About The Book

The Storekeeper’s Vigil and Other Tales

Inspired by true events and the author’s family history, The Storekeeper’s Vigil and Other Tales unfolds in West Tennessee during the winter of 1944, where Nute Jackson, a nearly blind storekeeper, awaits his son Luke’s return from war. When loss strikes the town, Nute becomes a quiet source of strength for his community, finding purpose in the winter of his life.

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Book titled 'The Storekeeper's Vigil & Other Tales' by John Talbott, featuring a black-and-white photo of three women on the cover, with a yellow torn paper shape for the author's name.
Open books with black and white illustrations and yellow informational sections about the story of a storekeeper's vigil and other tales.

Word Travels

  • “The premise immediately drew me in. The use of one man’s quiet, personal story to explore something much larger – the weight of war, family, loss and the character of Southern communities during that era. There’s a sense of heartfelt sincerity and humanity in the writing that makes me want to know these people, not just their story. Knowing these words are rooted in the author’s own family history makes it even more compelling.”

    — Valerie K.

  • "A world spiraling toward nihilism needs a book like The Storekeepers Vigil and Other Tales. It’s our literary reminder that a quiet life, filled with loving devotion to family and community is still a life worth living with all its small triumphs and tragedies. Well-written and deeply evocative of the time and place they portray, these stories are a welcome respite from the breakneck pace and mindless pyrotechnics of contemporary fiction.”

    — Shawn P.

  • “A kind man’s reflections of memory, loss and resilience and the bonds of a small community that binds them all together. What more can you ask for in a work of Southern literature?”

    — Michelle S.

  • “A heartfelt depiction of love’s enduring power despite the passage of time and distance.”

    — Mark C.

  • “I love it! It’s genuinely written so articulately with such great imagery.”

    — Brooklyn N.

  • “I love this book! I’m super-invested in Nute Jackson!”

    — Crystal H.

  • “I loved it. It painted characters so well and I could see them and they reminded me of some of the old guys I remember growing up.”

    — Bob M.

Black and white portrait of a man with glasses and a beard, wearing a checkered shirt, in front of a bookshelf.

About The Author

John Talbott

John Talbott is the author of several works on the regional history of West Tennessee. An educator, attorney, historian, and writer, he brings a deep knowledge of Southern folklore and culture to his work.

The Storekeeper’s Vigil and Other Tales is his first work of fiction, inspired by his family history and the people of his native region.

Behind The Book

A Note From The Author

Even works of fiction often have a point of inspiration. The Storekeeper’s Vigil and Other Tales, the characters and narratives emanate from the events of rural West Tennesseans on the home front during the Second World War, inspired in particular by my great-grandfather’s long wait for my grandfather.

Through fiction, the book honors both my family’s personal legacy and the shared experiences of countless families. 

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Black and white photo of four people standing outdoors, with trees in the background. The group includes two women and two men, all smiling and holding hands.

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