Resilience in the Mississippi Delta

Seventeen years after the success of The Help, Kathryn Stockett returns with an ambitious Depression-era novel centered on resilience, friendship, and survival in the Mississippi Delta. The Calamity Club follows a cast of women and girls whose lives become intertwined during one of America’s most difficult economic periods.

Rich in regional detail and character-driven storytelling, the novel balances humor, hardship, and emotional warmth while exploring themes of poverty, independence, and community. Stockett’s affection for Southern settings and larger-than-life personalities remains evident throughout, but the expanded scope gives the story the feel of a sweeping family saga.

At more than 600 pages, the novel takes its time developing relationships and conflicts, rewarding readers who enjoy immersive historical fiction.

Kathryn Stockett Returns

The Calamity Club arrived as one of the most anticipated fiction releases of 2026, driven largely by Kathryn Stockett’s return to publishing after a lengthy absence.

Early discussion focused on the novel’s vivid Southern setting, memorable characters, and expansive storytelling approach. Its release renewed interest in Stockett’s body of work while introducing a new generation of readers to her blend of historical fiction, humor, and emotionally driven narratives.