even the clothing descriptions of this era are on point and occasionally provide laugh out loud moments as the reader imagines the amazing outfits that these characters from the early ’90s are sporting.
❀ Theme of Friendship
Also, there are so many important and compelling themes presented in Fifield’s The Flood Girls. Namely, redemption is a strong feature in this story, as the main character, Rachel, is a recovering alcoholic and is determined to make amends with the people she hurt. As well, the theme of friendship is very prominent in this story and many of the characters go through transformations in search of it.
❀ An Amazing Story
The Flood Girls by Richard FIfield Fifield is an amazing story. Readers are sure to fall in love with the characters, setting and themes of this fun and heart-breaking book. There are absolutely some kick-ass women in this one!
About Richard Fifield
Richard Fifield earned his MFA from Sarah Lawrence College in upstate New York. For the past twenty years he has worked as a social worker for adults with intellectual disabilities, while volunteering as a creative writing teacher in Missoula, Montana.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
Thanks for putting this one on my radar! I am adding it to my TBR now 🙂
It is a little different from the typical YA books that I read, but I think you will enjoy it! 🙂
This is the first time that I have heard about this book. It sounds really good. I will have to go check it out some more!
Thank you for introducing me to this book – it sounds fantastic! I don’t read many stories set back only decades prior (mainly present, historical or future) but this era really does interest me and the themes you mentioned give this book a compelling concept.
I’m usually wary of new authors because a lot of the times their debut novels aren’t as great as their later novels but this sounds incredible. The blurb really drew me in right away so thank you for bringing this to my attention.
The blurb is what hooked me, too! I hope that you enjoy it! 🙂
As a child of the 90’s, I definitely want to read this now. Especially after the bit you mentioned about the fashion. Lol
I wouldn’t mind revisiting the 90’s! I read a lot of historical fiction but not usually about a time period I’ve lived through so this would be interesting. Yay for kick butt women too! 🙂
Sounds lovely, I’ve seen this book in a tweet! It’s one of 2016 releases. I got interested more when I saw it here!
First review I’ve read on this book. I love a book that can make you lol