Tragedy strikes a Northwest Arkansas orchard when a late spring frost destroys the apple crop. Faced with bankruptcy, Jesse Fitch prepares to leave the family farm with his wife and son. His identical twin brother, however, vows to stay and braces for a fight against anyone who tries to displace him. Before the family can split, tragedy strikes again, revealing a secret that forever binds the twins together. As one brother clashes with the other, stretching bloodlines to a breaking point, the ultimate survival of the Fitch clan is uncertain.

Five yellow stars in a row, symbolizing a five-star rating.

Trade Reviews

Absorbing tale of twin brothers and hard choices in Prohibition-era Arkansas.

Blevens’ absorbing second novel follows twin brothers Jesse and Silas Fitch as they navigate personal tragedy amidst the decline of their family’s Arkansas Black apple orchard. Read more.

Secrets, lies, and failing crops are tearing a family, and their farm, apart in Blevens’ historical novel.

It’s 1927 in Benton County, Arkansas, and 30-year-old Jesse Fitch lives on his family farm with his 27-year-old wife, Marybeth, and their son Levi, who’s 7. His twin brother, Silas, is also there, as are Silas’ wife and daughters, and the siblings’ father, known as “Paps.” The land has been in their family for several generations, but it’s not producing like it used to do. Read more.

Testimonials

“The story . . . unfolds with the inevitability of a storm rolling in, each chapter pulling you deeper into the world of love, loss, and fractured loyalty. It is one of those books with an ending that will linger like the taste of the last apple of the season, sharp, bittersweet, and unforgettable.” —Shanessa Gluhm, author of A River of Crows

“. . . Arkansas Black is a transportive historical novel crafted with equal parts poetic prose and propulsive pacing.” —James Wade, Reading the West Award-winning author of Narrow of the Road

“Alexander Blevens brings this era of agricultural and economic transformation to life with a visceral realism that puts flesh on the bones of Ozarks history.”—Brooks Blevins, Noel Boyd Professor of Ozarks Studies, Missouri State University, Author of A History of the Ozarks. 3 vols.

Reader Reviews

Five yellow stars in a row, representing a high rating or review.

Set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era turmoil

“A tense, bittersweet and richly atmospheric novel that left me deeply emotional.”—Goodreads Reviewer

Historical Fiction Winner

“This was a page turner. It is underexposed in my opinion.”—Amazon Reviewer

Reminiscent of the timeless contests between brothers . . . Cain and Abel

“Novels, like life, do not have to be joyous to be deeply enjoyed. Arkansas Black is a novel to savor.”—Goodreads Reviewer

Some bad apples in one great novel!

This powerful novel is a “slow burn,” and I mean that solely as an endorsement. The tension and dysfunction build to a climax that feels nearly inevitable. If you like historical fiction, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more engaging novel.”—Amazon Reviewer

Awards

Editorial Reviews

Goodreads Reviews

Back of the Book Extra

More About Northwest Arkansas

Arkansas Black Pie Recipe

Media Kit