In a beautiful story that spans generations, Wilkerson introduces us to the Freemans, a prominent black family with a long and storied history. When EIn a beautiful story that spans generations, Wilkerson introduces us to the Freemans, a prominent black family with a long and storied history. When Ebony "Ebby" Freeman is ten, she hears gunshots and finds her teenage brother on the floor, surrounded by shards of pottery from a stoneware jar that has been in her family for centuries. The family loses Baz and a huge piece of their family history that day. Due to their prominence, the story stays in the headlines and when Ebby's finance, Henry, leaves her at the altar many years later, the family reluctantly finds themselves in the media yet again.
Wilkerson gives us a story rich in lore and history, weaving stories of the jar and the Freeman ancestors into Ebby's own narrative. We learn about the role of enslaved people in the creation of pottery, coupled with storytelling and the power of passing on family history. Ebony escapes to France, a beautiful and atmospheric place, to lick her wounds, and look into her family history.
GOOD DIRT is both sad and hopeful, filled with past and present trauma, while still moving and inspiring. It illustrates how what comes before influences what comes next. The characters are well-drawn, with their own foibles and quirks. This is both a mystery, of sorts, as Ebby works out what happened to Baz and the jar, and touching character study of a fascinating family. 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Ballantine Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for GOOD DIRT on 01/28/2025! ...more
A hyped novel that lives up to it all. FIRE is such a powerful story based on real life events--a fire that occurred in a theater in Richmond in 1811.A hyped novel that lives up to it all. FIRE is such a powerful story based on real life events--a fire that occurred in a theater in Richmond in 1811. I tend to shy away from historical fiction, but I was captivated by the tale of four characters, each of whom are in the theater when the fire starts. We hear from Sally Henry Campbell, attending with her sister; Jack, a stagehand; Cecily, a slave there with her mistress; and Gilbert, a blacksmith and slave dreaming of a better life.
FIRE is incredibly sad but so realistic; it made the time period real for me in a way that history books just can't. The absolute injustice of slavery is on full display, as we see how Cecily is assaulted and abused by her master's son, while Gilbert and his wife live separately, dreaming of buying their freedom and having a life together.
There's also a focus on strength of women, of all kinds, as we see Sally's absolute horror and shock at how many women are left behind to die in the theater, and how she decides to react to that realization. Beanland writes these characters so well: I was attached to each and totally captivated by their journeys. 4+ stars. ...more
As an English major, I found myself totally enthralled by BY ANY OTHER NAME, a fascinating story about two women--centuries apart--who are storytellerAs an English major, I found myself totally enthralled by BY ANY OTHER NAME, a fascinating story about two women--centuries apart--who are storytellers, yet can only get their voices heard behind a male counterpart.
In the 1580s, we meet Emilia Bassano, a young woman who serves as a courtesan to a Lord many years her elder and later finds herself sold into a loveless and violent marriage. Throughout it all, Emilia perseveres, finding solace in her writing, and eventually selling many of her plays to a man named William Shakespeare.
In the 2020s, we hear from Melina, Emilia's ancestor, also a playwright. She writes a play about Emilia's life, but can only sell it to a festival when she changes her name to "Mel Green" and uses her male friend as a stand-in.
Between Melina and Emilia's stories, we see the power of the written word to effect change. But we also see how much the world prioritizes the male story and voice above all others, instead of recognizing that others in society may want to hear and see their own story reflected in art--or tell their own story. NAME explores who controls the narrative, and how those who control it have the power to be heard.
By telling Emilia's story, Picoult posits a theory of Shakespeare as a collective of writers, including women. Honestly, it's pretty easy to leave the book at the end going "I buy this," but even just reading it as a work of fiction (she explains her sources and the liberties she's taken in some places in comprehensive notes at the end), it's intriguing. Emilia's sections are fascinating, highlighting just how much women endured in the time period, but also how strong they were.
Yes, the book is long, but honestly, once it got going, it flew by for me, especially as I found myself caught up in Emilia's life. The writing is wonderful, the story is tragic but inspiring, and the message about the power of the written word to last after we are gone is stunning. 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Ballantine Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review....more
An interesting and eye-opening read that won't be easily forgotten...
Nursing student Frankie McGrath lives a fairly sheltered life in Southern CaliforAn interesting and eye-opening read that won't be easily forgotten...
Nursing student Frankie McGrath lives a fairly sheltered life in Southern California with her brother and her conservative parents. But when her older brother enlists in Vietnam, Frankie decides to follow him. She enlists in the Army--the only organization that will ship her to Vietnam right after basic training. Once there, she realizes immediately she's over her head.
