53 pages 1 hour read

Tawni O'Dell

Back Roads

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Back Roads by Tawni O'Dell explores the life of Harley Altmyer, a 19-year-old who becomes the caregiver for his three younger sisters after their mother is imprisoned for killing their abusive father. Struggling with the demands of daily life, Harley uncovers painful truths about his family's past, forcing him to confront deeply buried realities.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Tawni O'Dell's Back Roads receives acclaim for its gripping narrative and rich, authentic characters, particularly the protagonist Harley's intense emotional struggles. Critics highlight O'Dell's vivid depiction of small-town life and complex family dynamics. Some note that the relentless bleakness can be overwhelming, but the novel’s raw, unflinching honesty holds commendable literary merit.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Back Roads?

Fans of gripping and emotionally charged dramas like The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd will find themselves enthralled by Tawni O'Dell's Back Roads. This reader appreciates complex characters, raw family dynamics, and the dark undercurrents of small-town life.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Life/Time: The Past

Relationships: Family

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction

Drama / Tragedy