One of my best reads of 2025 so far! The author's style took a little getting used to after the prose-heavy opening that introduced lots of characters, but in the end, this book was so fulfilling. The characters and the setting were delightfully textured, and the plot moved along at a good pace. The rural town of Griffin really came to life in this story, and I was sad to leave it when the story finally came to an end.

It's hard to say who this book may appeal to the most, but I think anyone who grew up in a small town, especially in a conservative area, will relate to the dynamics between the candidates and the local citizens in this book. The plight of the farmer, the homophobia, and the scourge of drug use in rural America will all feel familiar. The writing is complex but shifts across at least a dozen perspectives seamlessly throughout the story. I loved it and couldn't point it down.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this ARC and provide my unbiased feedback.

Town & Country by Brian Schaefer is a debut novel that masterfully captures the complexities of contemporary life in a small town. Set in the rural community of Griffin during a contentious congressional race, the story delves into the lives of candidates, their families, and a group of gay second homeowners, all grappling with issues of identity, socioeconomic status, loyalty, and change.​

The narrative centers on Chip Riley, a local pub owner and town supervisor, who faces off against Paul Banks, a wealthy newcomer from New York, in a political campaign that exposes and intensifies the town's social and political divisions. As the election unfolds, the personal struggles of their families come to the forefront. Diane Riley, Chip's wife, is torn between her role as a real estate agent selling homes to outsiders and her deep-rooted community ties and religious beliefs. Their sons, Joe and Will, confront their own challenges—Joe battling grief and addiction, and Will exploring his own sexual identity within Paul's influential circle.​

Schaefer's storytelling is both insightful and emotionally resonant, offering a kaleidoscopic portrait of a community in flux. The novel's richly developed characters and intertwined relationships evoke the intricate dynamics of small-town life, reminding me a bit of Richard Russo's towns and casts.

Spanning six months from Memorial Day to Election Day, "Town & Country" invites readers to reflect on timeless questions: What makes a home, and what do we owe our neighbors and community? It's a powerful exploration of the emotional and social implications of change, making it a compelling read that lingers long after the final page.​

This book doesn't just tell a story—it invites you into the heart of Griffin, making you feel like part of the town's unfolding drama. A must-read that will leave you contemplating the true essence of home and belonging.
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This one was a bit of a slow start, mostly due to the large cast of characters that are introduced, but once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down. Town and Country is a beautiful debut novel that explores the emotional and social implications of change within in a small town. In the midst of a congressional race, this story delves into the lives of people who are caught between tradition and change, leading to conflicting loyalties. To me, there were times that this felt like a Midsomer Murders episode (minus the murder) with the ways that the lives of people in the town were intertwined and how secrets began to surface.

The plot revolves around a tense political battle between a local pub owner, Chip Riley and an ambitious and wealthy outsider, Paul Banks. As the campaign progresses, divisions between lifelong residents and new arrivals become clear. The stakes are high not only for the candidates but also for their families, whose struggles provide most of the novel’s depth. I really appreciated that despite the political premise of this novel, it focused heavily on the communal and social implications of the campaign.

The cast of characters include Diane, Chip’s wife who is torn about selling homes to outsiders. The Riley family’s youngest son, Will, who finds himself torn between his identity as a gay man and his desire to stay close with his father, whose politics are at odds with Will’s own views. The Riley family’s older son, Joe, is struggling with drug addiction and the loss of his best friend, which adds tension to the family dynamic. These emotional dynamics give the novel depth, and they feel both intimate and universal. I enjoy how as a reader, one can draw comparisons between the changing dynamics within the Riley family to the changing dynamics within the town. I think this showcases the importance of community and how it can resemble a family, through thick and thin.

There's lots more side characters throughout the novel that bring different elements to the story, whether it be tension, gossip, or a bit of comic relief, it feels truly representative of a small town where everyone knows everyone.

Town and Country is insightful, emotional, beautiful and not to be missed.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

“Town & Country” by Brian Schaefer is a novel that explores themes of community, class, sexual orientation, and more. Despite tackling these heavy subjects, Schaefer presents the story in an engaging manner that is not quite humorous, yet not despairing either.

The story begins during election season, with one longtime local resident running for a congressional seat against an “elite” newcomer in this politically mixed/purple district. Across political parties, families, and the community grapple with division, feelings of exclusion, the challenges of changes in society/economy, and pressing issues such as drug addiction.

Like the deer that appear throughout the novel, we may question who is native to this land and who is perceived as invasive, as well as how changes in the land affect both native and current inhabitants. The book references Munsee, which is significant because it comes from the Lenni Lenape (also known as the Delaware) Native Americans, who originally inhabited the headwaters of the Delaware River. However, at this point in “Town & Country,” the rural town of Griffin is primarily populated by poor white farmers—until wealthy, white gay individuals begin buying vacation homes in the area.

I highly recommend this well-crafted book. I was surprised by how difficult it was to completely take one side, which demonstrates Schaefer’s skill in depicting complex issues. In these polarizing times, readers could benefit from understanding the bigger picture regarding so-called opposition groups, as well as examining historical context, current situations, and the emotions or fears that underlie people's perspectives.

Fans of books like “In Tongues” by Thomas Grattan, “Anyone’s Ghost” by August Thompson, “Big Swiss” by Jen Beagin, and “Middle Spoon” by Alejandro Valera might find this book particularly enjoyable. Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for this ARC.