Discover books similar to "Gods in Alabama"

Sue Monk Kidd

The Secret Life of Bees

Set in the 1960s, this novel tells the story of Lily, a 14-year-old girl who runs away from her abusive father with her black housekeeper and friend, Rosaleen. They find refuge with three beekeeping sisters, who help Lily come to terms with her mother's death and her own identity. Like 'Gods in Alabama', this book explores themes of family, race, and identity in the American South.

Kathryn Stockett

The Help

Set in Mississippi during the civil rights movement, this novel tells the story of a young white woman, Skeeter, who decides to write a book about the experiences of the black maids who work for white families in her town. This book, like 'Gods in Alabama', explores themes of race, class, and identity in the American South, and features strong female characters who challenge the status quo.

Edward P. Jones

The Known World

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of a freed slave who becomes a slave owner in antebellum Virginia. The novel explores the complexities of slavery and freedom, and the ways in which they are intertwined. Like 'Gods in Alabama', this book challenges assumptions about race and identity in the American South.

Jane Smiley

A Thousand Acres

This novel is a retelling of Shakespeare's 'King Lear', set on a farm in Iowa. The story centers around a father who decides to divide his farm among his three daughters, leading to a power struggle and a devastating family secret. Like 'Gods in Alabama', this book explores themes of family, secrets, and identity in a rural setting.

John Steinbeck

The Grapes of Wrath

This classic novel tells the story of the Joad family, who are forced to leave their farm in Oklahoma during the Great Depression and travel to California in search of work. The novel explores themes of poverty, injustice, and the human spirit. Like 'Gods in Alabama', this book features strong female characters and a focus on family and identity.

Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird

This classic novel tells the story of Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in the American South during the Great Depression. The novel explores themes of race, class, and morality, as Scout's father, Atticus Finch, defends a black man accused of raping a white woman. Like 'Gods in Alabama', this book challenges assumptions about race and identity in the American South.

Alice Walker

The Color Purple

This novel tells the story of Celie, a young black woman growing up in rural Georgia during the early 20th century. The novel explores themes of race, gender, and identity, as Celie struggles to find her voice and her place in the world. Like 'Gods in Alabama', this book features strong female characters and a focus on family and identity.

Barbara Kingsolver

The Poisonwood Bible

This novel tells the story of the Price family, who move to the Belgian Congo in 1959 to spread the word of God. The novel explores themes of colonialism, religion, and identity, as the family grapples with the political and cultural complexities of their new home. Like 'Gods in Alabama', this book challenges assumptions about identity and the American South.

Lawrence Hill

The Book of Negroes

This novel tells the story of Aminata Diallo, a young girl who is kidnapped from her village in West Africa and sold into slavery in the American South. The novel explores themes of race, identity, and freedom, as Aminata fights for her survival and her dignity. Like 'Gods in Alabama', this book challenges assumptions about race and identity in the American South.

Colson Whitehead

The Underground Railroad

This novel tells the story of Cora, a slave who escapes from a plantation in Georgia and embarks on a perilous journey to freedom. The novel explores themes of race, identity, and freedom, as Cora navigates the Underground Railroad and the dangerous world of the antebellum South. Like 'Gods in Alabama', this book challenges assumptions about race and identity in the American South.

Paul Beatty

The Sellout

This satirical novel tells the story of a young black man who attempts to reinstitute slavery and segregation in a fictional Los Angeles suburb. The novel explores themes of race, identity, and justice, as the protagonist challenges the legacy of racism in America. Like 'Gods in Alabama', this book challenges assumptions about race and identity in the American South.