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The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree
Disguised by years in exile and a name she found on a gravestone, an unconventional young woman returns to her childhood home in rural 1967 Arkansas in this hauntingly visceral Southern tale of desperate choices, found family, folk magic and noisy ghosts.
Genevieve Charbonneau talks to ghosts and has a special relationship with rattlesnakes. In her travels, she’s wandered throughout the South, working in a Louisiana circus and as a hootchy kootch dancer in Texas. Now for the first time in a decade, she’s allowed her winding path to bring her to the site of her grandmother’s Arkansas farmhouse, a place hallowed in her memory.
Disguised by years in exile and a name she found on a gravestone, Genevieve intends only to visit briefly and leave. But a chance meeting with a guilt-ridden young Vietnam veteran draws her into more unexpected connections. Her hard-won independence inspires an abused woman and her daughters to find their own path to empowerment, and a hypocritical preacher is brought to a long-deserved reckoning.
With undertones of magical realism and dark humor, here is a powerful story of discovering—and sometimes rediscovering—one’s place in the world, and the unexpected challenges and gifts that present themselves along the way.
Genevieve Charbonneau talks to ghosts and has a special relationship with rattlesnakes. In her travels, she’s wandered throughout the South, working in a Louisiana circus and as a hootchy kootch dancer in Texas. Now for the first time in a decade, she’s allowed her winding path to bring her to the site of her grandmother’s Arkansas farmhouse, a place hallowed in her memory.
Disguised by years in exile and a name she found on a gravestone, Genevieve intends only to visit briefly and leave. But a chance meeting with a guilt-ridden young Vietnam veteran draws her into more unexpected connections. Her hard-won independence inspires an abused woman and her daughters to find their own path to empowerment, and a hypocritical preacher is brought to a long-deserved reckoning.
With undertones of magical realism and dark humor, here is a powerful story of discovering—and sometimes rediscovering—one’s place in the world, and the unexpected challenges and gifts that present themselves along the way.
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 796 reviews
April 9, 2025
4.5⭐️
Oh dear. Nothing could have prepared me for how brutal this would be. This book explores a number of themes, but the ones that stood out to me the most were religion and the abuse of power. It felt truly depressing to read, like something horrible was happening on every single page. If you're someone who doesn’t like to feel that way while reading, you might want to steer clear of this one. But sometimes, I appreciate when books take me to those dark places to serve as a reminder of the raw, hard truths about the evil that exists in our world.
This is a historical fiction novel with major historical elements, but it also weaves in magical realism to further explore its themes like PTSD, for example. There are many POVs, and I’ll be honest at first, I was still wondering what kind of story this was supposed to be, even after reading the blurb. But as it went on, and especially by the end, it all came together beautifully.
I’m
Every single character in this book (and I mean every single one) was written with such intention. Their strengths, their flaws, the hurt they’ve endured, and the hurt they’ve inflicted. There’s just so much to unpack. Honestly, I could talk about each of them for hours. My heart goes out to every single one… except, of course, the truly evil ones.
The writing style was a bit different for me, but still this is such a powerful debut. I’m so glad I read this in 2025 and in my lifetime. And to anyone who finds pieces of themselves in the pain within these pages, my heart goes out to you.
Oh dear. Nothing could have prepared me for how brutal this would be. This book explores a number of themes, but the ones that stood out to me the most were religion and the abuse of power. It felt truly depressing to read, like something horrible was happening on every single page. If you're someone who doesn’t like to feel that way while reading, you might want to steer clear of this one. But sometimes, I appreciate when books take me to those dark places to serve as a reminder of the raw, hard truths about the evil that exists in our world.
This is a historical fiction novel with major historical elements, but it also weaves in magical realism to further explore its themes like PTSD, for example. There are many POVs, and I’ll be honest at first, I was still wondering what kind of story this was supposed to be, even after reading the blurb. But as it went on, and especially by the end, it all came together beautifully.
I’m
Every single character in this book (and I mean every single one) was written with such intention. Their strengths, their flaws, the hurt they’ve endured, and the hurt they’ve inflicted. There’s just so much to unpack. Honestly, I could talk about each of them for hours. My heart goes out to every single one… except, of course, the truly evil ones.
The writing style was a bit different for me, but still this is such a powerful debut. I’m so glad I read this in 2025 and in my lifetime. And to anyone who finds pieces of themselves in the pain within these pages, my heart goes out to you.
