Devoured

“A tangled natural history of an unlikely protagonist, Devoured ensnares the reader on the first page, taking them from the 1876 World’s Fair, across Florida’s freeways, and stopping off at a Memphis test kitchen. Ayurella Horn-Muller provides a majestic account of the once-decorative vine, deeply probing the question of what it means to be invasive in America. A kudzu classic!” ~Gloria Dickie, author of Eight Bears: Mythic Past and Imperiled Future

“Meticulously researched, personal, and gorgeously written, Devoured centers a powerful plant as a symbol of immigration and climate justice in America. A timely narrative that will inspire readers to examine their deeply rooted notions of belonging, both in our society and in the natural world, as we race against the peril of climate change.” ~Masha Rumer, author of Parenting with an Accent: How Immigrants Honor Their Heritage, Navigate Setbacks, and Chart New Paths for Their Children

“An enthralling tale of a seemingly ordinary plant, Devoured unravels a massive web of cultural complexities and historical intrigue. Horn-Muller invites readers to witness the extraordinary story of a single vine that resonates deeply with the diverse landscapes and cultures it intertwines. A truly mesmerizing saga of mystery, sacrifice, and belonging, this is a debut full of depth, warmth, and brilliance!” ~Tirthak Saha, author of Flawed Prophets

“A delightful detangling of the cultural history and scientific mystery of the South’s most famous vine. Horn-Muller is as relentless as her subject as she questions the war on kudzu. She has given us a much-needed examination of so-called alien species and true invaders.” ~Cynthia Barnett, author of Rain: A Natural and Cultural History and The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans

“In breathless prose, Horn-Muller untangles the assumptions and myths about kudzu, a vine alternately villainized and venerated. Guided by genuine curiosity, she leaves no leaf unturned, revealing what kudzu can tell us about our attitudes toward the food on our plates, the changing climate, and the migration of species—including humans.” ~Hannah Kirshner, author of Water, Wood, and Wild Things: Learning Craft and Cultivation in a Japanese Mountain Town