Tayari Jones's "Goodbye, Honeysuckle" Named Book of the Week by Kulturnews
Kulturnews has selected Tayari Jones's "Goodbye, Honeysuckle" as its book of the week, with a review by Matthias Jordan. The story unfolds in 1960s Louisiana, centering on the deep friendship between Annie and Niecy, who both struggle with absent maternal figures—Niecy's mother was murdered by her father, while Annie's chose to leave. As Annie ventures to Memphis in search of her mother, Niecy pursues her education at Spelman College, becomes involved in the civil rights movement, and receives a marriage proposal. Despite their physical distance, their friendship endures. The novel offers a poignant portrayal of Black life in the segregated South. It has garnered admiration from figures like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama, though the review notes some inconsistencies in the narrative. "Goodbye, Honeysuckle" appears on Kulturnews's best books list for September 2026.
Key facts
- "Goodbye, Honeysuckle" by Tayari Jones is Kulturnews's book recommendation of the week.
- The novel is set in the 1960s and follows two friends, Annie and Niecy, from the town of Honeysuckle in Louisiana.
- Annie leaves Honeysuckle first and later works as a bartender in Memphis while searching for her mother.
- Niecy attends Spelman College in Atlanta, joins the civil rights movement, and receives a marriage proposal from a wealthy family's son.
- The narrative alternates between Niecy's and Annie's perspectives.
- The book depicts Black life in the 1960s South, addressing segregation and poverty.
- Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama are mentioned as fans of the novel.
- The review, written by Matthias Jordan, criticizes some arbitrary shifts in perspective and plot.
- The novel is included on Kulturnews's list of the best books of September 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Tayari Jones
- Matthias Jordan
- Oprah Winfrey
- Barack Obama
- Martin Suter
- Michael Krüger
- Madeline Cash
Institutions
- Kulturnews
- Spelman College
Locations
- Honeysuckle
- Louisiana
- United States
- Memphis
- Tennessee
- Atlanta
- Georgia
- Hannover
- Berlin
- Hamburg
- Germany