Orphans of the Living: A Novel

by Kathy Watson

A debut historical fiction for fans of Kristin Hannah and John Steinbeck, Orphans of the Living follows the Stovall family’s early 20th-century quest for home and redemption as they confront racism, poverty, and inequality across the American South and West.

In the shadow of the Great Depression and Jim Crow south of the 1930s, an impoverished white family escapes—with the help of Black sharecroppers—from a vengeful Mississippi plantation overseer intent on lynching them. Arriving in California to start a new life, Barney and Lula Stovall are haunted by the past, the children they’ve left behind, and the daughter they cannot love or protect.

Orphans of the Living follows the peripatetic life of the Stovall family, woven from four parallel Barney and Lula Stovall, and two of their nine children, Glen and Nora Mae.

Their California sojourn—from their hardscrabble dairy farm, to the brig at the San Francisco Presidio, to the building of the Golden Gate Bridge—lead them on paths toward each other and forgiveness. But redemption doesn't come to them all.

352 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Angela M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orphans of the Living

A novel based on the author’s family, a story depicting their life over the course of decades, as they struggle through hard work and tough times trying to make a better life . While there was love in this dysfunctional, flawed family it was dark at times and incredibly heartbreaking. It spans the years from 1912-1942, but not in a linear fashion. It takes the reader across the country as the family moves from place to place seeking a better life - including Mississippi, Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona, Montana , California, reflecting life on a cotton plantation, farming in the dust bowl, the Great Depression and more.

Past and present parts of their lives are intermingled in the narrative from multiple points of view . Lula, the wife and mother is stretched to her limit with 8 children . I felt for her, but came to dislike her. Her husband, Barney is always looking for the next good idea to acquire land, but not always making the right decisions. I didn’t like him for a good part of the book, either. I was most engaged in their children Glen’s and Nora Mae’s narrative, the orphans of the living in my opinion. Glen experienced heartbreak and a traumatic experience, shunned as a child by Barney, his stepfather . Glen turns out to be my favorite character, the moral compass of the family. Nora Mae also suffered horrific trauma at eight years old and is treated so badly by her mother Lulu that I had a hard time feeling for her for the trials she had experienced before Nora Mae was born. I was captivated, though, wondering if there would be a chance for reconciliation, for forgiveness.

It felt a bit disjointed given the different times and places and narratives being blended in this way. However, I was moved by the story and especially so knowing that it is the story of the author’s mother. In her note, Kathy Watson says “This book is a work of fiction. It’s also true.” That can be said about well done historical fiction. I thought she was courageous to tell this story.

I received a copy of this from She Writes Press through NetGalley.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Orphans of the Living by Kathy Watson

Kathy Watson’s Orphans of the Living is a poignant and powerful historical novel that explores the struggles of the Stovall family in the early 20th century. The story is a testament to the resilience of those who faced racism, poverty, and inequality, yet continued to strive for a better life. Watson’s narrative is both a heart-wrenching portrayal of hardship and a hopeful examination of the human spirit.

Premise & Themes
The novel follows the Stovall family as they navigate the challenges of their time, including systemic racism and economic hardship. Through their journey, Watson delves into themes of family, identity, and the quest for redemption. The story is set against the backdrop of significant historical events, grounding the characters’ personal struggles within the broader context of their era.

Strengths & Highlights
-Immersive Storytelling: Watson’s writing is vivid and engaging, bringing the characters and their world to life.
-Historical Context: The novel is well-researched, providing a rich and accurate portrayal of the early 20th century.
-Character Development: The Stovall family is complex and multi-dimensional, with each member’s struggles and triumphs contributing to the narrative.
-Emotional Resonance: The story is emotionally impactful, drawing readers into the characters’ experiences and struggles.

Areas for Improvement
Some readers might find certain sections of the narrative to be slow-paced or overly focused on historical details. However, these elements are crucial to the story’s authenticity and depth.

Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Historical Accuracy: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – The novel is meticulously researched and accurately captures the spirit of the era.
-Character Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – The characters are well-developed and relatable, though some may feel more fleshed out than others.
-Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – The pacing is generally good, though some sections may feel slower.
-Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – The story is deeply moving and emotionally resonant.
-Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – While the themes are familiar, Watson brings a fresh perspective to the narrative.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A compelling and emotionally resonant novel that sheds light on a significant period in history.

Perfect For:
-Fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in early 20th-century America.
-Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives.
-Anyone looking for a story that explores themes of family, identity, and resilience.

