By Kirsten Miller.
Lulu Dean's Little Library of Banned Books is a sharp and entertaining satire that aims at censorship, small-town politics and the power of literature.
Set in the tight-knit community of Troy, Georgia, the book follows the long-standing feud between Beverly Underwood and her rival, Lula Dean. While Beverly serves on the school board, Lula has made a name for herself by campaigning to remove inappropriate books from public libraries.
She has not read any of the books she deems unacceptable, but that does not stop her from replacing them with her own curated collection of morally upstanding literature in a free-lending library outside her home.
What Lula does not realise is that Beverly’s daughter, Lindsay, is secretly swapping her approved titles for the very books she has banned. With their controversial content disguised beneath wholesome covers, the books begin to circulate through the town, influencing and transforming the lives of unsuspecting readers.
From the local postman to the former district attorney, an array of townspeople find themselves challenged and changed by the unexpected wisdom in Lula’s library. When Lula’s censorship campaign collides with her political ambitions, the town is set for an explosive reckoning.
This book is a lively and thought-provoking read, filled with well-drawn characters and biting social commentary. While satire is at the heart of the story, the author also excels at character development, ensuring that even with a large cast, each person is distinct and memorable.
The way their ages and roles are established early in their chapters makes it easy to keep track of them, which is a testament to the author’s skill. Readers who enjoy character-driven storytelling with a liberal perspective will appreciate the wit and depth woven throughout.
A compelling and timely satire, Lulu Dean's Little Library of Banned Books highlights the absurdity of censorship while celebrating the transformative power of literature. Though it may ruffle a few feathers, it is an excellent read for those who appreciate books that challenge societal norms and explore the importance of free thought.
Thank you to Rachel at Rachel Quin Marketing for running this book tour. The book is out now and available to purchase.
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