THE GINHOUSE HOLLOW
a novel inspired by a true story
Sloane is a quick-witted storyteller, with
a flair for the outlandish. From psych wards to grave robbers, she’s witnessed
some peculiar things in her nearly eighty years. But the story her daughter,
Rynn, yearns to hear most, is the one story Sloane never tells. When, in 1954,
inside the cozy nook of Riverton, Alabama, Sloane watched helplessly as a
single shot ripped apart her idyllic childhood.
After an aging Sloane has a brush with
death, Rynn fears the truth behind that tragic night will stay buried forever
unless she does the one thing she’s promised never to do—ask her mother to
reveal what happened. When an opportunity suddenly presents itself, Rynn finds
herself on a heartfelt trip down memory lane, with Sloane divulging the dark
family secrets at the crux of her greatest story yet.
Woven within Sloane’s comical
coming-of-age tale is the dramatic recount of her Uncle Bishop’s near-fatal
fall in the craggy woods of The Ginhouse Hollow. Relegated to a quirky and
obscure life by his injuries, Bishop’s world turns upside down when plucky
Sloane and her moody sister, Faith, arrive for an extended family visit. The
true consequence of Bishop’s head trauma, masked by routine, reveals itself.
And what transpires ends in a tortuous penance for a man who was neither guilty
nor innocent and twists the fates of all who were present that deadly night in
1954.
By 1985, Sloane has overcome the trauma of
what she witnessed as a child. But when someone challenges her perception of
what she saw, she’s forced to relive her painful memories once again and must
find it in her heart to forgive the ones she loves most.
Favorite Reviews
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2025
This book is an absolute page-turner; once I began reading, I couldn’t put it down. Beautifully written, it offers an entertaining and insightful exploration of family dynamics, providing a respectful perspective on the impacts of mental health.
A captivating story of a real-life family tragedy told with beauty, compassion and powerful meaning
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 12, 2025
What I loved about this book, I’ll have to list:
– It evoked so many beautiful memories of my own childhood that I have long forgotten, as well as memories shared by my own mother
– The characters and places were written with such tenderness and warmth that it will be hard to forget them, I miss them already, especially Sloane and Bishop
– It had me laughing out loud, and crying cathartic tears, many times over
– The considerations within the story on themes such as compassion, forgiveness and healing had a profound impact on me
– The storyline was wonderfully layered, moving backwards and forwards through time in such a way that evoked strong investment in the characters and a greatly nuanced perspective, it was extremely compelling, very hard to put down!
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025
Prepare to be utterly captivated. This novel possesses the same raw, soul-stirring power as ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and ‘The Color Purple,’ a rare feat. It digs deep into the heart of the South, leaving an indelible mark. But it’s not simply a familiar echo; a shocking twist shatters expectations. The characters, each with their own distinct voice, will burrow into your memory. This book will make you question the unspoken histories of those closest to you, prompting a profound desire to uncover the hidden corners of your own family’s past.
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2025
A beautifully written, heartwrenching story of a family who suffers through a terrible, life-changing event. This is one of those rare instances where there is no villain, no heinous plot, no ill intent, just an awful tragedy. The characters are all loveable, and I found myself incredibly drawn to Bishop. His story is one of pain and unfairness, and he truly broke my heart. But even through the loss and heartache, this family shows how to stay loving and kind toward each other, even when the secrets begin to spill. I highly recommend this book; I knew it would be a five-star read for me on chapter one. Can’t wait to see what else Koren has in store!
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2024
This story which has you turning pages in suspense takes twists, tugs at your heart, and sheds light on mental illnesses all at the same time. Fantastic read for our book club as it generated a meaningful discussion around a topic that isn’t openly talked about. Loved it! You won’t want to put it down.
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2023
What an amazing story of redemption and forgiveness. I couldn’t put this book down. The author has a way of spinning history in a very southern hospitality way. Reminding me of the book “Fried Green tomatoes”, this account of the author’s own history brings validity and depth to her family’s process of healing.