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firxtly's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
4.5
This book had a slow start to it. I didn’t know what to expect or how the plot would escalate, but the last half of it hits readers like a train- both intellectually and emotionally. I love how this book was written with short, stream of consciousness-esque chapters from multiple points of view. The character of Chester Clark and Myrtle were so well crafted and their storylines poked through the pain.
This is a book that should be mandatory reading for middle or high school students in America, as it speaks to the disgusting, harsh realities of lynchings and how Black Americans were treated. The author, Lesa Cline-Ransome has certainly paid tribute to the lives of Black women who were lynched in the late 19th and early 20th century.
This is a book that should be mandatory reading for middle or high school students in America, as it speaks to the disgusting, harsh realities of lynchings and how Black Americans were treated. The author, Lesa Cline-Ransome has certainly paid tribute to the lives of Black women who were lynched in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Death of parent, Rape, Murder, and Grief
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-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? Yes
4.5
A strongly written historical fiction that's going to leave you angry by the end of it, especially given the context of the novel in the author's note at the end. It's more slow moving, but it's setting the stage for this particular time period in Mississippi. Having a variety of narrators really gives you perspective on the main plotline, and just 1930s United States in general.
I listened to the audio, and each narrator brings some different to each of the points of view in the story. Even without the different narrators, though, Cline-Ransome does a good job making sure each character has their own unique voice.
Overall, this is very well-written, and if you're looking for historical YA that's not WWII, I'd recommend picking this one up!
I listened to the audio, and each narrator brings some different to each of the points of view in the story. Even without the different narrators, though, Cline-Ransome does a good job making sure each character has their own unique voice.
Overall, this is very well-written, and if you're looking for historical YA that's not WWII, I'd recommend picking this one up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Violence, Racial slurs, and Death
Minor: Religious bigotry
patricktreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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
For Lamb was an intense journey of Lamb and and their family as they traverse living in Mississippi during the era of segregation. I was amazed at how the author wove together the stories of the time as well as used actual individuals to give a way to attempt telling their stories that have been lost to time.
I think this an important work for people to read because of the historical context. The writing style was also done so well.
In terms of the audio book, I loved the aspect of not only the multi POVs, but the fact that multiple voice actors were used to tell the story. It really helped to fully immerse myself when listening.
High recommend.
I think this an important work for people to read because of the historical context. The writing style was also done so well.
In terms of the audio book, I loved the aspect of not only the multi POVs, but the fact that multiple voice actors were used to tell the story. It really helped to fully immerse myself when listening.
High recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Slavery, Alcohol, Hate crime, Racism, Emotional abuse, Grief, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Toxic relationship, Violence, Biphobia, and Child abuse
moniipeters's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Sexual assault, Murder, and Sexual harassment
arrrgh_schooling's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Violence
Moderate: Racial slurs
craftyanty's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
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
4.5
Lesa Cline-Ransome has done it again!
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Finding Langston series in the past so I was very excited when I discovered For Lamb. She has written another book that shines a light on and pays homage to an important piece of Black History that is often obscured. This novel is both a beautiful coming-of-age story and a heartbreaking tribute to lynching victims.
The characters are well-developed and multifaceted. The narration, done by a full cast, is beautifully executed and really brings the story, and all its emotions, to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me access to the audiobook version of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Finding Langston series in the past so I was very excited when I discovered For Lamb. She has written another book that shines a light on and pays homage to an important piece of Black History that is often obscured. This novel is both a beautiful coming-of-age story and a heartbreaking tribute to lynching victims.
The characters are well-developed and multifaceted. The narration, done by a full cast, is beautifully executed and really brings the story, and all its emotions, to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me access to the audiobook version of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Murder, Racism, and Violence
mmrohbock's review
dark
emotional
sad
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
4.75
4.75⭐ on 🎧
The way this book destroyed me this weekend..my heart aches for Lamb, for Simeon and for their entire family and friends. Set in Mississippi during the 1950s, Lesa tells a story of Lamb, a black girl, becoming friends with a white girl and bonding over books. But what seems harmless at first turns into a whole lot of trouble because racism.
