Alabama Noir
Alabama Noir by Donald R. Noble, published by Akashic Books in 2020, features 255 pages of original stories set in various locations across Alabama. This anthology is part of an award-winning series that began in 2004, showcasing new narratives that delve into the complexities of life in the South. Each story presents a unique perspective on the darker aspects of human experience, reflecting the rich tapestry of Alabama’s culture and geography.
Readers will find a diverse collection of tales from notable authors such as Ace Atkins, Tom Franklin, and Carolyn Haines, among others. The narratives explore themes of mystery and detective work, revealing the “troubles and foibles” of characters navigating their lives amidst the backdrop of Alabama’s landscapes, from the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico. This edition invites readers to engage with the multifaceted nature of noir, offering a blend of grim and occasionally humorous storytelling that captures the essence of the region.
Official synopsis Publisher
“Banish any boredom with a descent into Alabama Noir.” –Southern Review of Books
Akashic Books continues its award-winning series of original noir anthologies, launched in 2004 with Brooklyn Noir. Each book comprises all new stories, each one set in a distinct location within the geographic area of the book.
Brand-new stories by: Ace Atkins, Tom Franklin, Anita Miller Garner, Suzanne Hudson, Kirk Curnutt, Wendy Reed, Carolyn Haines, Anthony Grooms, Michelle Richmond, Winston Groom, Ravi Howard, Thom Gossom Jr., Brad Watson, Daniel Wallace, D. Winston Brown, and Marlin Barton.
From the introduction by Don Noble:
Some locales seem to come with their own soundtrack. Don Ho and his tiny bubbles provide the background music for Hawaii, Edith Piaf for Paris. The reggae of Bob Marley evokes Jamaica. The soundtrack for Alabama is without question provided by our troubled troubadour Hank Williams. The 2016 biography Hank by Mark Ribowsky paints a dark picture of the musician’s short, alcoholic, drug-filled life: a life of loneliness and pain. He goes so far as to call Hank’s life story “noir-ish” . . .
In Alabama Noir we encounter “troubles and foibles” galore, darkness in many forms. The stories range from the deadly grim to some that are actually mildly humorous. We see desperate behavior on the banks of the Tennessee River, in the neighborhoods of Birmingham, in the affluent suburbs of Mobile, in a cemetery in Montgomery, and even on the deceptively pleasant beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.
Fans of noir should all find something to enjoy.
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