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Reviews tagging 'Sexual harassment'

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers

25 reviews

shelvey's review against another edition

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5.0

This is a masterfully done piece: the weaving together of Ailey's present-ish day story with her ancestry in the first part of the book only to have her learn of the connections as she becomes a historian. It was like a mystery that I didn't even realize was a mystery until it was solved. Such complex characterizations of people that I adored and absolutely hated (looking at you Gandy and Samuel Pinchard). I also read this simultaneously with Women, Race, and Class and it was so interesting to compare a historical nonfiction with a fictionalized exploration of one family through history.

I cannot understate the content warnings for rape, abuse, and child molestation.
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locdbooktician's review against another edition

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

If you are interested in my review of this book check out the video review I did on my channel. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zExjm4c8iT8
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thrillofthepage's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective 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? Yes

5.0

 Today’s #HistoricalFictionFriday is for a book that might be one of the best books I’ve ever read and will definitely be in my top books of 2022.

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by @honoree_jeffers is a generational saga that spans hundreds of years. I was intimidated by this chunk of a book, as well as the pages long family tree at the beginning. However, I’ve learned to take these books slow and steady to allow myself time to savor each page. I tackled this book in 25-30 page increments daily and recommend you do the same.

First, the writing in this novel is indescribable because it’s so many things! It’s powerful, emotional, raw, moving, compelling, and I could go on listing adjectives that would never do it justice. Jeffers weaves together centuries of history and families in such a seamless and effortless way that an 800 page book read like a short story.

Second, the characters are memorable and authentic and I find myself continuing to think of them daily. I hesitate to even call them characters because they are so real and mirror the experiences of so many. Ailey and her independent, ambitious, take no BS attitude was inspiring. I loved watching her discover herself and felt her struggles on a molecular level. Lydia was tragic and her entire arc moved me to tears multiple times. Uncle Root has my heart. This man was the common thread connecting the past and the present and the best way to describe him is as the trunk of the family tree. I loved him more than words can say and he will go down as one of my favorite characters of all time.

Lastly, the impact this story had on me was profound. I felt emotionally connected to these characters and their stories. There is a reason this book has received mountains of praise and accolades. The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois is a masterpiece, a modern classic, and everyone should read it ASAP. 
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maevebm's review against another edition

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emotional reflective 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? Yes

5.0

One of the most beautiful and moving stories I have ever read. Fanonne Jeffers creates a complex and rich family with remarkable flaws, joys, tragedies, and identities. The reader watches Ailey as she grows and learns about her history and the history of her community. The reader also hears the voices of the past, who provide an added layer of characters and settings. 

I loved so much about this story, but the writing flowed unlike any other. It progressed naturally and each character’s voice was their own. It made reading their hurts that much more difficult.

I am so grateful to have picked up this book and read it. 
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blondereader's review against another edition

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informative reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A long book but worth reading. 
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