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Drought
When Parnell, a recluse from Newark, New Jersey, inherits a dilapidated tobacco farm in Kentucky from his estranged Uncle Willy, he moves to the farm hoping to jump start his empty life. Such begins an odyssey igniting a dual narrative as Uncle Willy shares from the grave about his deep love for a man named Phil, and a violent curse born from hate and intolerance. In Kentucky, Parnell befriends Darl, who works at the Sonic, and John, an eccentric preacher who guides him to learn the twisted fate of his Uncle Willy. Parnell discovers there are more than tobacco leaves buried in the fields. As he unearths a long-hidden crime, to his surprise, he gains a new sense of self.
166 pages, Paperback
Published June 3, 2025
43 people want to read
About the author
Scott Alexander Hess
11 books68 followersScott Alexander Hess is the author of eight novels, including Skyscraper, a Lambda Literary Award Finalist, and The Butcher’s Sons, which was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2015. His writing has appeared in HuffPost, Genre Magazine, The Fix, Thema Literary Review, and elsewhere. Hess co-wrote "Tom in America," an award-winning short film, starring Sally Kirkland and Burt Young. He teaches fiction writing at Gotham Writers Workshop and curates Hot Lit, an LGBTQ+ themed monthly newsletter. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Hess lives in New York City with his husband.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 18, 2025
5 "colluding with the Kentucky moon" stars !!
Thank you to Book Sirens, Rebel Satori press and our most talented author. This will be released June 2025. I am providing an honest review.
This is a novella that seeped into my marrow. A book about men, rural men, hardworking men, good men. Men that work the land, struggle to live, struggle to serve God, struggle to love. This is a book told in cycles, organic, spiritual, passionate and melancholy. A slice of Americana, deep romance, surreal whisperings, fragile masculinity, immense and dark beauty. The prose is simple, descriptive, magnetic and with this comes both a despair and a hope and a momentous will not only to survive but to thrive.
A book that made my guts churn and also allowed my soul to float in the tobacco fields...
Absolutely astonishing...I tip my hat to you Mr. Hess !
March 5, 2025
In Drought, we meet Parnell, a solitary man from New Jersey, who inherits a rundown tobacco farm in Kentucky from his estranged Uncle Willy. Seeking a fresh start, Parnell moves to the farm, only to uncover deep-seated family secrets and a haunting past.
Through a dual narrative, Uncle Willy reveals secrets about himself and the land. Parnell begins to piece together his uncle’s hidden history.
Scott Alexander Hess masterfully intertwines themes of love, resilience, and the quest for identity and being wanted.
If you are a fan of historical fiction that delves into queer narratives and unearths buried truths, Drought is a must-read. It’s set to release on June 3, 2025.
Through a dual narrative, Uncle Willy reveals secrets about himself and the land. Parnell begins to piece together his uncle’s hidden history.
Scott Alexander Hess masterfully intertwines themes of love, resilience, and the quest for identity and being wanted.
If you are a fan of historical fiction that delves into queer narratives and unearths buried truths, Drought is a must-read. It’s set to release on June 3, 2025.
March 18, 2025
The author generously sent me a digital ARC today, and I devoured it in a single sitting. Hess’ writing is beautifully crafted, painting vivid imagery that fully immerses the reader in the story’s setting.
This novel follows Parnell, a quiet, shy, and insecure man who has spent his life feeling like an outsider. Born in New Jersey, he never knew his parents, grew up in an orphanage, and even spent time in a juvenile correctional facility. His life takes an unexpected turn when his estranged uncle, Willy, passes away and leaves him a tobacco farm in Kentucky.
Despite knowing nothing about farming, Parnell takes a leap of faith, seeing this as a chance to find purpose and redefine his future. But as he settles into his new life, he uncovers the haunting, heartbreaking truths of his uncle’s past. Amidst it all, he finds an unlikely friend in Darl - someone who sees him for who he is and accepts him without judgment.
At its core, this is a story about self-discovery, healing, the power of friendship, and finding meaning in unexpected places. It’s a deeply moving read, woven with themes of heartbreak, loss, and redemption.
Beautifully written and impossible to put down. I highly recommend this book!
I gave it 4 stars because of the epilogue 😭
This novel follows Parnell, a quiet, shy, and insecure man who has spent his life feeling like an outsider. Born in New Jersey, he never knew his parents, grew up in an orphanage, and even spent time in a juvenile correctional facility. His life takes an unexpected turn when his estranged uncle, Willy, passes away and leaves him a tobacco farm in Kentucky.
