Reviews

The Reading Lessons by Carole Lanham

shanshanshannon's review

3.0

Although slow at first, this was an edgy story about love between two races when it was illegal. I liked how flowers, ears and books were central characters. It was a neat period piece

100pagesaday's review

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 At nine years old, Hadley Crump enters the Browning Household as a servant along with his mother. In 1920's Mississippi, Hadley was an anomaly. His mother is black and his father was white, leaving him somewhere in the middle, not quite fitting in with either group. The Browning's daughter, Lucinda, captures Hadley's eye and Lucinda is equally entranced. Lucinda invites Hadley to reading lessons, even though Hadley knows how to read. Lucinda has an ulterior motive however, to read dirty books. Lucinda and Hadley create the VILE reading club and learn the secrets of love through words. As Hadley and Lucinda read and grew, their relationship became complicated. Lucinda reenacts book scenes with Hadley and he is continuously pulled into her schemes. When Lucinda marries, she brings Hadley to their new home as their gardener. Hadley and Lucinda continue to read and bring their relationship to another level under the nose of Lucinda's husband. As the years pass, Hadley tries to break it off with Lucinda, but is constantly brought back in.

The Reading Lessons is an emotional historical fiction delving into racism, love, and societal expectations. The story covers a long period of time in Hadley and Lucinda's lives, from their childhood till death. The writing creates a real emotional investment in their relationship and well being, but does make several large time jumps that are a bit disorienting. I was drawn in by Hadley's character and his observations about the world around him as someone who is mixed race. He is stuck between the world of race and privilege, knowing that he is black, but often being seen as white. He is also in the position of a servant and continuously tied to Lucinda's needs. Hadley is perceptive and picks up on little things around him, but also keeps falling into Lucinda's abusive trap. Lucinda is an interesting character, seemingly bratty and spoiled, but precocious in nature and knowing that her station will not allow her to love the person she wants, so she makes it happen in a roundabout way. I do believe that Hadley and Lucinda loved one another, but they have a very unhealthy relationship. While Hadley was constantly aware of his race and the racial tension in the world around him at the time, Lucinda seemed more concerned about keeping up appearances. A satisfying ending concludes Hadley and Lucinda's story.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

pelicanfreak's review

4.0

This is one of those books that is a great read but can be disturbing as well. Fairly well written, with well developed, brilliant characters that the reader can easily become attached to. Children that are wise beyond their years and a setting during a time that is always interesting to read. Hard for the injustices and basic lack of civil rights but also fascinating for the history perspective.

This book has some humor, romance, historical fiction and served as a portable time machine - I recommend.