The Kudzu Queen

By: Mimi Herman

Narrated by: Courtney Patterson

Longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize

Fifteen-year-old Mattie Lee Watson dreams of men, not boys. So when James T. Cullowee, the Kudzu King, arrives in Cooper County, North Carolina, in 1941 to spread the gospel of kudzu—claiming that it will improve the soil, feed cattle at almost no cost, even cure headaches—Mattie is ready. Mr. Cullowee is determined to sell the entire county on the future of kudzu, and organizes a kudzu festival, complete with a beauty pageant. Mattie is determined to be crowned Kudzu Queen and capture the attentions of the Kudzu King. As she learns more about Cullowee, however, she discovers that he, like the kudzu he promotes, has a dark and predatory side. When she finds she is not the only one threatened, she devises a plan to bring him down. Based on historical facts, The Kudzu Queen unravels a tangle of sexuality, power, race, and kudzu through the voice of an irresistibly delightful (and mostly honest) narrator.

©2023 Mimi Herman (P)2023 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Courtney Patterson brings mid-century North Carolina to life with her narration of this coming-of-age story.... Patterson recounts town, family, and personal secrets at a slow pace that adds to the novel's dramatic effect. Her portrayals range from an oily salesman to a deadbeat father and a boy who is desperate to demonstrate his manhood. Always present is Mattie--hoping to make things right." (AudioFile; winner of AudioFile Earphones Award)

Delightful read!

The story and characters live with you while you’re away from the book (although I admit, I did forgo all afternoon chores, one day to finish, reading the Kudzu Queen!) great details and imagery. Having grown up in rural, North Carolina, I particularly appreciated the authenticity of Herman’s characters and settings.

So Good

It took a couple of chapters to build momentum, but then I was hooked. So much heart, so well written, and the narration was up to the task of bringing it all to life.

Coming of age in Kudzu

Very enjoyable book. Mattie is definitely a character you want to root for. I enjoyed learning about how the government introduced and promoted kudzu in the south as the backdrop of the story. Definitely recommend. Well narrated, too.

delightful story

Enjoyed the read as it brings humor to my own background in rural NC. She is right about Kudzu. You can’t turn your back on II.

One of the Best!

A delightful listen. Great characters and tough lessons in a small farming town make this book impressive! Mimi Herman’s colloquialisms and wonderful command of southern culture had me spellbound from beginning to end. The narrator was fabulous. I was not ready for this book to be over.