Acknowledgments:
Thank you to NetGalley and Kathy Watson for providing an advance review copy of Orphans of the Living in exchange for an honest review.

Final Thought: Orphans of the Living is a beautifully crafted novel that not only tells a compelling story but also serves as a powerful reminder of the past and its impact on the present. Watson’s work is a significant contribution to the historical fiction genre.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

While historical fiction, the story is based on the author's mother's life, which gives us an insight into one family's experience (to a degree). We know from reading and learning about history that there were tough times for many people due to the economy, racial issues, hunger, and family issues. Many children were orphaned, and sometimes it was by necessity, and not always due to the loss of family. Hence the term, orphans of the living. Some families couldn't raise all of their children, or in this case, the stepfather didn't like the children from his wife's first marriage. The children were a handful, but at the same time, Barney expected too much from these young boys. This is also a time when women were property and not allowed to speak up in defense of their children or family. It was a hard lesson for all involved.

The book started a bit slow, and I had a hard time putting the pieces together. However, as the book progressed over time, I developed an affinity for some of the characters, especially Nora Mae. I can't imagine being shuffled around the country, meeting new people, and trying to find yourself, even as a young child. There is a wide range of characters that added depth and dimension to the story. Barney was always looking for the next big deal, and I'm not sure if he ever found it. But he never quit trying. 

This novel reminds me to be grateful for the current environment for women. Sure, there is room for improvement, but it is nothing like it was 10o years ago. I appreciated the way the author dealt with racial issues. Slavery still existed, and there were the Jim Crow laws. 

I enjoyed reading this novel and learned a few things. We give it 4 paws up.

[alli ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orphans of the Living was a haunting and gut-wrenching story reflecting the real-world experiences of Kathy Watson’s family. This book was remarkable, immensely painful to read, and its characters left a profound impact on me.

Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This arc that I was so fortunate enough to get a paperback arc copy of was a very informative and interesting read. What I enjoyed is that is gives a very detailed explanation of being an 'orphan' although your parents are very much alive. This takes place in a period where it was survival of the fittest and it was every man for himself. This story was a real eye opener as it showed how hard life was back in the 1920's and 1930's. The characters were so wrll drawn out and the plot seemed to go with the flow of things.
This novel follows the adventures of the Stovall famiky as they travel from various states during the the 1920's and 1930's. The parents Barney and Lula are very frustrated with their lives and tend to neglect their eight children especially the youngest daughter Nora. However, through the years of their struggles they realize that they still love each other and try to make the best of their situation.

All opinions are of my own.

[Mana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathy Watson's Orphans of the Living is about the Stovall family, a poor white family running away from the Jim Crow South in the early 1930s, who have the assistance of Black sharecroppers. Their journey is between Mississippi and California, where they encounter racism, poverty, and family issues in their pursuit of finding a home and starting afresh. The point of view is through four family members: parents Barney and Lula Stovall, and two children, Glen and Nora Mae. It is through each character's story that one gets a different facet of hardship, hope, and how to survive.

The fight is going on between the Stovalls outside and inside. Barnet and Lula fight against outside forces, represented by a mean plantation manager, and the pain inside caused by loss and neglect. Lula is sad and distant, unable to fully love or protect her children, mainly her daughter Nora Mae, who longs for attention. Barney forever dreams of better things only to end up down again. Growing up in an orphanage, Glen joined the military. Nora Mae's tough growing up shows how broken the family is when under pressure. The sharecropper, Violet Byrd, and other people are given significant roles in the drama to view themes such as race relations and community ties that went against racism in those times.

The theme ultimately revolves around racial injustice, inherited family pains, poverty, and the search for belonging. The set reflects the Great Depression and the Jim Crow South, but also those of today regarding inequalities, continuing issues of trauma in families, and identity and forgiveness issues. It asks what it means to live orphaned, feeling left behind by family or society, and how the cycles of pain either continue or are stopped.

Watson writes plainly and honestly, detailing all things historical in the world. In that realistic roughness, sometimes his head stops while thinking about the harsh realities that the characters live with. The story is rich, but sometimes heavy, as it leaps between the voices of all four people over a long span. Gritty tone with moments of tenderness invites difficult parts instead of shying away from hard realities, pointing out resilience and complexity along the way. The relationship and the conversations clearly portray the period, without being flashy.

