Dollbaby: A Novel

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

When Ibby Bell's father dies the summer of 1964, her mother deposits eleven-year-old Ibby in New Orleans with her eccentric grandmother, Fannie. Her grandmother's rundown Victorian mansion is like no place Ibby's ever been, and Fannie like no one she's ever met. Luckily, Ibby falls under the care of Fannie's black cook, Queenie, and her outspoken daughter, Dollbaby, who initiate her into the ways of the South, both its grand traditions and its darkest secrets. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, this is a coming-of-age story about family and truth.

Reviews

In this tender coming-of-age novel, McNeal brings to life a place, an era, and an amazing cast of strong, larger-than-life characters. Heartrending, captivating, and ultimately, triumphant.
Cassandra King,New York Timesbestselling author ofMoonrise

McNealsDollbabyis such an impressive debuta powerful roux of family drama, long-simmering secrets and resentments, and ultimately, forgiveness and redemption. Deeply evocative, with memorable characters,Dollbabybelongs on the keeper shelf along withThe HelpandThe Secret Life of Bees.
Mary Kay Andrews,New York Timesbestselling author ofLadies' Night

Deeply southern and evocative, Laura Lane McNeals beautifully written debut,Dollbaby, takes us back to a not-so-long ago time when we were learning to look through different eyes at the fabric of our society, race, youth and family."
Susan Crandall, author ofWhistling Past the Graveyard

"This flavorful and enthralling novel brilliantly captures New Orleans during the civil rights era. It's a deeply personal tale about growing up and searching for family as well as a provocative exploration of race and kinship. I found it both thrilling and poignant."
Walter Isaacson,New York Timesbestselling author ofSteve Jobs

"There is plenty of mystery and deception inDollbaby, but the prevailing theme is love and its power to blast away even the biggest betrayals. Reading this evocative Southern novel is like alternately sipping sweet tea and healthy snorts of bournon."
Lorna Landvik,bestselling author ofPatty Jane's House of Curl

"Don't be surprised if you see McNeal's book in a lot of beach totes along the Gulf Coast this summer."New Orleans Times Picayune

When someone asks you for a great book to read, usually you pause and think about genre and authors and then give a few options. But every now and then theres a book you tell everyone to read, because it is that good. Dollbaby by Laura Lane McNeal is that book. Durham Herald-Sun

A vivid portrayal of post-war New Orleans, lush and evocative in its descriptions, McNeals unique voice shines through surprising and pleasing the reader. Fans of Pat Conroy and Sue Monk Kidd will enjoy this new Southern talent. Library Journal(starred review)

"In the vein ofSaving CeeCee HoneycuttandThe Help, McNeal's touching coming-of-age tale brings to life Civil Rights-era New Orleans. . . . Rich characterization makes McNeal's debut a lovely summer read."Kirkus

A touching coming-of-age story that is sincere and poignant.Booklist

"McNeal's witty prose and expertise on all things New Orleans will enrapture readers ofThe HelpandDivine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood."BookPage

Beautifully rendered and perfectly paved, Dollbaby is one novel this year not to be missed, with just the right amount of mystery mixed with coming of age drama.--Book Reporter

Author Bio

Laura Lane McNeal grew up in New Orleans, where she lives today with her husband and two sons. She graduated from Southern Methodist University. She also has an MBA from Tulane and ran her own marketing consulting firm in New Orleans. This is her first novel.