Despite knowing nothing about farming, Parnell takes a leap of faith, seeing this as a chance to find purpose and redefine his future. But as he settles into his new life, he uncovers the haunting, heartbreaking truths of his uncle’s past. Amidst it all, he finds an unlikely friend in Darl - someone who sees him for who he is and accepts him without judgment.
At its core, this is a story about self-discovery, healing, the power of friendship, and finding meaning in unexpected places. It’s a deeply moving read, woven with themes of heartbreak, loss, and redemption.
Beautifully written and impossible to put down. I highly recommend this book!
I gave it 4 stars because of the epilogue 😭
June 17, 2025
3.5/5 stars
I want to start off by saying I was given an ARC for this book from the author and I really appreciate that I was given this opportunity. This story was actually something I could’ve really enjoyed, Unfortunately it scored lower than it should have for the following reasons.
The story itself as an idea is enjoyable, I think that Willys storyline could have easily been added to and given more time overall, it felt a bit rushed. I felt like the preachers storyline was disjointed and weirdly all over the place. The thing about the scene where Darl comes across Willy in the sonic parking lot not only seemed unnecessary but also didn’t add anything to the story.
The implied similarities between Parnell and Darls storyline and Willy’s storyline was too quick and clunky, the addition of Parnell seeing Horace was weird and felt like it should have been cut completely to be honest. Like that weird scene with the guy in the red truck, it was forcing a scene that could have been done better but wasn’t even needed so it ended up not making any sense.
One of the other reasons was the absolutely rampant fat phobia. Namely a 6 foot 310lbs man is talked about as if he’s the size of a car. There are so many examples in this book but some are that he had to get two big coats sewn together to fit his “wide girth” or how he never could find a regular bed to fit him and how he could just barely fit in a bench truck and move the steering wheel, the character actually says he’s worried about the weight limit on a farm tractor (for clarification a riding mower which is much smaller than a farming tractor has a rider weight limit of between 300-600 pounds) I just find it outrageous to an almost comical degree, I as a 5’10 man at over 350lbs can not only do all those aforementioned things with ease but can also, unlike the character, raise my arms over my head without issue and can use a shovel and dance without keeling over in buckets of sweat etc. it just feels like the author was horribly mistreated by a fat person and now just hates fat people or at least writes like he does.
I will say I love Darl, he’s so sweet and the implication of the relationship/connection he feels from the beginning is super clear even if it’s never actually outwardly said. I also enjoy that even under a different name Phil comes back to the farm, basically back home, for his last years. I was however upset that he just left without any reason or explanation.
This one was just so frustrating for me to read because I wanted to love it so much based off the whole idea of the story but the execution of it just really missed the mark which was the most disappointing thing. It felt like a first draft and not a completed project. This would’ve easily been a 5 star read and one I would’ve wanted to add to my physical shelf if it had only been tweaked and maybe by a fat person. With a story less focused on his size so much and more on fleshing out the story itself and giving the characters a bit more personality.
I want to start off by saying I was given an ARC for this book from the author and I really appreciate that I was given this opportunity. This story was actually something I could’ve really enjoyed, Unfortunately it scored lower than it should have for the following reasons.
The story itself as an idea is enjoyable, I think that Willys storyline could have easily been added to and given more time overall, it felt a bit rushed. I felt like the preachers storyline was disjointed and weirdly all over the place. The thing about the scene where Darl comes across Willy in the sonic parking lot not only seemed unnecessary but also didn’t add anything to the story.
The implied similarities between Parnell and Darls storyline and Willy’s storyline was too quick and clunky, the addition of Parnell seeing Horace was weird and felt like it should have been cut completely to be honest. Like that weird scene with the guy in the red truck, it was forcing a scene that could have been done better but wasn’t even needed so it ended up not making any sense.
One of the other reasons was the absolutely rampant fat phobia. Namely a 6 foot 310lbs man is talked about as if he’s the size of a car. There are so many examples in this book but some are that he had to get two big coats sewn together to fit his “wide girth” or how he never could find a regular bed to fit him and how he could just barely fit in a bench truck and move the steering wheel, the character actually says he’s worried about the weight limit on a farm tractor (for clarification a riding mower which is much smaller than a farming tractor has a rider weight limit of between 300-600 pounds) I just find it outrageous to an almost comical degree, I as a 5’10 man at over 350lbs can not only do all those aforementioned things with ease but can also, unlike the character, raise my arms over my head without issue and can use a shovel and dance without keeling over in buckets of sweat etc. it just feels like the author was horribly mistreated by a fat person and now just hates fat people or at least writes like he does.
