Catfish Alley is the first book by Lynne Bryant, who is from Mississippi. It puts friendship to the test when racism threatens to tear them apart.
This book jumps between present day and around the 1920s or 30s in Clarksville, Mississippi. It touches on how racism and segregation are still very much alive in the South. I have family in Mississippi and spent lots of time there, so it was easy to understand and appreciate the complexity and beauty of Catfish Alley.
Roxanne Reeves is a white lady of high social standing. One day, she’s approached by a company that gives tours of historical Antebellum homes. They ask her to research Clarksville’s history as it relates to the African American community. Roxanne accepts to work on the project, though she’s a bit put off and uncomfortable about it.
Next, Roxanne meets with Grace Clark, an elderly retired black school teacher who’s spent her entire life in Clarksville. Over the years, Grace was witnessed and survived many a heartache. Despite dreading this project, Roxanne finds herself warming up to Grace and being irresistibly drawn in to her stories.
While reading Catfish Alley, I assumed Roxanne and Grace would be friends for life. I figured Roxanne would step outside of her comfort zone and open her mind a bit more. But, that’s not all that happens. This book told a great story.
This book has several different narrators. It’s extremely captivating and a true page-turner. Roxanne wasn’t my favorite character, but I appreciated her transformation in the end.
Lynne Bryant has also written these books:
- Alligator Lake (2012)
- The Mother Gene (2023)
What did you think about Catfish Alley?
Last Updated on January 26, 2026 by Sarah Ann
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