The Barrowfields by Phillip Lewis blend of Southern Gothic & coming-of-age story

The Barrowfields by Phillip Lewis is a debut novel described as a blend of Southern Gothic and a coming-of-age story, focusing on themes of family, loss, and the power of home. Summary: The story centers on Henry Aster, who grows up in a large house in the fictional Appalachian town of Old Buckram, North Carolina, under the influence of his brilliant but troubled father, a lawyer with literary ambitions and a growing drinking problem. Following a family tragedy, Henry leaves home for college, vowing not to return, but is eventually drawn back to confront his past and the lingering effects of his upbringing. The narrative explores Henry's relationship with his father, his family history, and his own journey of love and self-discovery, including a significant relationship with a woman named Story. Themes: The novel delves into themes of father-son relationships, the impact of unfulfilled dreams, the complexities of grief and loss, and the inescapable pull of one's origins. Literary Style: Lewis's prose is noted for its richness and depth, incorporating elements of Southern Gothic with its focus on a secluded, somewhat haunted setting and complex characters