Too young to know the Vietnam War personally, my knowledge comes from my parents' stories and the history books. I found THE WOMEN to be incredibly thoughtful and very insightful, filled with lots of knowledge and facts about a huge historical event that I clearly need to learn even more about. The information comes through the narrative, versus preaching or long lists of facts, and we learn about the War via the eyes of Frankie, her fellow nurses, and the men she encounters as she administers on base. What she encounters as she (and the others) save countless lives and watch so many more die before them is staggering. Hannah does an amazing job of portraying the horrors of war, while also giving it a personal touch. Frankie makes friends in Vietnam, forms attachments, and even falls in love. I found the part of the story where she served to be the most compelling--it's raw and real, with realistic details. It becomes incredibly clear how the events of Vietnam would affect those who serve, after what they see and must overcome.
When Frankie returned home, I felt the book floundered a bit. It dragged a little and felt long. Now, I won't deny that the environment that she and many of her fellow soldiers returned to was traumatic and that Hannah portrays how unwelcome and ashamed they feel extraordinarily well. Leaving home a hero, returning hated--Frankie and her fellow nurses (as well as so many soldiers) struggle to return to regular life. The problem is that Frankie, honestly, is not always the most likable character. I wasn't expecting a perfect character but Frankie was difficult to like and her decisions were very frustrating -- and that really had nothing to do with her particular emotional situation from the war, but her overall sheltered world and personality. She's not the best to the people around her. Once she was home, the plot dragged on without a lot of action or forward movement. The lessons taught and emotions elicited were excellent, however. I was horrified that female nurses were told they weren't heroes and even that women never went to Vietnam at all or that anyone who served came home to a country that hated them and couldn't separate the soldiers from the wear. THE WOMEN does a great job illustrating how the U.S. changed over twenty years of war--and who in the U.S. suffered during that transition. I just wish Frankie had a better storyline and personality to hold her own with the power of the wartime backdrop. Still, I enjoyed this book and all it had to offer. 4 stars.
Kya Clark is very young when her mother leaves, abandoning her to their marshland home and her violent father. His presencA haunting story of survival
Kya Clark is very young when her mother leaves, abandoning her to their marshland home and her violent father. His presence is in her life is scattered, at best, and Kya mostly raises herself, learning about the land, the wildlife, and the swamp on her own. She forms attachment to few, but meets two very different young men from town whom she feels drawn to. In 1969, one of those men is found dead and Kya--always a source of gossip among the locals--is the prime suspect.
I'm not sure there's much I can add to the many reviews of this popular book. I read it as part of my new reading project--choosing books off my shelves based on their Goodreads rankings. This is my third book of the project, forcing me out of my comfort zone and to try books in genres I don't usually read! I'm glad I finally read it-- it's a very mesmerizing tale, and Kya's improbable life on the marsh quickly drew me in.
This is part a character-driven and coming of age story combined with a mystery and courtroom drama. It covers a lot of Kya's life, but focuses on her growing up in the marsh. There's a lot that seems hard to believe--especially that no one does anything to help this parent-less child, growing up alone in the marsh. The book covers a lot of heady topics, including racism, sexual assault, and more. Its description of nature and the marsh are beautiful. At the heart of the story is Kya, and it's impossible not to root for our heroine. She's tough and smart, and the way she loves her marsh is simply beautiful.
Overall, rating on pure enjoyment, I really liked this book. If I don't delve too deep into pondering about the inner workings of the plot, this was a great read--mesmerizing, haunting, and lovely. 4+ stars.
Set in North Carolina in the 1960s, Chamberlain deftly explores rural poverty and racial discrimination through her characters Ivy and Jane. Ivy is a Set in North Carolina in the 1960s, Chamberlain deftly explores rural poverty and racial discrimination through her characters Ivy and Jane. Ivy is a white teenager living in a shack with her grandmother, her teenage sister, and her young nephew. They work on a tobacco farm alongside a black family that has also tended the land for the same family for generations. Ivy's sister, Mary Ella, gave birth to William when she was 15, and their family is struggling.
Jane, young, naive, and newly married, is new to social work and the welfare system and assigned to Ivy's family's case. She’s shocked to learn that Ivy is scheduled to be sterilized as part of a eugenics project through her agency. Jane soon grows attached to Ivy and her family to the detriment of her marriage and professional life.
NECESSARY LIES highlights the horrible situation poor people or black people faced in the 1950s and 1960s (Chamberlain points out that NC sterilized people until 1975!). Many were given no choice, or not even told what was done to them. Decisions were made in the name of mental incompetence, being feeble minded, epilepsy, and more. Families like Ivy's were at the whim of the state and also those who owned the land they worked.
This story was moving and quite well-done, especially as it delved into Ivy's dreams of a better life than the tobacco farm. As with many of Chamberlain's books, sometimes complex topics are presented a bit simplistically at times and can wrap up easily, but I do enjoy how her books explore and give light to complicated issues. ...more
This was such a great read—I was completely caught up in the story, set in 1930s Kentucky. It tells of a group of women who agree to set up a travelinThis was such a great read—I was completely caught up in the story, set in 1930s Kentucky. It tells of a group of women who agree to set up a traveling library—where the books are delivered via horseback—per the direction of Eleanor Roosevelt and the WPA.