January 20, 2025
THE SONG OF THE BLUE BOTTLE TREE is the best book I've read in a while. Set in 1967, the story follows Genevieve Charbonneau, a tenacious young woman who took her name from a tombstone and happens to talk to ghosts.
After wandering the South for years trying to outrun a painful past, she meets a Vietnam vet struggling with his own issues who takes her to his home in Arkansas. There she meets his troubled family suffering abuse at the hands of his father, a cruel backwoods preacher.
Despite the subject matter being difficult to read at times, I thought this book was enthralling. I was absorbed in the beautiful language, descriptions, and sense of place. The writing definitely made me emotional and deeply invested in the characters. I love ghost stories, and I enjoyed the way ghosts were woven into the book.
I'd recommend this book to fans of Southern historical fiction like WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING; however, TSOTBBT is 100% its own powerful story. An amazing tale of strength, resilience, a little magic, and found family.
I won a copy of this book from the publisher through a Goodreads giveaway. Thoughts are my own.
After wandering the South for years trying to outrun a painful past, she meets a Vietnam vet struggling with his own issues who takes her to his home in Arkansas. There she meets his troubled family suffering abuse at the hands of his father, a cruel backwoods preacher.
Despite the subject matter being difficult to read at times, I thought this book was enthralling. I was absorbed in the beautiful language, descriptions, and sense of place. The writing definitely made me emotional and deeply invested in the characters. I love ghost stories, and I enjoyed the way ghosts were woven into the book.
I'd recommend this book to fans of Southern historical fiction like WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING; however, TSOTBBT is 100% its own powerful story. An amazing tale of strength, resilience, a little magic, and found family.
I won a copy of this book from the publisher through a Goodreads giveaway. Thoughts are my own.
September 18, 2024
4.5
So this was not a book I would normally gravitate towards, which is why this book is that much more special because I didn't want to put it down once I started reading. But oof, this could be a hard read at times...not only touching on the traumatic aftermath riddling the minds of those returning from the Vietnam War but also abuse (!!!) and persecution under the guise of religion and a very wicked man. In contrast, this is also a novel about a brilliantly fierce young woman with a bit of a sixth sense and her journey to find her place among this world
Thank you to the publisher for giving me an opportunity to read yet another great novel! <3
So this was not a book I would normally gravitate towards, which is why this book is that much more special because I didn't want to put it down once I started reading. But oof, this could be a hard read at times...not only touching on the traumatic aftermath riddling the minds of those returning from the Vietnam War but also abuse (!!!) and persecution under the guise of religion and a very wicked man. In contrast, this is also a novel about a brilliantly fierce young woman with a bit of a sixth sense and her journey to find her place among this world
Thank you to the publisher for giving me an opportunity to read yet another great novel! <3
September 21, 2025
This is a well-written, entertaining historical fiction novel which has paranormal elements. It has a likable, strong and capable female protagonist, and contains a theme of abuse, which is disturbing, but is tempered with resilience, healing and hope, and a gratifying conclusion. The author's note is interesting and enlightening, and her personal insight is truly appreciated. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators, Laura Jennings, Zura Johnson, and Matt Godfrey, do an excellent job voicing the characters.
July 6, 2025
Another book club pick. This one I did not enjoy as it has abusive characters and men behaving badly. There's no trigger warning about the abuse. The only reason I finished was because
May 1, 2025
I could not put this book down! It's historical fiction (late 60s), with some supernatural elements that are actually the light and bright spots in this book. Genevieve comes to a familiar town in Arkansas after a lot of childhood trauma and meets Mercer, a man who is struggling to get his feet under him after recently returning from Vietnam. Mercer's mother and sisters are in the clutches of his father, who is a misogynistic religious zealot. As Genevieve tries to run from her problems (and Mercer tries to forget his), she is caught up in the terror that his family lives with every day. Please take great care if you pick up this book because it is very heavy and has pretty graphic scenes of domestic violence and abuse of all sorts. There are great characters to root for and the good vs evil showdown is riveting. The writing is rich with Southern colloquialisms and evocative settings, and the main characters were well developed. Once the intensity got going, it didn't let up. I couldn't stop turning the pages.
April 12, 2025
The writing style is beautiful snd atmospheric. But two rape references by page 13? I’m out.
