“Jonathan Odell has written a terrific novel that will take its place in the distinguished pantheon of Southern fiction. Like that showstopping work by Kathryn Stockett, The Healing is another Mississippi-born work of art and Odell’s Polly Shine is a character for the ages.”
—Pat Conroy, author of The Prince of Tides and South of Broad

“Jonathan Odell won me over with his fresh take on an 1860′s Mississippi plantation, and the connective power of story to heal body, mind and community. Long after closing the novel’s final pages, I’m still marveling about Polly Shine, an inventively subversive slave healer, and a character I won’t soon forget.”
—Lalita Tademy, author of Cane River, an Oprah’s Book Club selection, and Red River 



“When the young slave Granada Satterfield reluctantly undertakes a quest to recover her own identity, she finds that she must begin by seeking the answers to two questions: Who are my people and what are their stories? Jonathan Odell’s compelling new novel The Healing is a lyrical parable, rich with historical detail and unflinching in the face of disturbing facts.”

—Valerie Martin, author of the Orange Prize winning novel Property

“Jonathan Odell gives voice to strong women at a time in history when their strength might have been their undoing. When Polly Shine’s fierce knowledge comes up against Granada’s stubborn resistance, the reader is held captive as the two attempt to resolve their conflict and Granada is made to face her destiny. This moving story is a must read for fans of historical fiction.”
—Kathleen Grissom, author of The Kitchen House



“The Healing is a moving cri de coeur for all those who yearn to be free, and for the wise women among us who understand that to subjugate one person is to subjugate all of humanity.” 

—Robin Oliveira, author of My Name if Mary Sutter