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utalit's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
oodlesofsins's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I was browsing NetGalley when I came across this novel. I was in a reading slump and was hoping to find something that kept my attention. I read the blurb for this one and was intrigued by the slight spooky description of some of the stories. Be warned that this is not a horror anthology or story collection although maybe two stories capture that vibe.
This collection of stories was written by Diane Oliver- an author I wasn’t familiar with possibly because she passed away early into her career and left behind this unfinished work. The introduction by Tayari Jones compared Miss Oliver to Toni Morrison and a few other great authors from the time period which interested me even more. I appreciated the supplemental information included in the introduction that helped paint the backdrop for the stories told. My only complaint is that the introduction spoiled a few of the stories.
As a fan of historical fiction and especially historical fiction focusing on POC’s I found so many of the stories relatable. As a black woman born and raised in the Deep South I was able to see the similarities of some of my ancestors in the characters. There are so many examples of the everyday plight of these people in each story and they showcase different walks of life. I found myself relating to a very similar situation as the main character in Closet on the Top Floor. This story is not horror, but there is a haunting feel to it, definitely more of a psychological story. Speaking of horror, No Mint Juleps Served Here was great. Not what I expected at all but 10/10 eerie story.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. There were a few stories that didn’t grab me but the ones that did definitely out way that. If you like collections or anthologies- especially focusing on specific time periods I would say give this one a go!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This collection of stories was written by Diane Oliver- an author I wasn’t familiar with possibly because she passed away early into her career and left behind this unfinished work. The introduction by Tayari Jones compared Miss Oliver to Toni Morrison and a few other great authors from the time period which interested me even more. I appreciated the supplemental information included in the introduction that helped paint the backdrop for the stories told. My only complaint is that the introduction spoiled a few of the stories.
As a fan of historical fiction and especially historical fiction focusing on POC’s I found so many of the stories relatable. As a black woman born and raised in the Deep South I was able to see the similarities of some of my ancestors in the characters. There are so many examples of the everyday plight of these people in each story and they showcase different walks of life. I found myself relating to a very similar situation as the main character in Closet on the Top Floor. This story is not horror, but there is a haunting feel to it, definitely more of a psychological story. Speaking of horror, No Mint Juleps Served Here was great. Not what I expected at all but 10/10 eerie story.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. There were a few stories that didn’t grab me but the ones that did definitely out way that. If you like collections or anthologies- especially focusing on specific time periods I would say give this one a go!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence, Racism, Racial slurs, Eating disorder, and Hate crime
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