THE KUDZU QUEEN

Courtney Patterson brings mid-century North Carolina to life with her narration of this coming-of-age story. Mattie Lee Watson, age 15, is living an ordinary life when salesman James T. Cullowee pulls into town. Patterson brings the innocence and passion of a teenager's crush to fruition as Mattie strives to gain his attention. When Cullowee organizes a kudzu festival, Mattie competes to become Kudzu Queen and win his affection. 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. L.M.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2023]