A review by libbyhb
My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson

dark emotional reflective 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

4.0

This is an engaging and well-written set of short stories and a novella, and the novella was the definite standout to me. I did really enjoy the short stories, though! I liked how simple the premise of My Monticello was - a group of neighbors, two of whom are black women descended from Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson, escape from a quasi political apocalypse by staying in the Monticello house. I liked the cast of characters Johnson put in this group, and the dynamics they brought to the situation (wanting to go back, not wanting to go back, feeling out of control, feeling able to take over the structure of their new little society, etc). Overall an intriguing and heartbreaking read, really recommend.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings