Memphis
A woman's desperate bid for freedom from her abusive marriage sparks a cross-country odyssey of self-discovery, love, and reckoning with the family secrets that have held her captive
A run-down suburb of Nashville, Tennessee is home to the Freedman family – a tight-knit clan of hard-drinking men who grind their women to dust beneath their boots. From the first moment she meets him, Memphis Monroe, a soft-spoken choir-girl, is overwhelmed by Johnny Freedman’s attention and reputation.
Her mother, Doris, who partied with Johnny’s old man back in the day, wants to secure a future for her daughter outside of the trailer park and pushes Memphis to marry him.
When the novel opens in the late 70s, Memphis has been married to Johnny for ten long years, and is too worn down by his drinking and violence to hope for a brighter future for her and her son, Michael.
Until, that is, the day Johnny goes too far and Memphis is faced with a choice: live as a lion for one day or a sheep for a lifetime.
With her son beside her in her husband’s prized Mustang Shelby, Memphis escapes and embarks on an epic journey from Nashville to Los Angeles in search of shelter and safety.
What she finds instead is the voice she’s quelled for so long, a new love, and answers to questions that have plagued her her whole life. When Johnny and Doris track her to Los Angeles, Memphis finds herself caught in a web of lies spun long before she ever met her abusive husband – leading to a final, harrowing encounter from which there can be no turning back.
Memphis explores the generational impact of alcoholism and violence on families, and the early days of abortion rights in America.
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Word Count
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Crime Thriller
Domestic Suspense
Psychological Thriller
Women's Fiction
MEMPHIS will captivate readers who are drawn to psychological thrillers featuring complex female protagonists, domestic suspense, and rich emotional depth. It appeals to those interested in stories of survival, overcoming abuse, and uncovering family secrets, as well as readers engaged in social issues such as domestic violence, women’s rights, and generational trauma.
Women aged 18-45, particularly those who enjoy character-driven narratives with gripping plots, will form the core audience. The novel’s historical setting, exploration of intricate relationships, and timely social themes also make it an ideal choice for book clubs and fans of contemporary women’s fiction.
MEMPHIS taps into the cultural fascination with the 1970s and 1980s—decades defined by profound social and cultural change. As society revisits this era in films and books, there is a growing desire to understand how far we’ve come on issues like gender equality, personal freedom, and social justice—and how far we still have to go.
The novel not only captures the aesthetics and emotional tone of the period, but also resonates with contemporary social movements, particularly in the ongoing fight for women’s rights. By reflecting on past struggles while remaining deeply relevant to current issues, MEMPHIS offers both historical insight and a powerful, timely narrative.
At its core, MEMPHIS is a story that connects with today’s audiences, particularly those interested in themes of women’s empowerment, generational trauma, and personal resilience—issues that are ever-relevant in today’s conversations about gender equality, reproductive rights, and social justice.
By blending historical nostalgia with modern resonance, the novel appeals to the broader societal desire for storytelling that illuminates past challenges while offering hope and inspiration for the future.
- Female readers (18-45) who enjoy suspenseful, emotionally intense narratives centered on complex female protagonists. This includes:
- Domestic suspense fans: Readers who enjoy a mix of psychological tension and family drama, often with a strong female lead. Think Chevy Stevens (e.g., Never Let You Go) and Liane Moriarty (e.g., Big Little Lies).
- Thriller lovers: Fans of tightly wound psychological thrillers, where the stakes are high, and the plot twists keep readers hooked. These readers enjoy a gripping story with plenty of tension, unexpected revelations, and dark family secrets.
- Women’s fiction readers: Readers who appreciate stories about female empowerment, overcoming adversity, and self-discovery. MEMPHIS offers themes of survival, freedom, and the pursuit of a better life—issues many women can relate to, especially those who have experienced difficult relationships or societal pressures.
- Fans of crime thrillers and family dramas: Since MEMPHIS is a mix of psychological thriller and family drama, it could also appeal to readers who enjoy intricate plots about dysfunctional families and the secrets that bind them. This could appeal to readers who enjoy the family secrets genre, as seen in authors like Gillian Flynn (Sharp Objects) or Karin Slaughter.
- Readers interested in social issues: The book touches on domestic violence, alcoholism, mother-daughter relationships, and abortion rights—issues that resonate with a socially aware, progressive audience. Readers interested in these themes—especially within the context of the 1970s—will find MEMPHIS appealing, as it offers both a personal and historical perspective on these topics.
- Book clubs: The novel’s emotional depth, complex characters, and themes of empowerment, survival, and personal transformation make it ideal for book club discussions. The tension between Memphis and her family, along with the novel’s exploration of generational trauma, could lead to deep, engaging conversations.
- Historical fiction readers (1970s setting): For readers who enjoy stories set in specific historical periods—especially the 1970s—there’s an added layer of intrigue. The novel’s exploration of women’s rights (such as early abortion access) and the rise of feminist movements in America could attract readers interested in the historical and cultural contexts of that era.
- Chevy Stevens (Never Let You Go): Fans of intense, character-driven thrillers with a focus on survival and self-discovery will appreciate MEMPHIS.
- Liane Moriarty (Big Little Lies): Readers who enjoy multi-layered stories about women’s relationships, dark secrets, and the suspense of uncovering buried truths.
- Tarryn Fisher (The Wives): Readers who enjoy dark, psychological explorations of relationships and control, especially in an abusive marriage.
- Jodi Picoult (The Storyteller): Fans of emotionally charged novels that touch on family trauma, secrets, and moral dilemmas, with a focus on complex female characters