A review by kristynsierra_
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

challenging dark sad tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

Man, this was not what I expected—in the best way. This story follows two siblings living in the Jim Crow era South. Robbie defends his sister against the son of a well-known white family and is sentenced to serve time in a reformatory school for boys. The horrors perpetuated by the men in charge of this school are beyond what could be imagined. The story takes a turn when Robbie starts to see the spirits of boys who have died on the grounds of the school. Gloria, Robbie’s sister, is working on the outside to get Robbie’s sentence commuted by seeking out famous NAACP lawyers and fighting against the town itself to defend her family’s reputation. I was completely enthralled from start to finish, and this is a story that will stick with me for a good long while. it was a historical thriller, but it was also grounded in the reality of Black peoples’ experiences during this era of time. it was devastating and fascinating and I’m not over it. 
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