Leo Daughtry, Political Leader, Author

Carolina Writers Speak

Longtime North Carolina political leader Leo Daughtry grew up among the tobacco fields of Sampson County, and those experiences are the inspiration behind his debut novel releasing this summer.
While fiction, the book draws from Leo's own upbringing amidst the lush tobacco fields of North Carolina, paying homage to the enduring spirit of the American South while delving into the complexities of its past. This story transports us to the 1950s, when the South stood at the crossroads of tradition and change. 2024 marks 60 years since the Surgeon General published its landmark report about the dangers of smoking tobacco. It’s also worth mentioning that Leo was a member of the NC House and Senate for 28 years, including serving as House Majority Leader and House Minority Leader, so he’s well known around the state.
"Talmadge Farm" follows the intertwined destinies of three unforgettable families as they navigate the tumultuous currents of societal evolution. From the opulent world of wealthy landowner Gordon Talmadge to the humble aspirations of his sharecroppers, each character grapples with the shifting landscapes of privilege, racial injustice, and personal autonomy.