MUDBOUND - Hilary Jordan

Set in Mississippi in 1946, this book is the story of Laura, a refined young woman, who marries Henry rather late in her thirties, bears him two children, then he moves them all to a farm where there is mud everywhere, even in the house.  Pappy, Henry's father, lives with them, and is complaining all the time, thus helping to make everyone miserable. Laura hires Florence, a black woman, to keep house for her and it is Florence who helps Laura adapt to farm life. Then Jamie, Henry's brother comes home from WWII, crippled emotionally by his experiences as an airman in the war He is handsome, attentive to Laura, and charming to all.  At the same time, Ronsel, a young black man who was a sergeant in his division, returns home, and becomes friends with Jamie, who ignores the advice to not associate with a black man.  These people all come together in a huge tragedy. Listed as historical fiction, it relates well how returning veterans tried to get back into their former lives, the discrimination and animosity against blacks, and life in the South.  Listed as one of New York Times' Best Books of 2008