- Desiree Reads
The Bookish Birder
April 12, 2025
Find more book recs @ https://bookshop.org/shop/TheBookishB...
- Desiree Reads
The Bookish Birder
April 12, 2025
Find more book recs @ https://bookshop.org/shop/TheBookishB...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
A unique tale with a strong FMC. I couldn't put it down!
April 23, 2025
5 stars. Excellent.
November 5, 2024
This book instantly pulled me in. I laughed, I got angry and I even cried a bit.
March 17, 2025
I guess I saw magical realism in the description of this book and expected something else. Because this book is dark…and full of snakes—yikes! That was my thinking after just two chapters but I kept reading and I was hooked. There’s a lot that’s tough to read but this is a terrific southern gothic. The bottle trees aren’t mentioned until the end of the book so I looked them up while I was reading. I thought they were just a fun decorative thing and knew nothing about the folklore and history of them, particularly those with cobalt blue bottles. Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Kensington for the ARC.
March 19, 2025
TW:sexual abuse, abuse, violence & murder
this book is not something i would normally go for but, once i started this book i couldn't put it down. this book takes place in alabama in the 1970's following genevieve or "gennie". after losing her mother very young she is kind of left on her own and with no one and nowhere to go she joins a circus. after surviving for so long she decides to head back home to alabama and be with her extended family. her time back home she is a badass woman who doesn't stand for the abuse of men.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
this book is not something i would normally go for but, once i started this book i couldn't put it down. this book takes place in alabama in the 1970's following genevieve or "gennie". after losing her mother very young she is kind of left on her own and with no one and nowhere to go she joins a circus. after surviving for so long she decides to head back home to alabama and be with her extended family. her time back home she is a badass woman who doesn't stand for the abuse of men.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
November 25, 2025
A terrible tale told wonderfully well. So many warnings must be given ahead - of rape, physical and mental abuse, incest, and manipulative terror in a family setting. If a reader can put that all aside, don their armor, keep a vomit bucket close, then we are ready to discuss further.
This is a tale of a tribe of women who are trying to do the right thing in their own ways within a patriarchal system that only tolerates 100% submission from male members and 150% if female. If said females stay, they cannot be anything but of service to their male head of household as he defines that service. In the Ives family that's John Luther, who is also the head of the church. A brutal leader. Get the picture? Dark and darker.
Genevieve Charbonneau is taken in by Wreath Ives (a relative of her mother), the wife of John Luther Ives and for awhile lives with them and their children. She watches the abuse poured out on all and how it is tolerated, finally confronting JL and making her way out of that terrible home. Still she develops the only family feelings she has ever had with the children of that home, and eventually finds her way back.
She is fierce, has a special relationship with snakes and ghosts, and it all works to her good. This read will definitely not be for some. There is nothing cozy about it. Yet Gen is inspirational in her message of developing a willingness to persist in resistance, fight when possible. Keep options open, weapons handy, and wave your courage like a flag when needed.
*A sincere thank you to India Hayford, Kensington Publishing, RBmedia and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheSongoftheBlueBottleTree #NetGalley 25|52:58d
This is a tale of a tribe of women who are trying to do the right thing in their own ways within a patriarchal system that only tolerates 100% submission from male members and 150% if female. If said females stay, they cannot be anything but of service to their male head of household as he defines that service. In the Ives family that's John Luther, who is also the head of the church. A brutal leader. Get the picture? Dark and darker.
Genevieve Charbonneau is taken in by Wreath Ives (a relative of her mother), the wife of John Luther Ives and for awhile lives with them and their children. She watches the abuse poured out on all and how it is tolerated, finally confronting JL and making her way out of that terrible home. Still she develops the only family feelings she has ever had with the children of that home, and eventually finds her way back.
She is fierce, has a special relationship with snakes and ghosts, and it all works to her good. This read will definitely not be for some. There is nothing cozy about it. Yet Gen is inspirational in her message of developing a willingness to persist in resistance, fight when possible. Keep options open, weapons handy, and wave your courage like a flag when needed.
*A sincere thank you to India Hayford, Kensington Publishing, RBmedia and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheSongoftheBlueBottleTree #NetGalley 25|52:58d
April 7, 2025
Please, please, please check your TW. With that being said, I went into this book unsure of how it would make me feel. Raised in Arkansas……transplanted to Louisiana, the places and superstitions were real enough to transport me back to places I grew up.
