Reviews

Absalom's Daughters by Suzanne Feldman

kaybaybaby's review

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funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

elizaaabeth's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

lulureads365's review against another edition

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3.0

Good debut.

katealane's review against another edition

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4.0

This book is easy to read even though it deals with serious subjects. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between the two sisters and following the adventures they had on their way from Mississippi to Virginia.

readclever's review against another edition

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5.0

Feldman's story reads like Zora Neale Hurston's prose: a journey of life, of finding a place to call home, while struggling against society's dictates. There's certain parts that clearly play a homage to Their Eyes Were Watching God as the two young women look for the future. With a heartbreaking 15 pages at the end, the truth of the 1950s remains stark and clear.

Sisters can't always stay with you, can't always join your journey, but it's important to make the attempt. At least in Judith's poor, white perspective, where worrying about safety is never a problem. Cassie's cautious observations show the view through the eyes of a poor black young woman. The road to misery, of putting the past behind them.

I wasn't expecting to enjoy the book as much as I did. Once I really started reading, got into the story, it was hard to put down. The adventures meshed with the 'show don't tell' motto every writer learns in school. Truths become solid when least expecting it, even with the clear build up. Ghosts chase, but not necessarily the ones you expect.

Recommended for readers who like the not-so-perfect reality of a non-Dallas life.

readclever's review against another edition

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5.0

Feldman's story reads like Zora Neale Hurston's prose: a journey of life, of finding a place to call home, while struggling against society's dictates. There's certain parts that clearly play a homage to Their Eyes Were Watching God as the two young women look for the future. With a heartbreaking 15 pages at the end, the truth of the 1950s remains stark and clear.

Sisters can't always stay with you, can't always join your journey, but it's important to make the attempt. At least in Judith's poor, white perspective, where worrying about safety is never a problem. Cassie's cautious observations show the view through the eyes of a poor black young woman. The road to misery, of putting the past behind them.

I wasn't expecting to enjoy the book as much as I did. Once I really started reading, got into the story, it was hard to put down. The adventures meshed with the 'show don't tell' motto every writer learns in school. Truths become solid when least expecting it, even with the clear build up. Ghosts chase, but not necessarily the ones you expect.

Recommended for readers who like the not-so-perfect reality of a non-Dallas life.

mary_the_librarian's review

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3.0

I liked it. The magical realism part was OK, but I felt that it was also an odd addition to the narrative.

debshelf's review

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3.0

2.75 stars.
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