I visited Lemuria to purchase his latest book, The Fighter. It will be featured in Saturday’s panel on “Southern Fiction and Redemption” at the 2018 Mississippi Book Festival. Desperation Road, his 2017 novel, was my last purchase in Lemuria. Since then, I have passed the book on to a Mississippi Today colleague and continue to talk about Desperation Road with anyone who will listen. It is refreshing to read a novel set within southwest Mississippi, as I almost only read Mississippi authors. There is no denying that Mississippi has its rolling hills, brackish Gulf and alluvial Delta plains. But there is an untold story about Magnolia and McComb. Smith tells it so well, one might not believe it’s possible. Smith weaves violence and compassion into Russell Gains’ story, keeping your heart pounding and blood pumping. We travel miles with Russell down county roads and city streets, meeting characters and learning about an unhappy adolescence. Smith shows the beauty of small-town Mississippi friendships and empathy, from the star-crossed, nomadic Maben, to the self-destructive, enraged Larry. Russell’s father, an aging man, and Maben’s young daughter are portrayed as the quiet complexity of innocence and loss. They quickly form a bond over Coca-Colas and cane poles. Smith is a stressful character, with many close calls, brutal scenes and high stakes. However, he emerges with unexpected plot twists and circumstances. Smith’s ability to develop stories is aided by his powerful prose. It is clear, strong, and beautiful. Smith’s scenes and dialogue are so engaging that readers become completely invested in the characters. Smith is certainly a Mississippi writer who deserves to be considered among the Southern grit-literati. But, I don’t think he will let the accolades distract from his honest and engaging storytelling. His characters are able to show the truth about the modern South without resorting to stereotypes and clichés. Smith recently announced the news about Blackwood, his next novel. We won’t have long to wait for another immersion. The Fighter is still something I look forward to. Editor’s Note: Mary Margaret White is the executive director of Mississippi Today. She also serves on the board for the Mississippi Book Festival. Mississippi Today also funds the Mississippi Book Festival.