Reviews

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

douglasweaver's review against another edition

5.0

The worst horrors are often the very real ones, and this book is filled with them. Easily one of the best books that I have ever read. Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Hopeful.

kazzag978's review against another edition

5.0

I might have a book hangover after this one. Great read if you're into mystery/horror.

nessaareadin's review against another edition

5.0

This book was a crazy hellish ride. Takes place during the Jim Crow era, so it was hard reading at times. It was so horrifying and frustrating. But it was also beautiful and hopeful. I couldn’t put this book down because I had to see if justice would be served.

psychichotline's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-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

5.0

hccranston's review against another edition

5.0

I’m giving this book five stars because it’s exceptionally well-written, but this book was HARD for me to get through because of the subject matter. Confronting our ugly history is a necessary endeavor, and it was heartbreaking to read this knowing that the characters might be fictional but the events were not. This is a horror novel and Due really emphasizes that the horror of ghosts haunting the reformatory pale in comparison to the conditions endured by the living boys.

caronmarie's review against another edition

5.0

Amazing story telling. Heart breaking and I couldn’t put it down

kb_toys's review against another edition

5.0

This book is haunting, upsetting, deeply disturbing and incredibly written. I had soo many emotions - lots of anger mostly, sadness, and disgust. While this book is a horror book about spirits and folklore, it is also a horror book about society, how young boys (especially children of color) were and are treated in “reform schools” and how it takes a whole system to oppress and punish - not just 1 twisted disgusting pedophile. I will be thinking about this one for a looong time. Definitely character driven and slow paced at times but every chapter seemed necessary to the overall story and message. If you read one book out of your comfort zone this year, let it be this one

belyce's review against another edition

sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

ki_omi's review against another edition

5.0

This book took my heart, stomped on it, picked it back up, and kissed it on the forehead. What an amazing depiction of family, friendship, and the Jim Crow south. Through the many injustices that take place, I also found it to be a story about good people trying to do the right thing even when that results in negative repercussions.

Although it’s fiction, I appreciate that the author wrote this as an homage to her uncle who passed during his stay at a reformatory school similar to the one our MC gets sent to (unfairly of course!!!!) I’ve never wanted to reach through the pages and punch a man in the face more than when I was introduced to/learned more about the main antagonist. The story is heavy and at times very uncomfortable to read, but it was spooky and captivating and I would read it all over again.

“Florida’s soil is soaked with so much blood, it’s a wonder the droplets don’t seep between your toes with every step.”

More books like this pls!!

catnmus's review against another edition

5.0

Good book good story. Just what you want it to be knowing it’s based in real history.