It's an emotional journey because of the straightforward narration of the struggles of the family and its resilience. It forces the readers to face uncomfortable truths about love, loss, and survival. Some portions go really intense, but it is this intensity that makes the story worthwhile and stays in memory. This novel, like others that fit the historical fiction genre with themes of racial and economic oppression, such as those by Kristin Hannah or John Steinbeck, belongs in that category. Being a debut novel, it holds something special in being honest and morally complicated.

Orphans of the Living feels tense and gloomy, interspersed with tiny glimmers of hope, and cast in the shadow of discrimination and poverty. It is strong because it very much relays the picture of families and survival when society does let them down. Some would say that the changes in points of view and large themes slow the story down or make it emotionally exhausting, thus making it harder at times to stay engaged, but those things give it the realness and depth that users want in stories.

Most importantly, the issue that this book does not offer simple solutions or neat endings. It really allows for characters who have flaws and struggle with their own distinct history and selfhood, inviting the reader to think about his or her own family story and the world around. It has a strong storyline of survival that feels both personal and universal, challenging how the costs of inequities play out in people's lives and how a quiet steadfastness holds people on.

[Stacy40pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orphans of Living by Kathy Watson. Thanks to @mindbuckmedia for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An impoverished family arrives in California to start new but their past haunts them.

A great debut this story really showed what is was like to live in the early twentieth century. Despite the programs, land, and opportunities, it was a difficult time to make a living. I loved how while a white family, it showed the challenges of both white and black sharecroppers. A historical fiction, it is also a family saga. Definitely take the time to read the author’s note in the beginning.

“What they call the rest of you is orphans of the living. You got folk, they just don’t want you.”

Orphans of the Living comes out 9/30.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Orphans of the Living
✍🏻Kathy Watson
Blurb:
A debut historical fiction for fans of Kristin Hannah and John Steinbeck, Orphans of the Living follows the Stovall family’s early 20th-century quest for home and redemption as they confront racism, poverty, and inequality across the American South and West.

In the shadow of the Great Depression and Jim Crow south of the 1930s, an impoverished white family escapes—with the help of Black sharecroppers—from a vengeful Mississippi plantation overseer intent on lynching them. Arriving in California to start a new life, Barney and Lula Stovall are haunted by the past, the children they’ve left behind, and the daughter they cannot love or protect.

Orphans of the Living follows the peripatetic life of the Stovall family, woven from four parallel Barney and Lula Stovall, and two of their nine children, Glen and Nora Mae.

Their California sojourn—from their hardscrabble dairy farm, to the brig at the San Francisco Presidio, to the building of the Golden Gate Bridge—lead them on paths toward each other and forgiveness. But redemption doesn't come to them all.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this family’s journey through life, their struggles and sacrifices as well as their successes in life. It kept my attention from start to finish reading about Wilkie, Barney, Lula, Ray, Nora and the rest of the characters that were so well developed.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this family’s journey through life, their struggles and sacrifices as well as their successes in life. It kept my attention from start to finish reading about Wilkie, Barney, Lula, Ray, Nora and the rest of the characters that were so well developed.A novel based on the author’s family, a story depicting their life over the course of decades, as they struggle through hard work and tough times trying to make a better life . While there was love in this dysfunctional, flawed family it was dark at times and incredibly heartbreaking. It spans the years from 1912-1942, but not in a linear fashion. It takes the reader across the country as the family moves from place to place seeking a better life - including Mississippi, Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona, Montana , California, reflecting life on a cotton plantation, farming in the dust bowl, the Great Depression and more.
Orphans of the Living was a haunting and gut-wrenching story reflecting the real-world experiences of Kathy Watson’s family. This book was remarkable, immensely painful to read, and its characters left a profound impact on me.
Thanks NetGalley, She Writes Press and Author Kathy Watson for the advanced copy of "Orphans of the Living" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#SheWritesPress
#KathyWatson
#OrphansoftheLiving
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orphans of the Living is a novel steeped in generational trauma, racial violence, and the slow unraveling of the American dream. Kathy Watson tells the story of Lula Stovall and her tangled family history, spanning from a Mississippi plantation in the 1920s through decades of poverty, migration, and social change. Lula, a white sharecropper's wife, becomes both victim and agent in a life defined by loss and desperation. The novel, inspired by Watson’s own family, shifts between perspectives and decades, revealing how choices, often forced, sometimes chosen, echo through generations. It is part historical fiction, part personal reckoning, layered with the grit of real events and imagined truths.

