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dude_watchin_with_the_brontes's review
5.0
You don't have to have read The Talented Ribkins to read The Rib King, but it does make me want to re-read the other book.
100pagesaday's review
4.0
August Sitwell, groundskeeper and Jennie Williams,maid are both part of the all black staff at the Barclay's residence in 1914. The Barclay's are falling on hard times financially and may not be able to keep all of their staff, especially the three young kitchen apprentices, Mac, Frederick and Bart who were taken from the orphan asylum. One of Mr. Barclay's business associates takes an interest in the meat sauce that Sitwell and Barclay's cook, Mamie created. The associate offers to sell the sauce, complete with Sitwell's picture on the front under the name of "The Rib King '' bringing the Barclay's back from their financial ruin. However, neither Sitwell or Mamie will see any money from the sale. Sitwell's frustration reaches a peak setting forth a chain of events that will change many lives. Ten years later, Jennie owns a successful business parlor and wants to market a healing salve that she and Mamie developed. When the familiar face of The Rib King comes back to town, Jennie learns just how far reaching the effects are of that fateful night at the Barclay's house.
The Rib King is an intriguing story told in two parts giving a detailed look into the lives of African Americans during this time period. The first half of the story is told from the point of view of August Sitwell, the second from the point of view of Jennie Williams. This style of writing gave way to a slow burn historical fiction story that didn't begin to tie all of the pieces together until the near end. Through both Sitwell and Jennie's narration there is an insightful view into the long term suffering of the African American population and the effects passed down on their psyche and worth. The story goes into detail of white privilege and cultural appropriation used for profit. I could clearly understand Sitwell's rage and pathway to revenge once his whole story was revealed. Jennie's story revealed how someone on a completely different path than Sitwell could still be stalled by the same issues due to a common history. My only complaint was the ending wrapped up rather quickly. I'd love to continue to read The Talented Ribkins to continue the stories of Mac, Bart and Frederick.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The Rib King is an intriguing story told in two parts giving a detailed look into the lives of African Americans during this time period. The first half of the story is told from the point of view of August Sitwell, the second from the point of view of Jennie Williams. This style of writing gave way to a slow burn historical fiction story that didn't begin to tie all of the pieces together until the near end. Through both Sitwell and Jennie's narration there is an insightful view into the long term suffering of the African American population and the effects passed down on their psyche and worth. The story goes into detail of white privilege and cultural appropriation used for profit. I could clearly understand Sitwell's rage and pathway to revenge once his whole story was revealed. Jennie's story revealed how someone on a completely different path than Sitwell could still be stalled by the same issues due to a common history. My only complaint was the ending wrapped up rather quickly. I'd love to continue to read The Talented Ribkins to continue the stories of Mac, Bart and Frederick.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
suburbrat's review
3.0
ladee hubbard is a gifted writer. however, the pacing of this was very strange. the beginning was slow and overwrought. it was interesting but in the end, the substance couldn't justify the length. the second half finally piqued my interest and i found myself wanting to come back to this after i had put it down. in any case, i certainly enjoyed this but i'm not sure how memorable it will be by the end of the year.
3.5 overall
3.5 overall
crazyhatocean's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
lattelibrarian's review
4.0
Now this is a book you can sink your teeth into. When Mr. Sitwell, a man with a talent for smelling ingredients with accuracy, and Mamie create a barbecue sauce out of the ingredients available, their employer finds that their product can solve his household's money problems. Maybe even for good. The only problem is that Mr. Sitwell and Mamie, just two members of a black staff, do not see a single penny for their efforts.
Hubbard navigates large concepts with characters that are almost larger than life. How does Mr. Sitwell manage his life as a household name, the figure on a label (not unlike Aunt Jemima or Uncle Ben)? How does Jennie create a life for herself as a single mom and entrepreneur? And just what happened to the Barclay house on the night it burned down?
Told in two parts, we follow first Mr. Sitwell, prior to the Barclay house's destruction; we follow second Jennie, who must now find Mr. Sitwell and convince him to cease and desist his annoying actions so that she can sell her product to a company that will ensure she lives comfortably for the rest of her life. Each character is so real, so deep, that I'm almost amazed that this wasn't narrative nonfiction or a memoir. How else to explain a story such as this, where the plot is driven by human interaction and betrayal?
Overall, I found this a wonderful read. It is slow-going, so be warned if you are looking for something to get you out of a reading slump. But you know what they say: slow and steady wins the race, and this book will want you marathoning.
Hubbard navigates large concepts with characters that are almost larger than life. How does Mr. Sitwell manage his life as a household name, the figure on a label (not unlike Aunt Jemima or Uncle Ben)? How does Jennie create a life for herself as a single mom and entrepreneur? And just what happened to the Barclay house on the night it burned down?
Told in two parts, we follow first Mr. Sitwell, prior to the Barclay house's destruction; we follow second Jennie, who must now find Mr. Sitwell and convince him to cease and desist his annoying actions so that she can sell her product to a company that will ensure she lives comfortably for the rest of her life. Each character is so real, so deep, that I'm almost amazed that this wasn't narrative nonfiction or a memoir. How else to explain a story such as this, where the plot is driven by human interaction and betrayal?
Overall, I found this a wonderful read. It is slow-going, so be warned if you are looking for something to get you out of a reading slump. But you know what they say: slow and steady wins the race, and this book will want you marathoning.
mmz's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
narpus's review
3.0
This was a very enjoyable book with a good message and great complex characters. Though, the plot points felt rushed and the ending felt very strung together
isabel_llo's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rhinoceroswoman's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Very original concept! I liked the book, the ending felt very rushed, and I don’t think I liked how it ended. I wish they would’ve built more on the Florida story.