A review by probablyjenna
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson

emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The House of Eve is a beautifully written look into issues of womanhood, motherhood, fertility, race, and class. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and honestly couldn’t put it down. I was so captivated by both main characters (Ruby and Eleanor); I knew their storylines would eventually connect in some way, and I found myself eagerly waiting for that moment to occur.

Sadeqa Johnson did an incredible job of creating two characters who both felt entirely real. I couldn’t put the book down because I was so invested in each of their stories. With alternating POV chapters, it was hard to not keep telling myself “one more chapter” because I just HAD to know what happened next to Ruby and Eleanor. 

Historical fiction is my favorite genre because when it’s done well, I get to learn something while also becoming completely enamored with the people at the heart of the story. Johnson does this masterfully; I felt completely transported by her words, and felt a legitimate pang of sadness when I reached the end of the book and had to say goodbye to the characters. Her author’s note at the end made the story even more impactful, and I really can’t recommend this one highly enough.