Memphis

By: Holly May Cormier

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Paperback | 27 October 2025

At a Glance

Paperback
340 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.86 x 15.24 x 1.93

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A woman on the run. A family with secrets. A past that refuses to let go.

A run-down suburb of Nashville, Tennessee is home to the Freedman family - a tight-knit clan of hard-drinking men who grind their women to dust beneath their boots. From the first moment she meets him, Memphis Monroe, a soft-spoken choir-girl, is overwhelmed by Johnny Freedman's attention and reputation. Her mother, Doris, who partied with Johnny's old man back in the day, wants to secure a future for her daughter outside of the trailer park and pushes Memphis to marry him. When the novel opens in the late 70s, Memphis has been married to Johnny for ten long years, and is too worn down by his drinking and violence to hope for a brighter future for her and her son, Michael. Until, that is, the day Johnny goes too far and Memphis is faced with a choice: live as a lion for a day or a sheep for a lifetime.

With her son beside her in her husband's prized Mustang Shelby, Memphis escapes and embarks on an epic journey from Nashville to Los Angeles in search of shelter and safety. What she finds instead is the voice she's quelled for so long, a new love, and answers to questions that have plagued her her whole life. When Johnny and Doris track her to Los Angeles, Memphis finds herself caught in a web of lies spun long before she ever met her abusive husband - leading to a final, harrowing encounter from which there can be no turning back.

Memphis explores the generational impact of alcoholism and violence on families, and the early days of abortion rights in America.

Shelved under Historical Fiction, Domestic Suspense, Psychological Thriller, and Women's Fiction. Word count is 83,000.

Industry Reviews

"...a story full of twists, turns, and desperation, delivered with the passion and dedication of an advocate, which elevates the novel above standard thriller/crime fare. An enthralling and sensitive work of crime fiction."

Kirkus Reviews

"A gripping and evocative domestic thriller set in the 1970s. Cormier captures the social struggles women faced through raw, intimate prose and a story that lingers long after the final page."

Readers' Favorite, Editorial Review

"Oh My God! This book takes you on such an emotional roller coaster. I absolutely devoured this book and hope there is a second one. This is a must read!"

Kristyn Schmidt, Goodreads Reviewer

"The character development is the best part of the novel. Memphis's blossoming after escaping a life in which every decision was made for her and she lacked all autonomy, as well as the exploration of the roots of Johnny's and Doris's behavior, were well-crafted. There are quite a few triggering scenes, not limited to domestic violence, so readers should proceed with caution. Overall, the story is a worthwhile read, especially for those seeking tales of women's resilience and redemption."

Jennifer Donovan, Reedsy Editorial Review

"Gripping and pulls you in to the end. A powerful story of a young mom escaping abuse and fighting for safety. 5 stars!" - Barb Niles, Goodreads Reviewer

Barb Niles, Goodreads Reviewer

"Tugs on the heartstrings-I couldn't put it down. As someone with a personal history tied to the book's themes, Memphis's story helped me heal."

Rachel Maynard, Goodreads Reviewer

"Amazing read! A story of a mom in an abusive relationship who finds the courage to leave to better her and her child's life. It showcases the sad reality of abuse and how hard it is for victims to be protected. A wonderful story as the FMC slowly rediscovers her strength."

Ashley Sutton, Goodreads Reviewer

"Cormier's writing is honest and lovely. Memphis Monroe had me rooting for her from the very first page. Her emotions and choices mirror many women in the real world. I love how her hope manifests as the color yellow-she's finding her own song after years of silence. This book had some unexpected twists, which I enjoyed."

Regan, Goodreads Reviewer

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