Watson’s writing hits like a storm. The language is raw, unvarnished, and aching with honesty. The prose feels lived-in, like the old quilts and wood stoves that fill her characters’ homes. The pain is immediate and unrelenting. Lula's desperate act with a piece of fencing wire early in the book stunned me. Not just because of what happened, but because of how real it felt. Watson doesn't write for comfort. She writes to bear witness. There were moments when I had to put the book down and walk away, not because I didn’t want to keep going, but because it hurt too much to stay in the scene. That kind of writing is rare.

But it’s not just the writing that stuck with me. It’s the ambition of the book. Watson dives deep into race, class, history, and motherhood, often all at once. She gives space to the Black characters in Lula’s orbit, making sure they aren’t just there to prop up a white story. Violet Byrd, especially, is a force. Her presence radiates power and calm in a world built to crush her. The author makes the brave decision to include racist language and brutal events for historical accuracy. Nothing in this book is simple. No character is purely good or purely bad. Everyone is just trying to survive.

Orphans of the Living is not just a story about one woman’s brutal life. It’s about inheritance. What we’re given, what we pass on, and what we bury. I respected the story deeply. It’s a hard, unblinking book that left me gutted, moved, and wide awake. I’d recommend this book to readers who aren’t afraid of discomfort. If you’re drawn to stories like Jesmyn Ward’s Salvage the Bones or Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, this will resonate. It's a hard read, emotionally, but one worth sticking with. Anyone interested in Southern history, generational trauma, or the quiet violence of poverty should read this.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by Michael Chabon’s family history inspired novel Moonglow, Kathy Watson created a fictionalized, imagined account of her mother’s life story. It is a story of hardship and hope, failure and grit, taking place during America’s most challenging times: the Dust Bowl and Depression, Jim Crow, and wars abroad.

Barney Stovall is a great character, a union organizer and Marxist, inspired by Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. He is a dreamer who works hard and achieves much only to lose what he has created, alienating his family in his single-minded endeavors.

His wife Lula is worn down with child-raising and poverty and following her husband across the country. She is bitter that Barney forced to her leave her sons from her first marriage behind, unaware that their uncle placed them in an orphanage. Lula endeavored to abort her daughter Nora Mae, and after her birth fell into a deep depression, rejecting the child, who was taken in by a black woman to nurse and raise.

Barney’s idealism knows no racial or class boundaries, setting him at odds with the greater society. It takes him decades to finally achieve success, but then must confront the legacy of an alienated family.

Nora Mae and her abandoned, older half-brother Glen struggle with trauma, seeking their place in a brutal world.

For all of these characters’ failures and faults, we see their strength and how they endeavor to change the world, and we respect and care for them.

This is a story of what people do to survive, how they fight to thrive, when they have nothing and nothing is given to them. It is an American story, and a universal story that transcends time and place.

An impressive debut.

Thanks to the publisher and Mindbuck Media for a free book.

[Janis Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orphans of the Living delivers a haunting, emotionally charged portrait of a family’s flight from both external persecution and their own internal demons. From the first pages, the novel grips the reader with its raw depiction of survival and moral reckoning.

Barney and Lula Stovall’s escape from Mississippi—with help from Black sharecroppers—sets into motion a multi-generational odyssey toward California, a land that promises redemption but offers no easy peace. Told through four interwoven perspectives—Barney, Lula, and two of their nine children, Glen and Nora Mae—the narrative reveals the ache of displacement and the heavy toll of guilt. Each voice is rendered with remarkable authenticity.

Nora Mae’s evolution is particularly powerful. Born into a world where love is conditional and identity fluid, her shifting names from “Baby,” to Nora Mae, to Jody, and finally, Nora, trace her fragmented search for belonging and self-worth. Her journey becomes the novel’s emotional anchor, a meditation on what it means to be seen, named, and loved in a family bound by secrets and silence.
The book does not shy away from brutality, trauma, and moral ambiguity. Readers should check the content warnings before diving in. Yet, for those prepared, Orphans of the Living offers one of the most authentic portrayals of hardscrabble lives in early 20th-century America. The characters—flawed, desperate, sometimes despicable—linger long after the final page. You may despise them one moment and ache for them the next.

A story of endurance, fractured love, and the uncertain path toward forgiveness, Orphans of the Living is both heartbreaking and redemptive. It’s an unflinching look at the costs of survival and the fragile hope that, even after devastation, family might still be found.

Highly recommended for readers who appreciate intricate character studies, historical realism, and stories that pierce the heart as they illuminate the human condition.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Orphans of the Living" a debut historical fiction novel by Kathy Watson is a tale of life, love and family, told through four main characters Barney and Lula Stovall, Lula's son Glen and Nora Mae Stovall. These people are author Kathy's family....grandparents, uncle and mother. Such a raw insight to an often shocking chapter of family history. A work of fiction but also an unveiling of truths that made Nora the person she was and the mother she became to Kathy.
From banana growing in Mexico, plantation cotton in Mississippi, depression era farming in dust bowl Montana to new beginnings in California "Orphans of the Living" is a truish story of the times and of American social history, as experienced by the Barney Stovall's family. Barney was a big ideas man and dreamer, who was lucky enough to have a brother who could lend him money. But the times were against a smooth life with the post first world war depression, lack of rain and weevils causing poverty in the farming sector. Racism and it's injustice and the recognition of a new way of thinking called communism, amidst tension radiating out into workers rights and a whole new hope for equality.
The title tells how even though your parents are alive, you can be dead to them....the worst type of orphan. In turn you can become dead to yourself or you can rally against this and try and understand. Cycles are hard to break and can spiral down generations. Redemption is not always a cure all.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kathy Watson and She Writes Press for my copy.

[Sublime Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating = 5

Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing and Delivery = 5
Editorial = 5

Vividly told through the perspectives of four members of the Stovall family, Orphans of the Living is a historical fiction novel set around the 1930’s, where the ripples from the Great Depression unsettle American society. The narrators: Barney Stovall, his wife Luna, his daughter Nora Mae, and Glen, Lula’s son from her first marriage, each serve a distinct purpose and voice, highlighting their worldviews. As Barney and Glen wrestle with “The Man” to survive, the novel explores the pressures of the era, the weight of the past, and a complex pursuit of the American Dream.

In her debut historical fiction novel, author Kathy Watson sheds light on the racism, injustices, and socio-economic struggles at the time through honest and engaging storytelling. Based on her own family's experience, Watson writes with emotional depth and rich characters brought to life through authentic dialogue and seamless narration. As the story moves through Montana, Mississippi, and California, each setting is described in vivid detail, anchoring the story in time and place. Orphans of the Living is a powerful and immersive read that is especially recommended for fans of historical fiction, but the reader shouldn’t ignore the content warning regarding period-accurate language and potentially triggering scenes.

Sublime Line: “A stirring debut that captures both the hardship and resilience of an era, Orphans of the Living is historical fiction at its finest.”

[Stefani Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orphans Of The Living by Kathy Watson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This historical fiction depicts a family's desperate need to survive during the 1930's Depression era. The difficult decision to leave two of their nine children behind, Lula and Barney left Glenn and Ray with their abusive uncle who, eventually, abandoned them at an orphanage. Nora Mae is the unwanted child that Lula resents.

The story is told from pov of Lula and Barney, as well as, the three other children, into their adulthood. Their family has lifelong struggles with relationships and self-worth. Some are able to find reconciliation and others continue to battle their insecurities due to childhood trauma.

I like to read these deeply emotional, poignant stories that take the reader out of their comfort zone and allow them to experience something of substance. I definitely felt intense, heartfelt emotions.

Thank you, NetGalley, and She Writes Press, for the advanced reader's copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

**Trigger warning: abandonment and trauma.

[Heather N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly crafted, Kathy's characters - complex, wounded, resilient - worked their way into my heart and mind. I was rooting for (most of) them and their healing through their peripatetic, multigenerational journey across early 20th century America's landscape. Such an important book!!!! Kathy's debut novel (which definitely does not feel "debut") tackles so many of the common sources of human shame and suffering - all of the issues (racism, rape, abortion, poverty, abandonment, betrayal, love, lust, loneliness and more) written with deep, honest compassion, honoring the deeply complex nature of being human and the power of forgiveness and healing. I loved this book, and shed a few tears at the end...haunted, a bit, by the legacy of both pain and love woven so masterfully. I will carry these characters and their lessons with me for a long time. Thank you for sharing this story with the world! I look forward to your next book!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orphans For The Living is a masterful work that combines engaging storytelling, intricate character development, and profound thematic exploration. The author’s ability to intertwine small stories into a larger narrative is a testament to their skill and creativity. It is a book that invites reflection, offering insights into the complexities of life and the connections that bind us.
This is a book that will linger in your thoughts long after you turn the final page. Its emotional depth, literary beauty, and authentic portrayal of life make it a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories that resonate with the soul. Highly recommended for readers seeking a powerful and thought-provoking journey through the tapestry of human experience.

[Guizzo-Fleck, Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from my new-found brother (Ancestory.com) who is married to the Author, my new sister-in-law (Kind of a fun story.) Not what I would normally pick up but wanted to read it. Kathy does preface that there are some disturbing parts, and she was right…the first chapter or two (and then a few others throughout) was a little tough to read. But, she did a great job developing each character and capturing the plight of the family - which I understand is loosely developed after her own family history. As a therapist, I found the multigenerational dysfunction and trauma response interesting to follow. A book worth reading, though at times a bit disturbing.

[Kiera D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story gripped me from the beginning. I love that it is based on the author’s family. Orphans of the Living is very well written. Watson did a great job of painting the portrait of multiple lives while changing characters, time periods, and settings with a seamlessness that made this story very comprehensible. I felt an array of emotions for each character during my read. The depth of the characters allowed me to feel like I really knew them. I would definitely recommend checking the content warning for this book before reading. I predict this book will be on my mind for awhile!

[niki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the for the advanced copy of this book in exchange of my honest review!

I unfortunately did not enjoy this book. I did not enjoy the characters even though it is based on a true story of the author's family. It was very difficult to get myself to finish this book and I found myself wanting to not finish it at times. I also did not like the use of the n word in the book and I had a really hard time enjoying the dialogue. The ending was pretty sweet but I think that was the only part of the book that I truly enjoyed. Overall I do not think this book was for me.

[Trisha Chatterjee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy Orphans of the Living, but I struggled to stay anchored in the story. It moved from Lucy and Barney’s present-day tension to long backstory sections about land deals and historical adventures, and I couldn’t find a strong central plot to follow.

The writing style felt more like a journal — recounting isolated events instead of connecting them — which made it hard for me to stay engaged. It might work better for readers who enjoy slower, historical narratives, or maybe even in audio format where the tone could help clarify things.

Sadly, this one wasn’t for me.

[Bookish Reshuffle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathy Watson’s debut novel, Orphans of the Living, is a poignant and expansive historical fiction that traces the fractured journey of the Stovall family across early 20th-century America. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Jim Crow-era Mississippi, and the evolving landscape of California, the novel explores themes of poverty, racial injustice, familial estrangement, and the enduring search for belonging.

Click here to read the full review: https://charantiandchai.com/orphans-o...

[Laurel A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself reading Orphans of the Living late in the evening and grabbing it again with my tea in the morning. Character development rings true in a "hard times" family of flawed human beings who strive for some shred of the American Dream through the decades of drought, hard work and despair.
There are also family bonds that weather the stress and bring surprising joy. Most of all, I found a tale full of people I cared about, celebrating their successes amid twists and turns.

[Karen Roof · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Orphans of the Living for the author's vivid & raw writing style that drew from me strong emotional responses to characters & events. I cried & cheered for the author's family members' traumas and triumphs as they struggled during a difficult period of American history made real. Uncle Glen became my personal favorite; a champion of underdogs while suffering personal challenges, he is a balm for the little girl that will become the author of Orphans of the Living. I look forward to more books from Kathy Watson!

[Lestie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life's decisions impacted us when we are just trying to do better and be better....and survive. Following this family was a roller coaster ride start to finish. You find yourself rooting for them and hating them in equal measure. And it all seems to come full circle...karma, fate...how much control do any of us really have in our own destiny?

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an arc book and just finished it today. Overall I really loved the book but I also felt that the author jumped around a bit from character to character in each chapter and it became confusing to remember everything going on. Some of early chapters were a little mundane and I found myself wanting to just skim over them. Overall I would give this a rating of 3.5.

[Christie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that stick with you. To which you need to periodically return. Whose pages and prose will be dormant in your brain, but then periodically rise up again. It is full of heartbreak and anguish and poverty and violence but also moments of hope and even a bit of joy and rebirth here and there. Beautifully written - despite the darkness.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this family’s journey through life, their struggles and sacrifices as well as their successes in life. It kept my attention from start to finish reading about Wilkie, Barney, Lula, Ray, Nora and the rest of the characters that were so well developed.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much liked this book. I liked that the characters were based on real people who were flawed but still trying to be better. And I enjoyed having eaten at the authors restaurant, which was called ‘Nora’s Table’, and understanding now it was clearly named after her mother.

[Amy Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, engaging historical fiction based on the author's family. I strongly recommend it.