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A Novel
by Kelly Mustian
From the acclaimed author of The Girls in the Stilt House comes a long-awaited novel both atmospheric and lyrical, a haunting Southern story about memory, family secrets, and fierce and fragile love.
For nearly thirty years, Nell has kept a childhood promise to never reveal what she and Evie found tucked inside a copy of Jane Eyre in their mother's bookcase―a record of Evie's birth naming a stranger as her mother. But lately, Nell has been haunted by hazy memories of their early life in Mississippi, years their reclusive mother, Hazel, has kept shrouded in secrecy. Evie recalls nothing before their house on Clay Mountain in North Carolina, but Nell remembers abrupt moves, odd accommodations, and the rainy night a man in a dark coat and a hat pulled low climbed their porch steps with a very little girl―Evie―then left without her.
In dual storylines, Nell, forty-two in 1971, reaches into the past to uncover dangerous, long-buried secrets, and Becca, a young mother in the early 1930s, presses ahead, each moving toward 1934, the catastrophic year that would forever link them.
From a windswept ghost town long forgotten, to a river house in notorious Natchez Under-the-Hill, to a moody nightclub stage, Evie's other mother emerges from the shadows of Depression-era Mississippi in a story of hardship and perseverance, of betrayal and trust, and of unexpected redemption in a world in which the lines between heroes and culprits are not always clearly drawn.
BookBrowsers ask Kelly Mustian
In general, I'm not an outliner, though I might draft a sketchy outline for two or three upcoming chapters. As I mentioned before, I begin with a setting and a structure, then think about themes and a very loosely formed premise. Each new scene sparks new ideas and possibilities, pathways to try ...
-Kelly_M
What are you reading this week? (6/12/2025)
Finishing Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid for review, then I'm not sure. I've got a few days before I need to start the next discussion book - Broken Country - so I may try to squeeze in something else before I start that. Jury's out! In audiobook format, I'm listening to Kelly Mustian's The Gi...
-kim.kovacs
Becca places Evie in a children’s home so she can get a nursing degree. Did you know this type of home existed in the 1930s? What did you think of her decision? Under what circumstances might you make a similar choice?
I had no idea that this was an option. I'm not sure what I would do when faced with circumstances as dire as that. My heart broke for her but she was really trying so hard to do what was best for her daughter.
-Debra_F
Evie has a condition called synesthesia where she sees and feels things in terms of color. Did this play an important part someplace in the story?
I didn't, but if it's as good as THE RIVER KNOWS YOUR NAME, I will have to read it. Thanks.
-Elizabeth
Overall, what did you think of The River Knows Your Name? (no spoilers, please!)
I really enjoyed this novel. The characters were well developed and the timing of the story worked well for me. Just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages! I'm looking forward to sharing this with friends and family.
-Laurie_M
What did you think of Hazel and the actions she took regarding two-year-old Evie? Do you feel she followed the correct course of action? What would you have done in her place?
I think a big factor here is how Hazel came to have Evie. This series of events I believe had a lot to do with Hazel's decisions going forward.
-Laurie_M
Nell and Evie are reluctant to ask Hazel any questions about their past. Why do you suppose this is? In their place, would you have pushed Hazel for answers or avoided the subject?
Nell and Evie picked up on Hazel's avoidance to discuss the past. I can certainly understand them not wanting to upset Hazel. I don't think any child wants to deliberately upset a loved one.
-Laurie_M
What’s your opinion of Becca’s living arrangements in Nachez? Would you have stayed once you knew more about the residence?
Becca and Evie were safe there and as others have commented, with no job prospects or cash on hand, what other choice did she have. The other residents were friendly and genuinely cared about Becca and Evie.
-Laurie_M
When Mildred first reaches out, her intentions are unclear. In Becca's circumstances, would you have made a decision to seek help from her?
Such a tough decision! Under the circumstances and due to the time period I would say yes to seeking help from Mildred. However, Ben's behavior towards Mildred would certainly give me a reason to ponder over it until absolutely necessary.
-Laurie_M
To what audience would you recommend The River Knows Your Name? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
I would recommend The River Knows Your Name to readers who enjoy stories about family relationships and found family, also those who enjoy historical fiction. I agree with the others who mention that this would make a great book club read - so much to discuss here!
-Laurie_M
Which character, major or minor, did you like the most, which did you like the least, and why?
I could relate-to and liked Nell the best. She was persistent in finding her family's roots and she was the most believable. It is obvious who we ALL liked the least–the only despicable character was Mildred.
-Viqui_G
Lottie does not reveal her illness to Becca, as she wants Becca to be free to establish a new life with Ben. Do you think that was a good decision? What would you have done in her position?
It may not seem so but it was just another aspect of Lottie's personality that made her such a wonderful selfless character. I thoroughly understood her position and admired her for it.
-Susan_B
Do you think Lucy redeemed herself, despite the things she did? Did you sympathize with her?
I agree totally. Lucy was simply a lost soul who, I think, ran out of options in her own mind. I can't imagine the guilt and was so happy to see that she tried to make it right.
-Debra_F
Dory tells Becca that “time don’t heal old wounds.” Do you believe this is true?
I think some wounds become scars that stay with you forever. In time, those scars don't occupy the same amount of mental space they did when the wound was fresh, but they definitely can stay with you forever!
-Mimi_M
Nell watches Evie interact with Hazel and thinks, “One never outgrows the need for a mother…or at least the desire to be mothered.” What do you think of this statement? Do you agree with it?
