Scan barcode
A review by inked_in_pages
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
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
Genre: Historical Fiction, Own Voices
[TW: murder, racism, fires, detailed violence, sexual abuse]
If you haven't read this book, this is absolutely your push to read it immediately.
As far as l'm concerned, this is a must read novel for all readers but especially those who love historical fiction. The writing is beautiful and the story line is heartbreaking, haunting and powerful - do not go into this book lightly.
I absolutely loved the nod to cultural beliefs of the South, specifically some of the references to spirits and hoodoo. The "haints" that are featured throughout the book are such powerful tools to highlight the longterm impacts of such violence and trauma on generations after generations. This book highlights the atrocities that youth face even in our own country - which is often not talked about - well past the abolition of slavery and even into our current times.
I did a tandem audio and physical read - which I highly recommend to get the full impact of this story. The audio is done really well and brings the characters to life in a way that is necessary for the full impact of the story.
[TW: murder, racism, fires, detailed violence, sexual abuse]
If you haven't read this book, this is absolutely your push to read it immediately.
As far as l'm concerned, this is a must read novel for all readers but especially those who love historical fiction. The writing is beautiful and the story line is heartbreaking, haunting and powerful - do not go into this book lightly.
I absolutely loved the nod to cultural beliefs of the South, specifically some of the references to spirits and hoodoo. The "haints" that are featured throughout the book are such powerful tools to highlight the longterm impacts of such violence and trauma on generations after generations. This book highlights the atrocities that youth face even in our own country - which is often not talked about - well past the abolition of slavery and even into our current times.
I did a tandem audio and physical read - which I highly recommend to get the full impact of this story. The audio is done really well and brings the characters to life in a way that is necessary for the full impact of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Death, Hate crime, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury