Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Spaces That Hold You is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, coming-of-age, and slice-of-life subgenres. It was penned by author Karla Self with narration provided for the audiobook version by Josh Self. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. This deeply poignant narrative is set in 1960s Kelsey, a town marked by the Dust Bowl migration in California. Levi Strong, the protagonist, navigates life's challenges in a place where history, racism, and indifference shape the landscape. The story delves into Levi's search for identity and the complexities of his mother Katharine's secrets, all against the backdrop of a town divided by prejudice.

Author Karla Self has crafted a heartfelt and emotional journey that gives so much detail, atmosphere, and life to a small town that you feel instantly as though you’re right there with her characters. The slow Southern drawl of the dialogue encapsulates the atmosphere, immersing readers in Levi's world and showcasing the attitudes and humor of the people of Kelsey with vivid language. The narrative has a tender and respectful way of exploring themes of racism and identity, capturing the pulse of history and the endurance of hope amid hardship without ever stepping into anything gimmicky. The characters are vividly penned and rise wonderfully to meet the struggles and triumphs that make them so relatable and memorable.

In terms of its audiobook presentation, this enchanting story is only further enriched by narrator Josh Self’s emotional depth, vividly painting a picture of a time and place with a warm and wistful voice. The editing was crisp and clear, and everything was delivered at a superb pace to really get readers into the story. Overall, The Spaces That Hold You is a beautiful, sometimes tragic, but always heartwarming exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity, and I would certainly recommend it to fans of accomplished Southern drama everywhere.