The Redneck Riviera

by Richard N. Côté

Book Overview

What will a mother do to save a teenage daughter hell-bent on making the same mistakes her mother made as a teenager? That's the challenge for Dolly Devereaux, a thirty-six year-old divorced mother... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1929175175
• ISBN13: 9781929175178
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: Corinthian Books
• Length: 277 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

The Redneck Riviera

At the edge of adult womanhood, April Devereux thinks she knows it all, but is naïve to the true dangers of her so-called friends and their antisocial lifestyles. Her mother, Dolly, has been down the teenage road of rebellion herself, but her own past mistakes can't prepare her for the perilous path her daughter has taken. Dolly's mother, Anne, never gave her unconditional love, and has lived to regret it. Inspired by her own mother's remorse, Dolly aims to break a family tradition of poor parenting, poverty, and desperate life choices, even if it means risking her own life to save her daughter's. As this fast-paced tale races forward, each of the women are forced to realize the consequences of their actions. Although the setting takes place in the seedy underground of a southeastern tourist town, this story could happen anywhere in 21st-century America. The struggle of being a teenager and trying to fit in, grow up, and just have fun while coping with the dangers of drugs, rave parties, sex abuse, and hate groups is exposed with no-holds barred by the author. The subject matters are shocking but far from exploitive, as the heart of this novel is in the love/hate relationships between mothers and daughters. What these women lose and gain in the timeless struggle of the generations, who generally think they are very different from each other, yet are too often so alike, makes for a wild ride on the Redneck Riviera.

great fiction, with a historian's research work ethic

In this, Cote's firm first step into the world of fiction, a single South Carolinian mom pulls out all the stops in a battle for her daughter's heart, health...and life. The portrayal of Dolly Devereaux, battling for betterment in a region focused mainly on the sexual needs of Canadian golfers (who are quite amusingly satirized here), is credible and consistent. The author has superbly handled the challenge of writing as not just one, but *several* well-developed female characters in a story that will surely reach out to women everywhere. The plot holds consistent interest and is quite relevant to today's life. Probably the strongest impression I formed, though, was of the author's research. This can be divined through the inclusion of a good deal of authoritative detail of the type that can only be credibly offered from an author's personal recollection, and this is what separates Cote from many far more famous novelists. From the chemical issues associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine ('crank'), to the lure of quick money offered to women considered attractive enough to get paid to take their clothes off (and perhaps sell what's underneath), it is obvious that he spoke to people with firsthand experience who shared candidly. This is what separates him from the shallow mass-market thriller novelists everyone has heard of, but who aren't hungry enough to do their homework now that they're big names. (Don't know about you, but I weary of the fate of the whole world always resting mysteriously upon the endeavours of some intrepid but unconventional and about-to-be-fired journalist, lawyer or detective. Dolly Deveraux, manager of a lingerie and sex toy shop, is a refreshing change indeed.) Cote's fiction is very good now, and is likely to make the transition from 'very good' to 'excellent' sooner rather than later. This novel can be recommended with equal strength as either a regional study or a heartrending emotional drama (one perfectly suited for a movie script)--take your pick.

Redneck Riviera

Recently, I visited a small book store and I was discussing new books with the owner. When this book was mentioned, she informed me that the book would not be sold in her shop because the story was just one more example of Myrtle Beach bashing. I had the same idea when I met the author at a recent signing in Myrtle Beach but I bought the book anyway. He was a very friendly and outgoing person, and I enjoyed the book very much.The other reviewers have covered the plot thoroughly so I do not want to go over the material again; however, I teach school and I was familiar with the generational conflict immediately. Single mother wants to provide well for a child not fully understanding that children need parents more than they need things. Dolly wants to do the right thing for her daughter but she feels like she is entitled to a free and open lifestyle. She is shocked to find that the daughter follows in her footsteps. I see this happen time after time so I think Richard was very understanding and very on target with his portrayal of this disfunctional family. It is a very entertaining read, and it shows how easily young people can be lead astray.

Suspenseful ... absorbing ... fun!

In this gripping story of a mother's love,Dolly Devereauz auddenly learns that her teenage daughter, April, has been leading a secret life - one that has dragged her to the underworld of gangs and drugs. In addition to conflicts with her daughter, Dolly also has deep, painful issues with her own mother, and is stretched far beyond what most humans could bear. As I cheered Dolly on and felt her anguish I was so fearful that her devotion, powerful as it was, could not break the spell that held her daughter. Fortunately there is enough spice, laughs and wicked fun to make the suspense endurable. The unexpected ending is exquisite!

Mother love in a setting of tourists and strip clubs

This brand new book by Richard N. Cote is a fast paced novel set in the tourist area of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, sometimes referred to as "The Redneck Riviera". Dolly Devereaux, a single mother in her thirties, works two jobs to support her 18-year old daughter, April, who runs around with a drug manufacturing gang and is headed for self-destruction. But Dolly is determined to save her daughter. This is that story, and it's told well. There are obstacles of course and lots of twists and turns. It was hard to put the book down as I was drawn into the world of strip clubs, drug labs and tourists.Not only were the characters sympathetic and well developed, but I also felt that I had taken a short trip to Myrtle Beach, especially the strip clubs. The world of the dancers is made real, and I got a sense of what their lives are like, right down to the smallest detail of having to avoid a spot on the stage where they could catch a heel on a protruding nail.Mostly though, the story is about relationships and a second chance to make things right as Dolly has to come to terms with her relationship with her own mother as well as her daughter. She also has to look at her own life and the choices she, herself, has made and is making about men. There's a lot of food for thought here but the story never gets bogged down and the action is constant. Recommended