What Reviewers Say About Prodigal
“The book is steeped in place . . . Themes of shame, guilt, and ostracism are explored with psychological acuity. . .” https://www.forewordreviews.com/reviews/prodigal-9781592114788/
Nov. 5, 2024 Review by Joseph S. Pete, Foreword Reviews
“Gobbell’s writing style is familiar and cozy, like curling up on a couch with a warm beverage and listening to family members share stories.” https://chapter16.org/cracks-in-the-foundation/
Nov. 13, 2024 Review by Abby N. Lewis, Chapter 16
“I cannot recommend this enough if you want a book that will make you feel connected to the characters on a whole new level.” https://www.thefaeriereview.com/2024/11/review-prodigal/
Nov. 19, 2024 Review by Lily Shadowlyn, The Faerie Review
“Prodigal is a well-crafted addition to the Southern literary novel genre . . .” https://www.nashvillescene.com/arts_culture/books/prodigal-depicts-the-drama-of-a-fractured-family/article_561c73c0-a5ea-11ef-ab4a-372e7d6d0e27.html
Nov. 19, 2024 Reprint of Chapter 16 review in Nashville Scene
https://deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/2024/11/q-with-phyllis-gobbell.html
Nov. 21, 2024 Q&A with Phyllis Gobbell by Deborah Kalb
https://lisahaselton.com/?s=Phyllis+Gobbell
Nov. 22, 2024 New Interview with Novelist Phyllis Gobbell by Lisa Haselton
“Prodigal is a Southern tale at its best. Secrets, lies, betrayal – a deadly trinity that moves this family story into the realm of tragedy.” https://www.litstack.com/prodigal-by-phyllis-gobbell/
Nov. 26, 2024 Review by Allie Coker, Litstack
“. . . and what a hidden gem. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story.” https://amysbookshelfreviews.com/f/phyllis-gobbell–prodigal
Jan. 21, 2025 Review by Amy Buckle, Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews
“Fireworks, fireflies, and gunfire light up Phyllis Gobbell’s exquisite, poignant novel . . . This modern retelling of the prodigal son is, above all, a story of love and forgiveness in a Southern family.” https://southernlitreview.com/reviews/prodigal-by-phyllis-gobbell.htm
Feb. 6, 2025 Review by Donna Meredith, Southern Literary Review