Right from the off Orphans of the Living makes for difficult reading. But it would be wrong to shy away from the horror of it and the story that Kathy Watson has the courage to tell — her mother's. It's a lesson to everyone who lives in a safe, humane environment. It's also an important part of America's often dark legacy.

Set between 1912 and 1942, the novel relates the experiences of the Stovalls, a poor white family facing as much discrimination and inequality as any black family as they struggle to make a better life for themselves. Moving, in alternative chapters, between the stories of Lula, the exhausted, disillusioned mother to eight children, the eldest daughter, Maudie Marie, and Lula's husband, Barney, who ever optimistic, moves his family from Montana to Mississippi and then California in search of the ultimate opportunity that is finally going to make them rich.

For a potentially fertile, multi-layered tale, the author seems unable to bring to it the skill that its telling deserves. The writing often feels flat, in spite of the distressing scenes depicted and the characterisation is weak. Watson's characters feel one-dimensional with the reader never able to get to know their inner lives or thoughts. A great shame. Nevertheless. despite its considerable shortcomings this is still a novel worth reading.

Many thanks to the publishers and to Netgalley for the ARC.

Orphans of the Living

A novel based on the author’s family, a story depicting their life over the course of decades, as they struggle through hard work and tough times trying to make a better life . While there was love in this dysfunctional, flawed family it was dark at times and incredibly heartbreaking. It spans the years from 1912-1942, but not in a linear fashion. It takes the reader across the country as the family moves from place to place seeking a better life - including Mississippi, Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona, Montana , California, reflecting life on a cotton plantation, farming in the dust bowl, the Great Depression and more.

Past and present parts of their lives are intermingled in the narrative from multiple points of view . Lula, the wife and mother is stretched to her limit with 8 children . I felt for her, but came to dislike her. Her husband, Barney is always looking for the next good idea to acquire land, but not always making the right decisions. I didn’t like him for a good part of the book, either. I was most engaged in their children Glen’s and Nora Mae’s narrative, the orphans of the living in my opinion. Glen experienced heartbreak and a traumatic experience, shunned as a child by Barney, his stepfather . Glen turns out to be my favorite character, the moral compass of the family. Nora Mae also suffered horrific trauma at eight years old and is treated so badly by her mother Lulu that I had a hard time feeling for her for the trials she had experienced before Nora Mae was born. I was captivated, though, wondering if there would be a chance for reconciliation, for forgiveness.

It felt a bit disjointed given the different times and places and narratives being blended in this way. However, I was moved by the story and especially so knowing that it is the story of the author’s mother. In her note, Kathy Watson says “This book is a work of fiction. It’s also true.” That can be said about well done historical fiction. I thought she was courageous to tell this story.

I received a copy of this from She Writes Press through NetGalley.

Life's decisions impacted us when we are just trying to do better and be better....and survive. Following this family was a roller coaster ride start to finish. You find yourself rooting for them and hating them in equal measure. And it all seems to come full circle...karma, fate...how much control do any of us really have in our own destiny?

Orphans of the living by Kathy Watson was a recount of her her personal family history.
This book drew me in from page one where I followed Kathy’s Family’s roots and the ups and downs that we all know life can throw at us. It kept me enthralled and ready to turn digital page after page. A stark reminder of what was and what will be. Great debut novel by Kathy Watson.to be published Sept 30th 2025
Be sure and get your copy. Thank you NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this one early. It was so good!!

"Orphans of the Living" a debut historical fiction novel by Kathy Watson is a tale of life, love and family, told through four main characters Barney and Lula Stovall, Lula's son Glen and Nora Mae Stovall. These people are author Kathy's family....grandparents, uncle and mother. Such a raw insight to an often shocking chapter of family history. A work of fiction but also an unveiling of truths that made Nora the person she was and the mother she became to Kathy.
From banana growing in Mexico, plantation cotton in Mississippi, depression era farming in dust bowl Montana to new beginnings in California "Orphans of the Living" is a truish story of the times and of American social history, as experienced by the Barney Stovall's family. Barney was a big ideas man and dreamer, who was lucky enough to have a brother who could lend him money. But the times were against a smooth life with the post first world war depression, lack of rain and weevils causing poverty in the farming sector. Racism and it's injustice and the recognition of a new way of thinking called communism, amidst tension radiating out into workers rights and a whole new hope for equality.
The title tells how even though your parents are alive, you can be dead to them....the worst type of orphan. In turn you can become dead to yourself or you can rally against this and try and understand. Cycles are hard to break and can spiral down generations. Redemption is not always a cure all.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kathy Watson and She Writes Press for my copy.

Orphans For The Living is a masterful work that combines engaging storytelling, intricate character development, and profound thematic exploration. The author’s ability to intertwine small stories into a larger narrative is a testament to their skill and creativity. It is a book that invites reflection, offering insights into the complexities of life and the connections that bind us.
This is a book that will linger in your thoughts long after you turn the final page. Its emotional depth, literary beauty, and authentic portrayal of life make it a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories that resonate with the soul. Highly recommended for readers seeking a powerful and thought-provoking journey through the tapestry of human experience.

I enjoyed this family’s journey through life, their struggles and sacrifices as well as their successes in life. It kept my attention from start to finish reading about Wilkie, Barney, Lula, Ray, Nora and the rest of the characters that were so well developed.

This story gripped me from the beginning. I love that it is based on the author’s family. Orphans of the Living is very well written. Watson did a great job of painting the portrait of multiple lives while changing characters, time periods, and settings with a seamlessness that made this story very comprehensible. I felt an array of emotions for each character during my read. The depth of the characters allowed me to feel like I really knew them. I would definitely recommend checking the content warning for this book before reading. I predict this book will be on my mind for awhile!

A fantastic debut novel. The characters are well written. It is a story that reaches your heart and pulls you in. I look forward to reading more from the author. This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review. This review is mine.