This story is historical fiction. It’s a story of heartbreak, horrific abuse, war, mental illness, and yet at its core is this gentle ribbon that runs through with found family, magic, superstition and revenge.
Reading the last four chapters brought tears to my eyes. And I hope if you are able to read this book despite some of the horrible things it portrays that it can make you feel the warmth inside its pages.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
This story is historical fiction. It’s a story of heartbreak, horrific abuse, war, mental illness, and yet at its core is this gentle ribbon that runs through with found family, magic, superstition and revenge.
Reading the last four chapters brought tears to my eyes. And I hope if you are able to read this book despite some of the horrible things it portrays that it can make you feel the warmth inside its pages.
I received an ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.
December 1, 2024
Thank you to Kensington Publishing Corps and Goodreads Giveaways for the advanced reader’s edition of The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree by India Hayford. The book, a Southern gothic, depicts extreme sects of Christianity who idolize their religious leaders, encourage domestic violence and handle snakes–in this book, the snakes are much nicer than the preachers.
While the book follows several characters, the story is really Genevieve’s. At a young age, Genevieve loses her mother, father, and grandmother. Eventually she is handed off to a distant relative and her preacher son. When the preacher abuses Genevieve, she knows she must escape, but since she is a child, she is not able to control her means of escape.
Fast forward, and Genevieve creates a life and identity for herself, choosing the name Genevieve from a tombstone. She has wandered and in her travels has often slept in cemeteries. For her, the territory is familiar, as she has ghosts that travel with her and speak to her. She also meets other ghosts attached to people and places.
When Genevieve meets Mercer, a recently returned Vietnam veteran, and then his family, she finds a reason to stay put for a while. In Mercer, Genevieve finds someone who is in need of healing as much as she is.
The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree draws a clear line between good and bad people. Religion is used as a tool to wield power and encourage domestic violence. Genevieve is the quirky fighter who won’t bend under the abuse. She has a past and seems to have a future. She is easy to like and easy to root for. Genevieve’s back story is intriguing, though it gets confusing, as it is parceled out in bits and pieces. That she sees and hears ghosts has lots of potential, though the execution is not fully successful. In some ways, this is very much a first book. The author plays with structure, point of view, and has a quirky main character. Taking risks means the outcome won’t always be perfect—but in many ways, an imperfect but daring book is preferable to a safe book.
Would I teach this book? The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree would not be my first choice of novel to teach—it does not hit the notes of prose or the articulation of view points that I prefer for novels I teach. It would be a great pick for a book club to discuss. Between Genevieve’s adventures and the family dynamics, there is plenty to talk about.
While the book follows several characters, the story is really Genevieve’s. At a young age, Genevieve loses her mother, father, and grandmother. Eventually she is handed off to a distant relative and her preacher son. When the preacher abuses Genevieve, she knows she must escape, but since she is a child, she is not able to control her means of escape.
Fast forward, and Genevieve creates a life and identity for herself, choosing the name Genevieve from a tombstone. She has wandered and in her travels has often slept in cemeteries. For her, the territory is familiar, as she has ghosts that travel with her and speak to her. She also meets other ghosts attached to people and places.
When Genevieve meets Mercer, a recently returned Vietnam veteran, and then his family, she finds a reason to stay put for a while. In Mercer, Genevieve finds someone who is in need of healing as much as she is.
The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree draws a clear line between good and bad people. Religion is used as a tool to wield power and encourage domestic violence. Genevieve is the quirky fighter who won’t bend under the abuse. She has a past and seems to have a future. She is easy to like and easy to root for. Genevieve’s back story is intriguing, though it gets confusing, as it is parceled out in bits and pieces. That she sees and hears ghosts has lots of potential, though the execution is not fully successful. In some ways, this is very much a first book. The author plays with structure, point of view, and has a quirky main character. Taking risks means the outcome won’t always be perfect—but in many ways, an imperfect but daring book is preferable to a safe book.
Would I teach this book? The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree would not be my first choice of novel to teach—it does not hit the notes of prose or the articulation of view points that I prefer for novels I teach. It would be a great pick for a book club to discuss. Between Genevieve’s adventures and the family dynamics, there is plenty to talk about.
