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A review by jdscott50
Moonrise Over New Jessup by Jamila Minnicks
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
When Alice steps off the bus in 1957 Alabama, she fears persecution. It is then revealed that the town of New Jessup is all Black. She embraces the community and falls in love. When the Civil Rights movement comes to town, she has to decide what side of the community she is on.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere of New Jessup. Originally, part of Jessup, a white-run town, but the Black population was driven out by torch and pitchfork (like so many communities across the United States where the Black population is too successful). Now, New Jessup, an all-Black town, was created out of the swamp and ashes of the past. No separate but equal, only equal. Alice settles into the relief of escape from hate. However, they don't benefit as full citizens, with the white population taking their taxes and abusing their advantage to line their pockets. Will New Jessup remain segregated, or will they integrate like the rest of the country? Alice and her new family are at the heart of this struggle. Will they be run off and go north by the white side of town, or will they stay and help shape its fate?
I really enjoyed the atmosphere of New Jessup. Originally, part of Jessup, a white-run town, but the Black population was driven out by torch and pitchfork (like so many communities across the United States where the Black population is too successful). Now, New Jessup, an all-Black town, was created out of the swamp and ashes of the past. No separate but equal, only equal. Alice settles into the relief of escape from hate. However, they don't benefit as full citizens, with the white population taking their taxes and abusing their advantage to line their pockets. Will New Jessup remain segregated, or will they integrate like the rest of the country? Alice and her new family are at the heart of this struggle. Will they be run off and go north by the white side of town, or will they stay and help shape its fate?