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kimg1208's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
litrarydiversty's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? No
5.0
avatebo's review against another edition
2.0
honestly rated it so low because i had to read it for school. it mainly consists of characterization and little plot, but has very insightful and important commentary on race and class. the writing isn’t clear and it is hard to picture what is happening, everything sort of seems to blur together.
knerd's review
5.0
To say that this is a book about integration would be an under-sell: “Betsey Brown” presents a personal look at the life of a young Black girl in St Louis, covering everything from her loves and friendships to her isolation and anxieties.
I’ve always loved Ntozake Shange’s voice. Her prose borders on poetry. To fully appreciate this book, it needs to be read aloud. Every word is chosen in such a way that, not only does the meaning convey exactly what Shange aims for, but its sounds and rhythm contribute to a sense of music that fits the story’s tone.
There’s a playfulness and innocence here that complements the protagonist so well, even when Betsey herself isn’t being discussed. The world is obviously coming into existence from her viewpoint and her’s alone - As Betsey explores St Louis and grows into a woman, the reader gets to enjoy a more nuanced narrative that matures and expands along with her.
I’ve always loved Ntozake Shange’s voice. Her prose borders on poetry. To fully appreciate this book, it needs to be read aloud. Every word is chosen in such a way that, not only does the meaning convey exactly what Shange aims for, but its sounds and rhythm contribute to a sense of music that fits the story’s tone.
There’s a playfulness and innocence here that complements the protagonist so well, even when Betsey herself isn’t being discussed. The world is obviously coming into existence from her viewpoint and her’s alone - As Betsey explores St Louis and grows into a woman, the reader gets to enjoy a more nuanced narrative that matures and expands along with her.
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