I truly loved Lamb and her thoughtfulness as she explored the world and grew into her space throughout this book. The characters Lesa created were beautiful and complex and it only made the hand so heartbreaking. Lesa was inspired to write this story based on her research on Southern lynching and so much of this book is pulled from history that this truly is a must read to understand racial issues both in the South and throughout America.
The most poignant point in this book: Americans cared more about what was happening to the Nazis in Germany than how colored people were getting killed in the South in the 1950s.
Let that sink in and sit in that uncomfortable fact. That is the legacy of the South and it has completely reframed how I think of the history I learned in school.
Content warnings for child sexual assault, racism, lynching.
The way this book destroyed me this weekend..my heart aches for Lamb, for Simeon and for their entire family and friends. Set in Mississippi during the 1950s, Lesa tells a story of Lamb, a black girl, becoming friends with a white girl and bonding over books. But what seems harmless at first turns into a whole lot of trouble because racism.
I truly loved Lamb and her thoughtfulness as she explored the world and grew into her space throughout this book. The characters Lesa created were beautiful and complex and it only made the hand so heartbreaking. Lesa was inspired to write this story based on her research on Southern lynching and so much of this book is pulled from history that this truly is a must read to understand racial issues both in the South and throughout America.
The most poignant point in this book: Americans cared more about what was happening to the Nazis in Germany than how colored people were getting killed in the South in the 1950s.
Let that sink in and sit in that uncomfortable fact. That is the legacy of the South and it has completely reframed how I think of the history I learned in school.
Content warnings for child sexual assault, racism, lynching.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Death, Racism, Hate crime, Death of parent, and Racial slurs
amobrien's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
For Lamb is a slow-paced historical YA about Lamb and her family in 1930s Jackson, Mississippi. I loved all the narrative voices used in the writing and each character was impressively distinct. While this story does cover the topic of lynching, it does so with sensitivity, which I believe makes it perfect for the intended young adult audience as well as an older audience. This is not an easy read, but it is a read that will stick with me for a long time.
For Lamb is a slow-paced historical YA about Lamb and her family in 1930s Jackson, Mississippi. I loved all the narrative voices used in the writing and each character was impressively distinct. While this story does cover the topic of lynching, it does so with sensitivity, which I believe makes it perfect for the intended young adult audience as well as an older audience. This is not an easy read, but it is a read that will stick with me for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Hate crime
Moderate: Death, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Religious bigotry
srivalli's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
One Liner: Touching, moving, and bittersweet
Lamb lives with her mother and older brother in Jackson, Mississippi. It’s the 1930s, and being Black means keeping their head down and staying quiet to avoid being lynched by white people. Lamb’s mother is a talented seamstress and a closet lesbian. Lamb’s brother, Simeon, is an intelligent and studious boy with dreams to go to the North and live a free life.
Lamb, true to her name, is a sweet and naïve girl with a beautiful voice. She is often the peacemaker between her mother and brother but loves them dearly. Her friendship with a white girl results in a series of events that put an end to everything. This story can end in only one way.
The story comes in the first-person POV of six characters, with Lamb and Simeon getting a major share of the chapters.
What I Like:
The blurb says, ‘Told with nuance and subtlety, avoiding sensationalism and unnecessary brutality…’, and I agree. The book doesn’t resort to graphical and prolonged descriptions of violence. It provides enough information and leaves the rest for the readers to comprehend.
The beginning is slow and takes its own time. However, it picks up pace after the first quarter. I like the unspoken bond between Marion, Lamb, and Simeon. It’s like hard candy. Tough on the outside, warm and loving on the inside.
The title makes sense as the plot comes together in the latter half. The author’s note provided more information. Don’t skip the note in this one. It’s a must-read.
While Lamb and Simeon are sweet and loving characters, I got hooked by Marion’s attitude and approach even before I read her POV. There’s something about her that isn’t immediately apparent to the reader. I also wish I could know more about her childhood (a novella about it, maybe?).
Marny’s character is well-crafted. She is what a white, young, bookish girl would be. Sweet and a little rebellious, but not strong enough to take a stand when things get worse. Nor capable of looking at things from another perspective and realizing what her actions finally led to.
Lamb’s character arc is tentative but steadies in the second half. Her desire to have a friend even at the risk of being targeted for it, her hope to yearn for a better life, and the struggle to stand up for herself without hurting her mother and brother are heart-touching.
The contrast between Simeon and Marion’s characters and the insights from Chem and Chester make the book a compelling read (despite the lack of a proper setting).
What Could Have Worked Better for Me:
The book is tagged LGBT+, and I was curious to see how it would be explored in such a setting. But this is a pretty minor aspect of the book. We know it’s there but doesn’t, as such, affect the plot. I’d love to see at least another chapter dedicated to exploring the character’s emotions.
I see the reason for the first-person POV of so many characters, but not all of them are impactful. A limited third-person POV would have given the same since a couple of characters get no more than 1-3 chapters to present their side.
While the blurb is true to the story, I would present this more as the story of Lamb’s family and the social dynamics during the 1930s. Interracial friendship is the trigger that changes everything, but it is not the sole focus. In fact, this comes quite late in the book, so expecting friendship to be the central point can affect the reader’s experience.
To summarize, For Lamb is a poignant book that presents racial injustice with sensitivity. It is written for the YA audience but works for adults too. I know I’ll be reading more books by her.
Thank you, NetGalley and Holiday House, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Racism, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, and Racial slurs
reading_beyond_the_book_cover's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
FULL REVIEW: https://readingbeyondthebookcover.com/book-reaction-for-lamb-by-lesa-cline-ransome/
Told in alternating viewpoints, For Lamb is a story that left me in deep reverence for all who have put themselves in mortal danger to protect and give their loved ones a chance at a more purposeful life. In this heart-wrenching story of family, friendship, and sacrifice, Cline-Ransome highlights the significance of black women, the stability of the black family structure, and the domino effect of forbidden relationships during the Jim Crow Era of U.S. History.
If you liked Mildred D. Taylor’s, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, then you are sure to enjoy Lesa Cline-Ransome’s, For Lamb. So I did.
4/5, I recommend this book. It would be a great addition to any classroom or children’s library. It’s informative and evokes emotions and further discussion around the treatment of African Americans through time.
Many thanks to Holiday House Books for Young People, Lesa Cline-Ransome, and NetGalley for an Advanced Review Copy in exchange for an honest review. My review/reaction is voluntary, all thoughts are mine and unbiased, and receiving the Advanced Review Copy does not influence my rating and/or recommendation.
Told in alternating viewpoints, For Lamb is a story that left me in deep reverence for all who have put themselves in mortal danger to protect and give their loved ones a chance at a more purposeful life. In this heart-wrenching story of family, friendship, and sacrifice, Cline-Ransome highlights the significance of black women, the stability of the black family structure, and the domino effect of forbidden relationships during the Jim Crow Era of U.S. History.
If you liked Mildred D. Taylor’s, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, then you are sure to enjoy Lesa Cline-Ransome’s, For Lamb. So I did.
4/5, I recommend this book. It would be a great addition to any classroom or children’s library. It’s informative and evokes emotions and further discussion around the treatment of African Americans through time.
Many thanks to Holiday House Books for Young People, Lesa Cline-Ransome, and NetGalley for an Advanced Review Copy in exchange for an honest review. My review/reaction is voluntary, all thoughts are mine and unbiased, and receiving the Advanced Review Copy does not influence my rating and/or recommendation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Minor: Sexual assault and Racial slurs