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A review by zaiphon
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-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
5.0
"The Reformatory" is a must-read for anyone’s "TBR" list. Trust me—you won’t regret it. This dark historical fiction is set in the fictional town of Gracetown, Florida, during the Jim Crow era. The story alternates between the perspectives of Gloria Stephens and her brother, Robert “Robbie” Stephens Jr., as they navigate the unfolding events that change their lives forever.
Robbie is sentenced to the Gracetown School for Boys after kicking Lyle, the son of the most powerful white landowner in town, for making unwanted advances toward his sister. The absurdity of this sentence is rooted in Lyle’s family’s influence, showcasing the racial injustices of the time. Gloria, dealing with the loss of their mother and being separated from their father, struggles with the overwhelming burden of protecting Robbie.
What really stands out about this novel is the writing. "The Reformatory" is beautifully crafted, with each character deeply etched into my memory as I read. The attention to detail, especially in conveying the characters’ personalities and painting vivid scenes—even the tragic ones—elevates this story to a brilliant work of literature.
The novel doesn't shy away from depicting the darker parts of history, yet it skillfully captures the humanity and innocence of real-life people who deserved so much more than what they received. This is my introduction to Due’s writing, and I highly recommend this book to all readers.
In the author’s notes, Due shares a personal connection to the story—her uncle, Robert Stephens, was tied to the Dozier School for Boys. This personal insight adds an extra layer of emotional weight, making the narrative even more impactful.
Robert, Redbone, and Blue will stay with me long after I’ve turned the last page.
Robbie is sentenced to the Gracetown School for Boys after kicking Lyle, the son of the most powerful white landowner in town, for making unwanted advances toward his sister. The absurdity of this sentence is rooted in Lyle’s family’s influence, showcasing the racial injustices of the time. Gloria, dealing with the loss of their mother and being separated from their father, struggles with the overwhelming burden of protecting Robbie.
What really stands out about this novel is the writing. "The Reformatory" is beautifully crafted, with each character deeply etched into my memory as I read. The attention to detail, especially in conveying the characters’ personalities and painting vivid scenes—even the tragic ones—elevates this story to a brilliant work of literature.
The novel doesn't shy away from depicting the darker parts of history, yet it skillfully captures the humanity and innocence of real-life people who deserved so much more than what they received. This is my introduction to Due’s writing, and I highly recommend this book to all readers.
In the author’s notes, Due shares a personal connection to the story—her uncle, Robert Stephens, was tied to the Dozier School for Boys. This personal insight adds an extra layer of emotional weight, making the narrative even more impactful.
Robert, Redbone, and Blue will stay with me long after I’ve turned the last page.