What a vivid and mesmerizing tale. We are introduced to Alice, who comes from England to Kentucky after her marriage. But her union isn’t all she imagined, and she finds herself feeling trapped and alone—until she joins the library. They are led by Margery, who refuses to fit the mold of the typical Kentucky woman, much to the ire of some townspeople, including Alice’s father-in-law, who runs the local mine.
The plot is dramatic, riveting, and, honestly, stressful at times (I was so invested). I loved the idea of a tale that mixes the power of books and reading with the power of women and the fear so many had of both. You’d like to think a lot has changed since the ‘30s, but this felt rather timely sometimes... The book also speaks eloquently to the racial divide, classism, and more. I found many parts to be so touching and others very powerful. This is a book that speaks to you on a variety of levels.
Overall, this is a beautiful book, with a strong and moving message. Definitely recommend! 4+ stars.
Every year Kate Levin and her family spend the summer on Nantucket with Kate's mother, Exalta. But this summer is different. Kate's eldest, Blair, 24,Every year Kate Levin and her family spend the summer on Nantucket with Kate's mother, Exalta. But this summer is different. Kate's eldest, Blair, 24, is now married to a MIT professor named Angus Whalen and they're expecting their first baby in August. As such, Blair won't be on Nantucket this summer. Middle sister, Kirby, is a junior in college and spending the summer on Martha's Vineyard. Her only son, Tiger, recently deployed to Vietnam, which has left Kate feeling completely panicked and lost. Only her youngest, thirteen-year-old, Jessie, makes the trip. But without her siblings, Jessie feels overlooked and ignored. It's the historic summer of '69--and Levin family will have some memorable experiences of their own, too.
I just love Elin Hilderbrand's books and this was a really fun one. It didn't feel that much like "historical fiction," despite the 1969 setting, but it was fascinating to get a glimpse of how the late 1960s affected the family and their decisions--especially the females. The time period affects each woman, even Jessie, in their own way. Mom Kate was a tough one to love, at times, ignoring her poor daughter and moaning about Tiger and her own past. But, man, Hilderbrand just comes up with the best family dynamics. She sets an amazing scene, aided by her beloved Nantucket, and before you know it, you are there with her characters, immersed in their drama and daily lives.
For me, the star of this one was young Jessie. I loved how much of the book revolved around her--the points of view vary, but we hear from her a lot, and I couldn't help but love the kid. Nothing like growing up with a slightly absent mom, domineering grandmother, and a bunch of way older siblings, one of whom is at war. She was a breath of fresh air, and of course, Hilderbrand wrote from a teenage point of view perfectly. She gives all Kate's daughters their own unique voice, and it's amazing how each character stands out easily as distinct from one another.
This is not "simply" a tale of a family over a summer, it's captivating and engaging look at a family shaped by historical and domestic circumstances. I certainly enjoyed this novel and would definitely recommend it. I usually shy away from historical fiction, but I found it quite interesting--great characters and family dynamics as always from our summer novel queen. 4 stars.
A touching portrayal of family and love during wartime
In 1930s France, Vianne says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he leaves to fight in the War. A touching portrayal of family and love during wartime
In 1930s France, Vianne says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he leaves to fight in the War. She's left behind to care for their daughter Sophie. Her younger sister, Isabelle, is in Paris with their father when the war starts. Reckless and impulsive, Isabelle wants to fight for her country, but their father sends her to stay with Vianne. But soon, after being betrayed by the young man who helped her find her way to Vianne's home, Isabelle is fighting for the Resistance. As for Vianne, she finds herself forced to house Nazi soldiers and make horrible sacrifices to protect her family.
This was an excellent and informational portrayal of World War II. It's haunting and heartbreaking and hopeful all together. Hannah tells the story of the War through our two sisters--looking at how they approach the war, along with their father. Vianne is the practical older sister, who worries for her safety and that of her daughter. Meanwhile, Isabelle has felt betrayed most of her life after the death of their mother and perceived abandonment by her older sister and father. This feeling spurs her to join the Resistance. Following their different paths allows us to see many varied sides of this awful and terrifying War. As you form attachments to the characters, the snatching of Jewish families and children and the concentration camps become even more stark and brutal--it's horrifying.
While I cannot really know what happened during this time period, this book seemed realistic and authentic to me. It made me cry. It's sad and yet somehow sweet at times. It's a vivid look at loss and love--for sisters, family, and your country.
I read this book as part of my new reading project--choosing books off my shelves based on their Goodreads rankings. This is my first book of the project, forcing me out of my comfort zone and to try books in genres I don't usually read!
