The Kudzu Queen Audiobook By Mimi Herman cover art

The Kudzu Queen

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The Kudzu Queen

By: Mimi Herman
Narrated by: Courtney Patterson
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Longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize

Fifteen-year-old Mattie Lee Watson dreams of men, not boys. So when James T. Cullowee, the Kudzu King, arrives in Cooper County, North Carolina, in 1941 to spread the gospel of kudzu—claiming that it will improve the soil, feed cattle at almost no cost, even cure headaches—Mattie is ready. Mr. Cullowee is determined to sell the entire county on the future of kudzu, and organizes a kudzu festival, complete with a beauty pageant. Mattie is determined to be crowned Kudzu Queen and capture the attentions of the Kudzu King. As she learns more about Cullowee, however, she discovers that he, like the kudzu he promotes, has a dark and predatory side. When she finds she is not the only one threatened, she devises a plan to bring him down. Based on historical facts, The Kudzu Queen unravels a tangle of sexuality, power, race, and kudzu through the voice of an irresistibly delightful (and mostly honest) narrator.

©2023 Mimi Herman (P)2023 Tantor Coming of Age Genre Fiction Historical Mystery Royalty Southern United States World Literature Fiction

Critic reviews

"Courtney Patterson brings mid-century North Carolina to life with her narration of this coming-of-age story.... Patterson recounts town, family, and personal secrets at a slow pace that adds to the novel's dramatic effect. Her portrayals range from an oily salesman to a deadbeat father and a boy who is desperate to demonstrate his manhood. Always present is Mattie--hoping to make things right." (AudioFile; winner of AudioFile Earphones Award)
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A delightful listen. Great characters and tough lessons in a small farming town make this book impressive! Mimi Herman’s colloquialisms and wonderful command of southern culture had me spellbound from beginning to end. The narrator was fabulous. I was not ready for this book to be over.

One of the Best!

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Enjoyed the read as it brings humor to my own background in rural NC. She is right about Kudzu. You can’t turn your back on II.

delightful story

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The story and characters live with you while you’re away from the book (although I admit, I did forgo all afternoon chores, one day to finish, reading the Kudzu Queen!) great details and imagery. Having grown up in rural, North Carolina, I particularly appreciated the authenticity of Herman’s characters and settings.

Delightful read!

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It took a couple of chapters to build momentum, but then I was hooked. So much heart, so well written, and the narration was up to the task of bringing it all to life.

So Good

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Very enjoyable book. Mattie is definitely a character you want to root for. I enjoyed learning about how the government introduced and promoted kudzu in the south as the backdrop of the story. Definitely recommend. Well narrated, too.

Coming of age in Kudzu

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I grew up in the south but never knew how assertively the US government pushed the introduction of kudzu. Mimi Herman has created an intriguing story that captured my heart. I loved her characters and didn’t want the tale to end. The author recently spoke to my book club and I was impressed with how much research went into every detail of the book. The reader on this audio recording did a great job. I found her southern accents very easy to listening to, unlike those of many narrators. Overall, this is a five star book for me.

Vivid characters and engrossing story

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This book is a great read! The story had many identifying things for me. being from the South. The characters and story line were great! Recommended read for anyone.

Great Reaf!

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