News Summary
Renowned author Michael Farris Smith is set to launch his latest novel, ‘Lay Down Your Armor,’ at the Mississippi Book Festival, honoring his late friend Jack Sonni. The event highlights Smith’s contributions to literature and celebrates Sonni’s legacy as a musician and writer.
Jackson, Mississippi — Michael Farris Smith, a prominent author from Oxford, will launch his latest novel, Lay Down Your Armor, at the Mississippi Book Festival on September 13. This event is particularly poignant as Smith pays tribute to the late musician and writer Jack Sonni, who was a close friend and collaborator.
Sonni, known for his work as a guitarist in the rock band Dire Straits during the mid-1980s, notably contributed to the critically acclaimed album Brothers in Arms. After his successful music career, which included performances at major events like Live Aid, Sonni transitioned into a role as a marketing executive and later delved into writing. He developed a passion for the literary history of Mississippi, ultimately settling near Oxford about 15 years ago.
Smith and Sonni first crossed paths at City Grocery in Oxford, where a bartender revealed Sonni’s illustrious musical background. Their friendship deepened over shared interests in storytelling and the arts. In 2023, the day before Sonni suffered a stroke, the pair enjoyed dinner together, discussing Sonni’s manuscript for his historical crime novel, Sagamore—a work that Smith would later help finalize for publication following Sonni’s unexpected passing.
Sagamore, a noir crime story set in the 1930s, encompasses themes of gangsters and the blues, exemplifying Sonni’s love for Mississippi’s rich cultural tapestry. The novel was published by Cool Dog Sound, a small independent publisher, demonstrating Smith’s commitment to honoring his friend’s legacy and supporting independent publishing.
Michael Farris Smith is an established writer whose works have made it onto numerous Best of the Year lists from esteemed platforms including Esquire, NPR, and Oprah Magazine. Smith has a knack for weaving gritty narratives deeply rooted in Southern life, and Lay Down Your Armor is no exception. The book tells the story of two restless drifters involved in a mission related to a dilapidated church and a mysterious child hidden in its cellar. This narrative has received positive reviews, including one from the Clarion Ledger, highlighting its engaging plot and rich character dynamics.
At the Mississippi Book Festival, Smith’s participation is not only a celebration of his new release but also a reflection of his longstanding ties to the event. The festival’s executive director has acknowledged Smith’s significant contributions to the literary community and described his work as authentically Southern, dark, and compelling.
In addition to his writing, Smith is musically inclined; his band, MFS & The Smokes, recently released an album titled Lostville, produced by Grammy nominee Jimbo Mathus. Smith’s diverse creative endeavors extend to screenwriting, with adaptations of his novels Desperation Road and The Fighter, the latter now retitled Rumble Through the Dark. His film adaptation of Desperation Road, featuring Mel Gibson, is currently available globally on Netflix, with hopes for a U.S. debut later this year.
Smith continues to explore various storytelling mediums, including directing his film Chasing Rabbits. He draws inspiration from literary figures like Hemingway and Faulkner, aiming to blend storytelling across novels, screenplays, and music. With the upcoming launch of Lay Down Your Armor, Smith looks forward to engaging with readers and honoring his late friend’s legacy through his art at this year’s festival.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi Book Festival
- Google Search: Michael Farris Smith
- Magnolia Tribune: Lay Down Your Armor
- Wikipedia: Michael Farris Smith
- Leader Call: New on the Shelves
- Google News: Mississippi Book Festival
- Oxford Magazine: Book Picks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi literature
- Garden & Gun: Writer’s Routine
- Google Scholar: Michael Farris Smith novels
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