Boys of Alabama

I read Boys of Alabama while waiting for a delayed flight in a tiny airport in Jackson Hole a few months ago, but it is finally out in the world and I want to tell you about it.

This is Genevieve Hudson’s debut novel, and it’s like nothing I’ve ever read before (in the best way possible!!). I can best describe it as queer southern gothic with a dash of magical realism. It felt both intimately of our time and outside it — a story that is so tied to the land, and culture, but at its heart, the story of one boy trying to figure himself out.

Boys of Alabama begins when Max’s family moves from Germany to rural Alabama. Max, who is quiet and sensitive, soon joins the football team. He remains an outsider, however, never really falling in with the toxic masculinity of those around him. When he meets Pan — a goth, witchy, make-up wearing boy — everything changes. Max soon opens up to Pan about his strange powers (I won’t spoil for you!), and they begin to fall for each other. But Max is still drawn to the football boys, the stereotypical boys of Alabama (God, guns, beer, conservative, etc.).

I have to say, honestly, I am not sure I’ve ever read a queer story set in the deep south. That means 1) this is a necessary addition to a canon that I really hope grows and 2) this is not to be. missed. It’s dark, yes, but at its heart, it is a queer coming-of-age story shining a light on an oft-overlooked place for queerness.

Rating: ★★★★★

Get it here: https://bookshop.org/a/7347/9781631496295 (really excited I am now on Bookshop, a platform that supports independent bookstores!!)