Reviews

Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

cr4nkyp4nts's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I think I'd likely give it 3.5 stars if it hadn't been for the narrator. She did a wonderful job of bringing the story to life.

I was engaged throughout most of the book but there were some scenes that seemed to be a bit heavy on details that did nothing to enhance the story or move it forward. There were also plenty of parts where I had wished more time had been spent giving us some of the feelings of the characters - some very important things that were just glossed over and not really brought up again.

But I still enjoyed the overall package a lot so that's why I went with four stars instead of three and a half.

mimi9reads's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative reflective sad tense fast-paced

4.0

marquettelaree's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

book_concierge's review

Go to review page

3.0

Book on CD performed by Bahni Turpin.
3.5***

From the book jacket: Moments after Lisbeth is born, she’s taken from her mother and handed over to an enslaved wet nurse, Mattie, a young mother separated from her own infant son in order to care for her tiny charge. Thus begins an intense relationship that will shape both of their lives for decades to come.

My reactions
Good historical fiction set in 1837 to 1860 Virginia. The novel explores the ways in which family bonds are formed regardless of biological connection. Mattie is a young woman when she’s taken “into the big house” to become Lisbeth’s wet nurse. It’s heartbreaking to witness her all-too-brief Sunday visits with her young son, who has begun to bond with another slave who is caring for him. At the same time, she nurtures the white child, Lisbeth, teaches her songs and tells her stories, helps her become a young lady. Eventually their close bond must be tested and Lisbeth’s naïve attitudes are challenged as she is forced to confront the ugly truth of slavery.

I loved Mattie. She’s a strong woman who works hard and smart, watching and learning skills that will help her and her family find their way to freedom someday. I did not like Lisbeth too much for most of the book. Although she was a much better character than some of the “friends” she had among the other plantation daughters. It’s not until she has a rude awakening that she begins to show some gumption and independence of thought.

The ending is both heart-wrenching and hopeful.

Bahni Turpin is fast becoming a favorite audio performer. She has a wonderful voice and was able to interpret the various characters in a way that made it easy to follow.

thehatfam's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This was supposed to be the next "the help" but I didn't see it at first. In fact, in the middle of the book I started to not like it, but it took a turn and I discovered I loved it! I might read this one again before I read the help again even.

rayarriz's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

The power of love crosses social boundaries....

samarie04's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Sweet story

Sweet story

This was a sweet, tender story. It tells a story of slavery that is unlike any I have ever read. I never thought of slavery in this light, so it was intriguing. My only complaint was how it jumped from Lisbeth being around four or so, then 12, and then all grown up. Didn't seem to set up the bond between the two that the story revolves around.

cat_book_lady's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - an excellent up-and-coming writer! To be a black slave woman, torn apart from her own baby in order to be a wet nurse for the plantation's owner, had to be completely heartbreaking, but Mattie cares for this white child Lisabeth that she grows to love. It is hard to believe that nursing your own baby was considered obscene and disgusting for the likes of polite society, but there it is. Ibrahim also does a great job in showing how the owners thought they were doing the slaves an actual favor by protecting and caring for their needs.

I am proud of the white girl Lisabeth who grows into a fine young woman, looking for a good man rather than a good husband and eventually becomes an abolitionist in Ohio after her previous fiance was caught having forced "relations" with a slave girl. This opens her eyes from the naive little girl to seeing the complete injustice surrounding her. While I think this event was indeed horrifying, I'm not sure if it would stem her uprooting her life completely in a day, but since this is based on a true story, I would say that she must have been extremely shook up. She courageously chooses to shed her comfortable, well-to-do life with her family for the uncertainty of a new state, new political system, new husband whom she barely knows, and new perspective on the world.

The novel is intensely satisfying, and another tale of the injustices slaves suffered from a wholly different perspective. If not for a couple of scenes, I would say this would make for an excellent book for junior high and high schoolers to read (though one scene is probably necessary for the plot). But as an adult, I recommend it highly.

jckrbbt's review

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

karma_narwhal's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Oh man where to start...

I I couldn't t this book down and I sobbed through most of it. Heart wrenching and equally touching. A must read