Dori Lumpkin’s Antenora will forever hold a special place in my heart—not just the book itself, but also the experience of reading it. I had the beautiful privilege of having Antenora read to me by my favourite reading partner and girlfriend. Considering the book’s tender queerness, raw vulnerability, and visceral pain, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to experience it.

Antenora follows Abby as she grapples with the oppressive religious cult community of Bethal, Alabama. Through Abby’s confessional narrative, we are introduced to the heretical Nora, exploring queer longing, quiet rebellion, and the untamed chaos of wild girlhood alongside her.

Though short in length, Lumpkin delivers an astounding and atmospherically rich story that will completely pull you in and hold you captive until the final word. I cannot recommend it highly enough.