Praise for The Healing
"A remarkable rite-of-passage novel with an unforgettable character. . . .The Healing transcends any clichés of the genre with its captivating, at times almost lyrical, prose; its firm grasp of history; vivid scenes; and vital, fully realized people, particularly the slaves with their many shades of color and modes of survival.” —Associated Press
“Odell gives voice to strong women at a time in history when their strength might have been their undoing. When Polly Shine's fierce knowledge comes up against Granada’s stubborn resistance, the reader is held captive as the two attempt to resolve their conflict and Granada is made to face her destiny. This moving story is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.” —Kathleen Grissom, author of The Kitchen House
“A haunting tale of Southern fiction peopled with vivid and inspiring personalities. . . . Polly Shine is an unforgettable character who shows how the power and determination of one woman can inspire and transform the lives of those around her.” --Bookreporter
“Jonathan Odell finds the right words, using the language of the day, its idiom and its music to great advantage in a compelling work that can stand up to The Help in the pantheon of Southern literature.” --Shelf Awareness
“Odell has written one of those beautiful Southern tales with unforgettable characters. Required reading.” --New York Post
“Engrossing. . . . This historical novel probes complex issues of freedom and slavery.” --Library Journal (starred review)
Praise for The View from Delphi
"Odell ultimately proves himself a master craftsman in this beautiful novel." Andrea Hoag, The Minneapolis StarTribune
"Fast-paced but thoughtful story of a friendship across the racial divide in 1950s Mississippi." Kirkus Reviews
"Not a single character, black or white, receives short shrift in this remarkable novel." Ed Halloran, Rocky Mountain News
"…a fascinating read. It is the best novel about the late segregation era and beginning of the Civil Rights Movement that I’ve read in years." Thomas Bell, Atlanta’s Creative Loafing.