April 2, 2025
This was such a hard hard read (check the trigger warnings). Overall I thought it was a beautful story about human resilence and justice.
The story follows the life of a little girl who after her mother passes when she is young is sent away to be cared for by a reverend (set in the southern US in a snake handling religious setting) who abuses her. She escapes and changes her identity over the next several years, joining a circus and eventually ending up back in her home town where she meets a returned Vietnam veteran. The story switches POVs to the veteran and his mother as they seek to escape from their tyrant of a father/husband. This book has similar themes of justice as Where the Crawdads Sing and A Thousand Splendid Suns. It is riddled with religious trauma and assault though, so keep that in mind!
Overall a beautiful story. My favorite part really was the ties with magical realism and the ghosts and connections Genevieve (main protagonist) and Mercer (vet) have with each other. The ending is SO satisfying and while this will break your heart it is a good one to add to your list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC!
Published 3.25!
The story follows the life of a little girl who after her mother passes when she is young is sent away to be cared for by a reverend (set in the southern US in a snake handling religious setting) who abuses her. She escapes and changes her identity over the next several years, joining a circus and eventually ending up back in her home town where she meets a returned Vietnam veteran. The story switches POVs to the veteran and his mother as they seek to escape from their tyrant of a father/husband. This book has similar themes of justice as Where the Crawdads Sing and A Thousand Splendid Suns. It is riddled with religious trauma and assault though, so keep that in mind!
Overall a beautiful story. My favorite part really was the ties with magical realism and the ghosts and connections Genevieve (main protagonist) and Mercer (vet) have with each other. The ending is SO satisfying and while this will break your heart it is a good one to add to your list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC!
Published 3.25!
February 10, 2025
I was so excited to win this book from GR before its publication. If I had known the amount of trauma, abuse, rape, abuse of women and children both physically and spiritually by “bible holding men”. This was a horrific read. I don’t see any real redeeming arc despite both of the pastors getting taken down by snakes which directly correlate to the evil/satan in the garden. Needed A HUGE trigger warning with how much women and children would be tortured. Not anything I would ever recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2024
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. So glad I did! I loved it. I felt connected to the characters and cared about what happened to them. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. It's has a bit of a Where the Crawdads Sing vibe so if you liked that you should read this. Definitely looking forward to future releases from this author.
April 4, 2025
THE SONG OF THE BLUE BOTTLE TREE
by India Hayford
Narration by, Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings was very good.
3.5 stars
A haunting Southern gothic story with sprinkles of magical realism, that takes place in rural Arkansas in 1967. Genevieve, at a young age has lost her mother, father and grandmother and after suffering abuse from trusted family, decides she must find her way in life on her own. She returns back to her childhood home where she discovers that her own need for healing is part of a larger tapestry of suffering.
Exploring themes of family, loss, fundamentalist religion, the resilience of women, and folk magic. I like reading Southern gothic stories and with the magical realism thrown in made this debut a good read. At times I didn’t understand the reasoning and choices some women chose, but after reading an article of how the author created her story, helped me to understand. Her writing is good and I look forward to reading more from her.
Thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC of this.
by India Hayford
Narration by, Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings was very good.
3.5 stars
A haunting Southern gothic story with sprinkles of magical realism, that takes place in rural Arkansas in 1967. Genevieve, at a young age has lost her mother, father and grandmother and after suffering abuse from trusted family, decides she must find her way in life on her own. She returns back to her childhood home where she discovers that her own need for healing is part of a larger tapestry of suffering.
Exploring themes of family, loss, fundamentalist religion, the resilience of women, and folk magic. I like reading Southern gothic stories and with the magical realism thrown in made this debut a good read. At times I didn’t understand the reasoning and choices some women chose, but after reading an article of how the author created her story, helped me to understand. Her writing is good and I look forward to reading more from her.
Thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC of this.
March 29, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free audio-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very frustrating but amazing book. The story takes place in the 1960s with the main character Genevieve, who has a unique personality and talks to ghosts. She's traveling around the south with a circus escaping issues from her past and meets a Vietnam vet also struggling with his past, and he takes her into his home to provide a place of safety.
She then meets a family whose father is a preacher, and we find that the family has been suffering abuse at the hands of the preacher. The book is written so well. It reminded me in a way of Where the Crawdads Sing. The author combined the magical realism of the ghosts well with the story, and the abuse that these poor characters endure throughout the story elicit such a strong response you feel for them and want to get justice for them.
