Set in the Mississippi Delta directly following World War II, Mudbound tells the story of two families whose lives intersect for a period of time. Ronsel Jackson and Jamie McAllan are both war heroes arriving home plagued by memories of battle. Although a decorated soldier, Ronsel is not recognized as such upon his return to the country he risked his life to defend. Ronsel's family sharecrops on the farm owned by Jamie's brother Henry, and the unlikely friendship between the men of different races sets terrible events in motion neither of them would have predicted. Jordan's first novel is a great read, her writing is fluid and authentic, and I hope she has many stories to tell in the future.

Recommended by Sherri