I'm one of the fortunate ones to still have my Mom, age 93, with me. As she ages, I'm spending more and more time with her and I realize what a blessing this is for me. I'm getting to know her outside of the mothering role as we spend time reminiscing on her past. Thoughts she had, decisions she ...
-Mimi_M
What kind of influence do you think Lottie has on Becca's life even after Lottie's death? Is there someone who has continued to influence you, even after they’re gone?
I think Lottie was such a loving influence on Becca. You can see that in the sacrifice that both of these ladies made. Lottie by not letting Becca know she was sick and Becca by not searching further for Evie to keep her safe. Loving sacrifices that had to be incredibly difficult to make. My gran...
-Mimi_M
Nell spends a lot of time researching her past in an attempt to understand her mother. What did you think of her endeavors? What information would have been easier to obtain now, and what would be more difficult? Have you ever researched your heritage?
I thought Nell did an amazing job for the time period. Yes, a few things fell into place a bit easier than might have actually happened, but maybe not. She went with the clues she had and kept unraveling the puzzle. I think with Internet access and sites like http://ancestry.com ancestry.com , Ne...
-Mimi_M
What was your reaction to Dory’s story and how Lottie reacted to Dory’s actions? What would you have done if you’d been in Lottie’s shoes?
I was stunned to learn what Dory had done and found it to be despicable. Again, this story line showed once more what an incredible human being Lottie was in letting Dory "win" so to speak. I could not have held my tongue. I would have confronted both Josh and Dory. The forgiveness that Lottie fo...
-Mimi_M
Throughout their lives, Lottie and Becca find strength and comfort at the river. Why do you suppose this is? Is there a place that offers you something similarly meaningful?
The river is a constant, supports life, and reminds one of how big the world is. Personally, I love the ocean.
-Laura_D
Many characters in the novel develop familial relationships that are made rather than born into: Lottie and Becca, Hazel and Evie, Becca and Drew. Can you think of others? Have you created this type of bond in your own life?
There were Becca and Ben, Nell and Evie, Becca and Mildred, Tony and Nell, Becca and Hazel and Becca and Lucy.
-Mary_H
Of the many settings in the story—Rodney, Natchez Under-the-Hill, Estelle's house, the Lighthouse Motor Hotel—which did you find most evocative and why? What role do you think landscape plays in the novel?
The Mississippi River at Rodney and Mapleton seemed to be the most important influence on the characters. It was also the most atmospheric. Lottie was especially affected by the river, and it spoke to her in a secret way. Each house and town had its own special influence, but the tie of Lottie an...
-Donna_M
When Evie disappears, Becca does all she can to find her child. What did you think about the ensuing circumstances? Is there anything different you feel Becca could have done to retrieve Evie?
Becca tried hard to find Evie with Mildred threatening her in every way possible even jail. I think Becca was no match for the evil grandmother. I don't know what Becca could have done differently. Becca was heart-broken. When Lucy decided to make amends and help Becca get Evie back, it was then ...
-Ann_H
The story unfolds from three perspectives: Becca's and Hazel's in the 1930s and Nell's in the 1970s. As you read, how did this structure change your understanding of the characters and their motivations?
The story structure allowed this reader to grasp a better understanding of the 1930s and 1970s differences and the role these years played in each character's behavior. The 30s people were faced with the loss of job opportunities and fragile economics while the 70s didn't present such difficultie...
-Ann_H
About the The River Knows Your Name BookBrowse Discussion
LOVED this book. The writing and storyline are just pull-you-in amazing.
-Elizabeth
What are you reading this week? (3/20/2025)
I am reading Kelly Mustians The River knows your name (of course) a book in the Wings of Fire series. My grandson has "loaned" them to me from his personal library. And RJKlunes The Bones Beneath my Skin. An eclectic mix
-Karen_G
"A well-woven story that also plumbs the depths of the human heart, intertwining the power and wildness of the natural world and the risks people take for love. A novel about both running from the past and running after it, The River Knows Your Name woke me up early and kept me up late." ―Ash Davidson, author of Damnation Spring
"With masterful prose, Kelly Mustian weaves together a generational saga that explores the ties that bind and the forces that seek to tear them apart. The River Knows Your Name is a richly atmospheric tapestry of hidden pasts, resilient spirits, and the human heart's proclivity for tenacity and truth." ―Meagan Church, bestselling author of The Girls We Sent Away and The Last Carolina Girl
"The River Knows Your Name is a captivating tale of love, loss and found family set in the lush and wild Mississippi Delta. Mustian's plucky, determined female characters grip your heart. You won't be able to put the book down until the last puzzle piece of their dual-timeline family mystery clicks into place." ―Emily Matchar, author of In the Shadow of the Greenbrier
"Kelly Mustian is a flat-out master storyteller. With a plot as woven and tumultuous as river current, this story is a profoundly human tale simply dripping with will and strength and heart. Mustian's storytelling insists there is magnificence amidst darkness if we only persevere. I am a fan." —Andrew J. Graff, author of True North and Raft of Stars
This information about The River Knows Your Name was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Kelly Mustian is the USA Today bestselling author of The Girls in the Stilt House and The River Knows Your Name. She is the recipient of the Mississippi Library Association's 2023 Author Award for Fiction, and The Girls in the Stilt House was shortlisted for the 2022 Crook's Corner Book Prize for best debut novel set in the American South. Her work has appeared in numerous literary journals and commercial magazines. Originally from Mississippi, she currently lives in North Carolina.
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