I definitely recommend this book. It came out on March 25th, so add it to your April TBR if you're in for an emotional ride!
This was a very frustrating but amazing book. The story takes place in the 1960s with the main character Genevieve, who has a unique personality and talks to ghosts. She's traveling around the south with a circus escaping issues from her past and meets a Vietnam vet also struggling with his past, and he takes her into his home to provide a place of safety.
She then meets a family whose father is a preacher, and we find that the family has been suffering abuse at the hands of the preacher. The book is written so well. It reminded me in a way of Where the Crawdads Sing. The author combined the magical realism of the ghosts well with the story, and the abuse that these poor characters endure throughout the story elicit such a strong response you feel for them and want to get justice for them.
I definitely recommend this book. It came out on March 25th, so add it to your April TBR if you're in for an emotional ride!
May 5, 2025
Genevieve Charbonneau, born Oleana, has been on her own for years. She had to leave home after a series of disappointments, unhappiness and assault. After falling in with a circus, she learns a number of skills and finds an affinity for snakes. She also can see ghosts.
A chance encounter with a Vietnam War vet in a graveyard. She chooses the name Genevieve to hide her identity, but urges him, despite his reluctance, to return home, with her accompanying. He's come back from the war grieving and not eager to reconnect with his ultra-religious family. He's self-medicating with copious amounts of alcohol to cope with "normal life" and with the fact that he regularly sees and talks with his best friend and fellow soldier, now dead. The African American man was named Bigger. He was big in stature and heart, saved Mercer's and others' lives countless times, as well as opened Mercer's eyes to different perspectives.
Genevieve is intending to only visit for a short while, as Mercer and his family live in the same town in Arkansas her grandmother did. Unbeknownst to Mercer, Genevieve is actually connected to his family, which is run by its horrific preacher father, who constantly abuses and controls his wife and daughters. Mercer's experiences in the war taught him that all the bigotry he grew up with was garbage, and he cannot bare to see the damage perpetuated by his father on the family.
Genevieve gradually becomes involved with Mercer's family, and she has to make a decision, whether to leave them to their unhappy lives, or actually make a connection and put down some roots.
This is wonderfully written, with vividly characterized individuals. Genevieve is a treat, and I loved her immediately. Mercer is an open wound, and I longed for him to find some peace.
I loved the way author India Hayford brought in fantastic elements and used these to delve into trauma, bigotry, domestic abuse, and grief. The story is poignant, and also satisfying, from a wish fulfilment perspective, as the baddies get their proper rewards, thanks to some snakes, manipulation, and smart thinking.
The story is not light, and everyone is suffering, except the horrible people, and I really liked this book.
It's also beautifully voiced in the audiobook, which I listened to while reading,. I loved the use of multiple narrators: Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings. They each brought something special to this dark and gothic story. I have always loved the use of multiple narrators, and they each voice the characters well, bringing them to life beautifully.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington Publishing, and to Rbmedia for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
A chance encounter with a Vietnam War vet in a graveyard. She chooses the name Genevieve to hide her identity, but urges him, despite his reluctance, to return home, with her accompanying. He's come back from the war grieving and not eager to reconnect with his ultra-religious family. He's self-medicating with copious amounts of alcohol to cope with "normal life" and with the fact that he regularly sees and talks with his best friend and fellow soldier, now dead. The African American man was named Bigger. He was big in stature and heart, saved Mercer's and others' lives countless times, as well as opened Mercer's eyes to different perspectives.
Genevieve is intending to only visit for a short while, as Mercer and his family live in the same town in Arkansas her grandmother did. Unbeknownst to Mercer, Genevieve is actually connected to his family, which is run by its horrific preacher father, who constantly abuses and controls his wife and daughters. Mercer's experiences in the war taught him that all the bigotry he grew up with was garbage, and he cannot bare to see the damage perpetuated by his father on the family.
Genevieve gradually becomes involved with Mercer's family, and she has to make a decision, whether to leave them to their unhappy lives, or actually make a connection and put down some roots.
This is wonderfully written, with vividly characterized individuals. Genevieve is a treat, and I loved her immediately. Mercer is an open wound, and I longed for him to find some peace.
