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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
This book is a great follow-up to The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson which I read last month. In 1923, Hattie Shepherd, age 15, left Georgia during the Great Migration and settled in Philadelphia. Instead of finding the better life that she was seeking, she married a man who turned out to bring disappointment after disappointment to her, her infant twins died needlessly, and she went on to give birth to nine additional children. As she raised her children, Hattie felt as if she needed to prepare them for the difficult lives that she believed would mirror her own so she withheld tenderness and replaced it with the tough love that she felt would allow them to survive and thrive in an hostile environment. The stories of the Shepherd family reflects the conflicted world in which they were raised and the resilience of the family members brings hope to all of us.
I liked this book. The chapters had a short story quality about them, which I liked, but aside from Hattie, there wasn't really a unifying element that would make it a novel.
Depressing, depressing depressing. Each and every story, because that was what it was, stories weaved together. Fragments of life.The after effects of a mother's tragedy. Life with little love. Money might be difficult to come by, and life is hard, but no love to show, what dire consequences!
I listened to the audiobook and low and behold my fav narrator is on here (along with two others who dutifully brought the characters to life), Bahni Turpin.
The book follows so many people in a way that isn't seamless, but that's good. This fits the tone wonderfully. As I grew to know the troubles of each character, the story wraps up in understanding a bit more about Hattie herself. A strong woman who did the best with what she knew.
The book follows so many people in a way that isn't seamless, but that's good. This fits the tone wonderfully. As I grew to know the troubles of each character, the story wraps up in understanding a bit more about Hattie herself. A strong woman who did the best with what she knew.
I really enjoyed this book. Each character came vividly to life, their stories were moving. Not the most cheerful, but a great read.
dark
informative
sad
slow-paced
I struggled with the writing style in this one. The characters were a struggle to get into as well. I think the bones of the story was great, Hattie lived on hell of a life, but I just couldn't' get myself to pick it up more. I tried and tried, but life's too short for books that don't bring you joy.
The author provided such a detailed, vivid narrative. She’s a great storyteller.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes