- “True Grit” by Charles Portis – This Western novel is set in the 1870s Arkansas and tells the story of a young girl seeking revenge for her father’s murder.
- “A Painted House” by John Grisham – This coming-of-age story is set in rural Arkansas during the early 1950s and follows a young boy’s experiences working on a cotton farm.
- “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou – While not entirely set in Arkansas, the memoir includes the author’s formative years in Stamps, Arkansas, portraying her experiences with racism and resilience.
- “The Road to Lichfield” by Penelope Lively – While primarily set in England, part of this novel takes place in Arkansas, as the protagonist travels there to uncover family secrets.
- “The Optimist’s Daughter” by Eudora Welty – This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is set in a small Mississippi town, but the main character reminisces about her childhood in the fictional town of Mount Salus, Arkansas.
- “Mudbound” by Hillary Jordan – Although mainly set in Mississippi, this historical novel features a storyline that takes place in Arkansas as it explores racial tension and transformative experiences after World War II.
- “Tornado Alley” by Will Ferguson – This humorous novel follows the life of a tornado chaser named Jack Large, who embarks on various hilarious adventures across the United States, including Arkansas.
- “The River Why” by David James Duncan – While not solely set in Arkansas, this coming-of-age novel features the protagonist’s time spent in a small Arkansas fishing community.
- “The Little Friend” by Donna Tartt – Set in the fictional town of Alexandria, Mississippi, this novel includes references to neighbouring Arkansas and deals with the protagonist’s quest to solve a murder mystery.
- “Billy Blythe: A Novel” by Stewart O’Nan – This fictional novel imaginatively explores the childhood of former U.S. President Bill Clinton, including his time spent in Arkansas.
WANDERLIST: Ten famous novels set in Arkansas
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