I loved the way author India Hayford brought in fantastic elements and used these to delve into trauma, bigotry, domestic abuse, and grief. The story is poignant, and also satisfying, from a wish fulfilment perspective, as the baddies get their proper rewards, thanks to some snakes, manipulation, and smart thinking.
The story is not light, and everyone is suffering, except the horrible people, and I really liked this book.
It's also beautifully voiced in the audiobook, which I listened to while reading,. I loved the use of multiple narrators: Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings. They each brought something special to this dark and gothic story. I have always loved the use of multiple narrators, and they each voice the characters well, bringing them to life beautifully.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington Publishing, and to Rbmedia for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
April 22, 2025
5 emphatic stars
The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree is a beautiful fusion of historical fiction and magical realism. The story was intriguing, heartbreaking, and unique. It could be difficult for some to read as it deals with themes of abuse in multiple forms.
One question - HOW is this a debut novel? It is incredible!
The audio was fantastic, with 3 narrators - Matt Godfrey, Laura Jennings, and Zura Johnson. The different voices helped differentiate the characters. I found they all had very expressive, clear voices. I highly recommend the audiobook. I couldn't stop listening to it and finished in less than 2 days. I can't wait to see what India Hayford comes up with next.
Recommended for readers who love historical fiction with a mix of magical realism, found family, and paranormal elements.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC; and for letting me listen to one of my new favorite books!
The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree is a beautiful fusion of historical fiction and magical realism. The story was intriguing, heartbreaking, and unique. It could be difficult for some to read as it deals with themes of abuse in multiple forms.
One question - HOW is this a debut novel? It is incredible!
The audio was fantastic, with 3 narrators - Matt Godfrey, Laura Jennings, and Zura Johnson. The different voices helped differentiate the characters. I found they all had very expressive, clear voices. I highly recommend the audiobook. I couldn't stop listening to it and finished in less than 2 days. I can't wait to see what India Hayford comes up with next.
Recommended for readers who love historical fiction with a mix of magical realism, found family, and paranormal elements.
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC; and for letting me listen to one of my new favorite books!
November 26, 2025
Found this on Kindle on a whim and didn’t think too much about it other than it was a historical fiction and I needed something to pass time. This book exceeded my expectations in so many ways, more than I can even conceptualize.
You get to follow the stories of incredible war vets Mercer and Bigger and their beautiful friendship within reality and supernatural. This book hits on societal expectations for women of that time, domestic violence fueled by religious manipulation and generational trauma. India definitely did her big one and perfectly explored how evil and wicked men in power can be. This book also touches on magic realism which I didn’t think I’d be a fan of, but it really kept me reading more and more.
I thought Kristen Hannah had in the bag with historical fiction but India Hayford might give KH a run for her money. This might be my favorite book I’ve read this year so far.
You get to follow the stories of incredible war vets Mercer and Bigger and their beautiful friendship within reality and supernatural. This book hits on societal expectations for women of that time, domestic violence fueled by religious manipulation and generational trauma. India definitely did her big one and perfectly explored how evil and wicked men in power can be. This book also touches on magic realism which I didn’t think I’d be a fan of, but it really kept me reading more and more.
I thought Kristen Hannah had in the bag with historical fiction but India Hayford might give KH a run for her money. This might be my favorite book I’ve read this year so far.
May 14, 2025
The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree
I have to say the further I read, the more I enjoyed this book. It started a little confusing for me. I think a lot of the confusion came from multiple points of view throughout this book. I found some scenes really disturbing, but understood that they were very necessary to tell the story. I thought it was beautifully written, had amazing character development, and left me with many emotions.
I have to say the further I read, the more I enjoyed this book. It started a little confusing for me. I think a lot of the confusion came from multiple points of view throughout this book. I found some scenes really disturbing, but understood that they were very necessary to tell the story. I thought it was beautifully written, had amazing character development, and left me with many emotions.
August 29, 2025
WOW this book was equal parts brutal and incredible. please check trigger warnings before going into this, but an astonishing look at religious trauma, family dynamics, some really tough to read abuse, and the determination and resilience of these remarkable women. also the plot line of Bigger and Mercer i can’t 😭 this isn’t a 5 star for me because of how incredibly hard it was to read at times. but a very moving story!
October 27, 2025
This book drew me in and didn't let go. The patriarchy abuses and distorts religion to feed their own disgusting tendencies. Horrible happenings but redeeming moments. Captivating!
