FOLSOI started the year off right with a full house for its January Meet the Author program at
Barbee Library on 1/16/25. Retired lawyer and former NC state senator Leo Daughty
entertained his former constituents with a discussion of his novel, “Talmadge Farms.”
Loosely based on Leo’s life growing up on a tobacco farm in Sampson County, NC, Talmadge
Farms deals with the struggles and challenges faced by sharecroppers and land owners in the
1950s and 1960s. Times were changing rapidly back then, both socially and technologically,
and the novel delves into attitudes toward racism, classism, and women’s roles.
In a fun twist on the author’s presentation, Leo’s wife Helen read excerpts from the book,
following her husband’s introduction of each main character. Helen, Leo told us, was
instrumental to the book’s success, acting as his sounding board, beta reader, and early editor
during the three years he spent writing. Leo noted that most of his characters are
amalgamation of many people he knew growing up. When asked if he’ll write another book, Leo stated that Talmadge Farms was the only story in his head for most of his life. But … he did not rule out a sequel!
Talmadge Farms is beautifully written and emotionally provoking. If you haven’t yet read it, the
book is available in the Brunswick County library system. If you have read it, please consider
leaving a review on Goodreads or Amazon to support Leo’s work.