Edisto

In "Edisto," author Padgett Powell introduces Simons Everson Manigault, a precocious young boy living on a remote stretch of South Carolina coast with his eccentric mother, the Duchess, who believes he is destined for literary greatness. As he navigates the complexities of adolescence and parental expectations—especially after his conventional father leaves for a more traditional life—Simons finds solace and guidance in an enigmatic father figure named Taurus. This captivating debut novel is celebrated for its sharp wit and poignant exploration of youth, reminiscent of "The Catcher in the Rye."