June 17, 2025
"Most people think hearing voices is the equivalent of being crazy...it isn't true. Some of us just naturally hear what's out there". This is one of my favorite recurring thoughts in this book, that challenge to rethink what or who we define as mentally ill. Oleana, one of the major characters in this story, says that she has been hearing the voices of ghosts since she was 12 years old. She grew up mostly in southwest Arkansas with her grandma, and has come back to this area as an adult. Now she has become close to a family who are her friends, and also her cousins, and has a especially close friendship with Mercer, a Vietnam Veteran who also deals with many ghosts.
Olenana and her cousin Genevieve (Mercer's mom) become united in their battles against Genevieve's husband, an evangelical preacher of the worst kind, one who commands that women be submissive, who rules with an iron fist, who misuses females in his family and his congregation.
This novel was absorbing, and very intense. The story is very well developed. I hope to read more by this author. This was a 4.5 star read for me.
Olenana and her cousin Genevieve (Mercer's mom) become united in their battles against Genevieve's husband, an evangelical preacher of the worst kind, one who commands that women be submissive, who rules with an iron fist, who misuses females in his family and his congregation.
This novel was absorbing, and very intense. The story is very well developed. I hope to read more by this author. This was a 4.5 star read for me.
April 6, 2025
This has to be the heaviest book I've ever read. It checks all the trigger warning boxes. And yet...the writing was haunting. Fitting the genre of southern historical fiction, it has elements of magical realism throughout. If you are a fan of Barbara Kingslover's "The Poisonwood Bible", this is similar, only MUCH more intense.
Genevieve Charbonneau talks to ghosts from her childhood home in 1967 Arkansas. Strolling through the graveyard of her ancestors after escaping a mental hospital in Alabama, she meets Vietnam vet, Mercer Ives. She had only intended to visit briefly, but Mercer and Genevieve realize that they are family. Their union suddenly becomes a catalyst for change when she is awakened to the severe abuse endured in Mercer's family at the hands of the local Pentacostal preacher. Genevieve begins to see him for the predator he is, and with the help of ghosts, finds the courage to help Mercer's family step into bravery.
This story still holds power over me. I am actually ready to finish writing about it because it literally haunts me. I could barely make it through and almost DNFed it because of the intensity of the abuse. As a preference, I found the ending to fall flat. I felt cheated, in fact. I think I even said out loud, "You've got to be kidding me". It was hard for me to reckon with abuse present in EVERY single chapter. I'm also very confused by the title. There is absolutely no mention of a song or a blue bottle tree in this book.
The voice actors, Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings, were stunning at creating characters and moments that gripped me. They fully lifted this story off the page into reality. Their brilliant acting choices kept me hooked in the moment. All three have brilliance in accents, focus, and characterization.
Thank you India Hayford, RBmedia, and NetGalley for this haunting audio ARC that will live on in my nightmares in exchange for an honest review.
Genevieve Charbonneau talks to ghosts from her childhood home in 1967 Arkansas. Strolling through the graveyard of her ancestors after escaping a mental hospital in Alabama, she meets Vietnam vet, Mercer Ives. She had only intended to visit briefly, but Mercer and Genevieve realize that they are family. Their union suddenly becomes a catalyst for change when she is awakened to the severe abuse endured in Mercer's family at the hands of the local Pentacostal preacher. Genevieve begins to see him for the predator he is, and with the help of ghosts, finds the courage to help Mercer's family step into bravery.
This story still holds power over me. I am actually ready to finish writing about it because it literally haunts me. I could barely make it through and almost DNFed it because of the intensity of the abuse. As a preference, I found the ending to fall flat. I felt cheated, in fact. I think I even said out loud, "You've got to be kidding me". It was hard for me to reckon with abuse present in EVERY single chapter. I'm also very confused by the title. There is absolutely no mention of a song or a blue bottle tree in this book.
The voice actors, Zura Johnson, Matt Godfrey, and Laura Jennings, were stunning at creating characters and moments that gripped me. They fully lifted this story off the page into reality. Their brilliant acting choices kept me hooked in the moment. All three have brilliance in accents, focus, and characterization.
Thank you India Hayford, RBmedia, and NetGalley for this haunting audio ARC that will live on in my nightmares in exchange for an honest review.
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