- “Beloved” by Toni Morrison: Set in rural Kentucky during the mid-19th century, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel explores themes of slavery, memory, and identity.
- “The Dollmaker” by Harriette Arnow: This powerful story follows Gertie Nevels, a Kentucky mountain woman who moves to Detroit during World War II, exploring her struggles to adapt to a new life while yearning for her rural Kentucky home.
- “The Coal Tattoo” by Silas House: Set in eastern Kentucky, this novel delves into the lives of two sisters, Anneth and Easter Mae, as they cope with the aftermath of a mining disaster and unearth dark family secrets.
- “Jayber Crow” by Wendell Berry: This thought-provoking novel tells the story of Jayber Crow, a barber who witnesses the changes in Port William, Kentucky, throughout the 20th century, offering insights into community, love, and the environment.
- “Night Comes to the Cumberlands” by Harry M. Caudill: While not a fictional novel, this non-fiction work portrays the hardships and struggles faced by the people of Appalachia, including Kentucky, during the 20th century.
- “The Patron Saint of Liars” by Ann Patchett: Set in Kentucky, this novel follows Rose, a woman who leaves her husband and joins a home for unwed mothers. It explores themes of love, motherhood, and self-discovery.
- “River of Earth” by James Still: Set in eastern Kentucky during the Great Depression, this novel portrays the struggles of the Baldridge family as they face poverty, violence, and natural disasters.
- “A Death in the Family” by James Agee: Although primarily set in Tennessee, this semi-autobiographical novel features flashbacks to the main character’s childhood in Rathbone, Kentucky, emphasizing family, loss, and the impact of a sudden death.
- “Bluegrass” by Breece D’J Pancake: This collection of short stories highlights the rural landscapes of West Virginia and Kentucky, exploring the lives of its working-class inhabitants.
- “That Distant Land” by Wendell Berry: This collection of stories is set in Port William, Kentucky, offering a diverse range of characters and narratives that examine love, community, and the importance of connection to the land.
WANDERLIST: Ten famous novels set in Kentucky
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