I will say I love Darl, he’s so sweet and the implication of the relationship/connection he feels from the beginning is super clear even if it’s never actually outwardly said. I also enjoy that even under a different name Phil comes back to the farm, basically back home, for his last years. I was however upset that he just left without any reason or explanation.
This one was just so frustrating for me to read because I wanted to love it so much based off the whole idea of the story but the execution of it just really missed the mark which was the most disappointing thing. It felt like a first draft and not a completed project. This would’ve easily been a 5 star read and one I would’ve wanted to add to my physical shelf if it had only been tweaked and maybe by a fat person. With a story less focused on his size so much and more on fleshing out the story itself and giving the characters a bit more personality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2025
I can't decide on my rating for this, either between a high four stars and a five stars, this is such a solid read!!! This is such a small and concise story, it's truly about second chances and finding your place, and people and community, and in the middle of all of that, you also have an heartfelt story in the past, with love, mystery and death!! I really enjoy how the book develops the characters and the relationships between everybody!!! This was an excellent read and I cannot recommend enough!!!
I received an advance review copy for free through Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily :)
I received an advance review copy for free through Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily :)
September 10, 2025
The book's synopsis caught my interest. Murder. Ghosts. Romance. It was a quick read and I did enjoy it, but now that I'm done I'm not sure that it was really any of those things. Sure there were elements of each, but not sure how to classify the story.
April 26, 2025
Drought is a novel short in length but lush in detail, written in lyrical and deeply atmospheric prose. Scott Alexander Hess captures the stifling heat of the drought with which the novel opens, mirroring the emotional barrenness of the narrator Parnell’s own life. Parnell is portrayed as an awkward character — physically uncomfortable in his own body, and emotionally starved after a lonely upbringing in barren institutions. He is confronted with his uncle’s mysterious past when he arrives at his late uncle Willy’s farm, forcing him to push the boundaries of his comfort as he attempts at friendships, and gains confidence in himself. As the mystery is resolved and the rains finally fall, Parnell’s life blooms into unexpected connections and a growing sense of belonging. Hess captures the emotional equilibrium that follows through a narrative of the delicate yet raucious rhythm of nature, and life-affirming relief of rain.
The novel’s only seeming misstep is the shift to Uncle Willy’s first-person voice, albeit his story being narrated by the preacher. This shift disrupts the smooth narrative flow of the preceding chapters; it might have been more effective framed as a letter or some other kind of testament rather than a first-person narrative recounted by another. Even though the preacher knew the story behind the mystery, Uncle Willy’s narrative has some intensely personal details to which the preacher would unlikely have been privy. This is why this particular narrative appeared jarring to me, and the only reason why I’m giving this book 4* instead of 5*.
Finally though, Drought is a quiet meditation on dignity, peace of mind, and the quiet joy of finding one’s place in the world. I’m definitely moving on to other books by Hess!
A HUGE thank you to Book Sirens and the author @ScottAlexanderHess for giving me an ARC of this novel.
Drought is set to be released this June! 📖 ⏰ 🥳
The novel’s only seeming misstep is the shift to Uncle Willy’s first-person voice, albeit his story being narrated by the preacher. This shift disrupts the smooth narrative flow of the preceding chapters; it might have been more effective framed as a letter or some other kind of testament rather than a first-person narrative recounted by another. Even though the preacher knew the story behind the mystery, Uncle Willy’s narrative has some intensely personal details to which the preacher would unlikely have been privy. This is why this particular narrative appeared jarring to me, and the only reason why I’m giving this book 4* instead of 5*.
Finally though, Drought is a quiet meditation on dignity, peace of mind, and the quiet joy of finding one’s place in the world. I’m definitely moving on to other books by Hess!
A HUGE thank you to Book Sirens and the author @ScottAlexanderHess for giving me an ARC of this novel.
Drought is set to be released this June! 📖 ⏰ 🥳
June 2, 2025
I received a free copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Let's start with what I liked. The quality of the writing was great. Scene-setting and character descriptions were colourful and evocative while maintaining a very down-to-earth simplicity of language. I thought the idea of the story was really compelling, and there were some really stand-out passages.
All that being said, it felt like an earlier draft of a great book. It took most of 3 out of five sections for me to really get into it, and I felt like the arrangement of sections didn't necessarily serve the story as well as it could have. The characters each had 1 main personality trait with little to no development or backstory, and some sections felt rushed through. Going into the supernatural element more, giving backstories more than 2 sentences each toward the end of the book, interweaving the past and present a bit more would have were all things I found myself hoping for.
Overall, I did like the book. I genuinely think all my complaints would be gone if there were just more pages to build out the bones -- because the bones are definitely there.
Let's start with what I liked. The quality of the writing was great. Scene-setting and character descriptions were colourful and evocative while maintaining a very down-to-earth simplicity of language. I thought the idea of the story was really compelling, and there were some really stand-out passages.
All that being said, it felt like an earlier draft of a great book. It took most of 3 out of five sections for me to really get into it, and I felt like the arrangement of sections didn't necessarily serve the story as well as it could have. The characters each had 1 main personality trait with little to no development or backstory, and some sections felt rushed through. Going into the supernatural element more, giving backstories more than 2 sentences each toward the end of the book, interweaving the past and present a bit more would have were all things I found myself hoping for.
Overall, I did like the book. I genuinely think all my complaints would be gone if there were just more pages to build out the bones -- because the bones are definitely there.
May 5, 2025
This book reminded me that energy flows where intention goes and that you reap what you sow. This was “Of Mice and Men” meets empathy and understanding of a radically evolving world.
I think this is an unexpected investigation of the depth of empathy, connection with the Earth and with others, and faith in yourself.
I also really appreciated the author’s seemingly intentional writing style of not putting a label on anyone or any situation presented in the book. This allows the reader to connect with the character, the humanity of the story, not focusing on a label or what society will think. I can tell this author has a genuine love and hope for humanity — we need these writers and stories in classrooms more.
Also, really loved the focus of Sonic - down to the full names of the menu items. I genuinely loved this book so much.
I think this is an unexpected investigation of the depth of empathy, connection with the Earth and with others, and faith in yourself.
I also really appreciated the author’s seemingly intentional writing style of not putting a label on anyone or any situation presented in the book. This allows the reader to connect with the character, the humanity of the story, not focusing on a label or what society will think. I can tell this author has a genuine love and hope for humanity — we need these writers and stories in classrooms more.
Also, really loved the focus of Sonic - down to the full names of the menu items. I genuinely loved this book so much.
March 5, 2025
This is one of those books that stays with you, in the best way imaginable. The people are so real and so touching--and the plot moves toward a marvelous, gratifying and surprisingly complex sort of double conclusion. I absolutely loved that it was both positive and complex. Hess is a truly gifted writer and this book is just a treat to have waiting for one at the end of the work day. Strongly recommend.
March 19, 2025
Drought was such a great read! I enjoyed all the characters and I couldn’t put the book down! I loved being able to learn about Uncle Willy’s journey and see Parnell create strong friendships. The strong themes throughout the book bring the visuals and characters to life! I want more!! I really recommend this book!!
March 5, 2025
Drought is as full of compassion for its characters--and humanity, in general--as it is unexpected in its storytelling. Hess has written a novella that manages to be simultaneously tender, macabre, and transcendent.
March 10, 2025
Thank you Scott for writing this beautiful story. This book is a great example of loving yourself, taking chances, and growing as a human. What a great read! DROUGHT comes out June 3rd, 2025! Keep an eye out and grab this book if you see it!
March 5, 2025
Haunting, masterful, atmospheric, and supremely satisfying. I loved Parnell as a character. Fans of Hess will not be disappointed!!
January 15, 2026
I cried.
May 31, 2025
I'll begin my comments about
Drought
with a spoiler to fasten your seatbelts and ditch (most of) your preconceptions.
We meet Parnell as he arrives in a rural town near the property - a derelict tobacco farm - he's come to claim. It was recently left to him by his deceased uncle, of whom he knew nothing about. A prolonged drought that's gripped the area impacts activities by Parnell, who is self-conscious about and impaired by his weight.
With this information, we're led into the story that feels like viewing a recent-ish group picture where some details and faces are clearer than others, where a few of the pictured are around and able to talk about it, and, of those able, some are less willing to talk. I quickly started feeling a Southern Gothic vibe, for this story in an Appalachian setting. The past isn't fully resolved, justice isn't settled exclusively in the courtroom, and many events in the present leave us looking over our shoulder.
Somehow, this thickly layered, multifaceted story moves quickly in 150+ pages. Scott Alexander Hess expertly uses his creative talents to put us right into the plot, deconstructing the present by peeling away layers to reveal the past, even using a second POV (of the deceased) to substantially fill in many - but not all - details, with surprises on almost every page. Throughout, Parnell is also on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
As the title implies, Nature has its say in the proceedings. And true to "Appalachian Gothic" (to coin a term?), not necessarily in the way we would expect - but definitely in ways we won't soon forget.
We meet Parnell as he arrives in a rural town near the property - a derelict tobacco farm - he's come to claim. It was recently left to him by his deceased uncle, of whom he knew nothing about. A prolonged drought that's gripped the area impacts activities by Parnell, who is self-conscious about and impaired by his weight.
With this information, we're led into the story that feels like viewing a recent-ish group picture where some details and faces are clearer than others, where a few of the pictured are around and able to talk about it, and, of those able, some are less willing to talk. I quickly started feeling a Southern Gothic vibe, for this story in an Appalachian setting. The past isn't fully resolved, justice isn't settled exclusively in the courtroom, and many events in the present leave us looking over our shoulder.
Somehow, this thickly layered, multifaceted story moves quickly in 150+ pages. Scott Alexander Hess expertly uses his creative talents to put us right into the plot, deconstructing the present by peeling away layers to reveal the past, even using a second POV (of the deceased) to substantially fill in many - but not all - details, with surprises on almost every page. Throughout, Parnell is also on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
As the title implies, Nature has its say in the proceedings. And true to "Appalachian Gothic" (to coin a term?), not necessarily in the way we would expect - but definitely in ways we won't soon forget.
June 4, 2025
This is a story of finding yourself, finding your place, finding your people and/or person (tribe).
Parnell is a lonely, seemingly awkward man, who inherits his estranged uncle's farm in rural Kentucky. He doesn't have any real ties to his current home in New Jersey--as sad, somewhat unfortunate past and upbringing--and takes his inheritance as a chance to start over in life and maybe find some good, some purpose for himself.
I enjoyed the pace, which was slower, and made me think of the "long hot days of summer," especially in the southeastern US. Time when a drought would be more likely to occur, and would have more devastation and loss--thinking along the lines of crops/food and income/livelihood.
I liked that more scenes took place at night, when it was cooler and more bearable--but also with that security that nighttime can sometimes offer, like mystery and darkness, and unknown/unseen (or limited sight).
Grounded with the Sonic (restaurant) also being a main location and place of interractions for our main character.
The writing was beautiful and intentional. Story length, as a novella/short story was ideal also. Succinct, with just enough detail about our characters, the location, and the theme.
The friendship that Parnell found was perfect. They both needed that comfort and listening ear/sounding board. Enjoyed the mystery surrounding Parnell's Uncle and how that story came to light, from unexpected sources.
Imagery--including descriptions of the town/farm, the heat/weather/elements--was spot-on, and placed me right in farm-country Kentucky!
Feels like this could be a true story of someone's uncle/family member living in the South or any secluded/smaller, rural town in the US.
An emotional and beautiful read.
Parnell is a lonely, seemingly awkward man, who inherits his estranged uncle's farm in rural Kentucky. He doesn't have any real ties to his current home in New Jersey--as sad, somewhat unfortunate past and upbringing--and takes his inheritance as a chance to start over in life and maybe find some good, some purpose for himself.
I enjoyed the pace, which was slower, and made me think of the "long hot days of summer," especially in the southeastern US. Time when a drought would be more likely to occur, and would have more devastation and loss--thinking along the lines of crops/food and income/livelihood.
I liked that more scenes took place at night, when it was cooler and more bearable--but also with that security that nighttime can sometimes offer, like mystery and darkness, and unknown/unseen (or limited sight).
Grounded with the Sonic (restaurant) also being a main location and place of interractions for our main character.
The writing was beautiful and intentional. Story length, as a novella/short story was ideal also. Succinct, with just enough detail about our characters, the location, and the theme.
The friendship that Parnell found was perfect. They both needed that comfort and listening ear/sounding board. Enjoyed the mystery surrounding Parnell's Uncle and how that story came to light, from unexpected sources.
Imagery--including descriptions of the town/farm, the heat/weather/elements--was spot-on, and placed me right in farm-country Kentucky!
Feels like this could be a true story of someone's uncle/family member living in the South or any secluded/smaller, rural town in the US.
An emotional and beautiful read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews