Have you ever read one of those stories that feels like a big, warm hug? The people are so genuine and friendly, and the atmosphere and everything about where they are and what they do make you feel nostalgic and kind of sad, like you’re missing them without ever actually knowing them.
The Kingdom of Quail by Harris Strickland is one of those kinds of novels and had me listening late into the night just so I didn’t have to leave.
Starting in the 1980s on a quail plantation in southern Georgia, we follow the life of Luke Johnson, then a young boy who, along with his mother, escapes an abusive relationship and finds themselves taken in by the wealthy Parker family who own the plantation.
As Luke comes out of his shell, he flourishes on the plantation, learning how to train dogs and learn the ins and outs of what is needed to run the plantation sustainably to keep it safe for future generations. The traditions the Parker family keep have deep roots, and many of the surrounding landowners are of a same mind.
Strickland’s portrayal of Southern culture felt so authentic. From descriptions of the quail hunting tradition and the careful management and care of the land to the luxurious meals prepared from the day’s hunt, it all kept me fully immersed. Heck, the descriptions of some of the meals had my mouth watering at their descriptions alone!
As the years go on, Luke lives through love and loss, and the possibility that everything he loves may be taken away. Billionaire investors want to buy up the land, starting with Luke’s plantation. Seems like it should be an easy thing to fight against, yeah? But there’s a complication: Luke’s falling for the woman sent to negotiate the deals with the owners.
The narration by David Allen Vargo was faultless. I’ve listened to a few books he’s narrated, and he’s always so easy to listen to. The occasional piece of music or sound effects add to the immersion without being overpowering. I’m constantly impressed by his vocal range. In this book he voices everything from delicate, feminine characters all the way through to a rumbling baritone for the sheriff.
Overall, this was a book I was both sad and happy to finish. Happy that I got to hear the story but also sad because I was going to miss many of the characters. It’s certainly a memorable story.