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A review by readingwithmygoldens
In West Mills by De'Shawn Charles Winslow
4.0
What a debut!! Everyone should put De'Shawn Charles Winslow on their list of authors to watch!
This wasn't on my radar at all, but Buzzfeed listed this as a must read for summer and the short synopsis was all I needed to sell me. It was a delightful read (a shorter one too) that was simply just such a feel good book. Feel good, not because the characters had it easy (they most certainly didn't), but it was like coming home when I opened it each time.
Azalea Centre (known as Knot), is a woman not of her time. She doesn't feel the need to have a husband, do the whole housewife thing and fall into line. She much prefers drinking, being sassy and reading her books. It follows her life and those of her closest neighbors in the small town of West Mills, NC from the early 40s up until the late 80s.
Some people found Knot's personality tiresome and grating, but I absolutely loved her! I found the issues she faced then, just as relevant today and that makes this book truly timeless. Her relationship with her neighbor, Otis Lee was something special. I enjoyed his soft spot for her and how the complexities of their relationship gave them comfort during troubling times. In this community, the love they had for one another always came through in the end, despite the hurt or feelings of resentment that materialized.
I can't wait to read the next book from Mr. Winslow as this was truly, something special.
Thanks to the Buffalo Public Library for my copy to read!
Review Date: 6/15/19
Publication Date: 6/4/19
This wasn't on my radar at all, but Buzzfeed listed this as a must read for summer and the short synopsis was all I needed to sell me. It was a delightful read (a shorter one too) that was simply just such a feel good book. Feel good, not because the characters had it easy (they most certainly didn't), but it was like coming home when I opened it each time.
Azalea Centre (known as Knot), is a woman not of her time. She doesn't feel the need to have a husband, do the whole housewife thing and fall into line. She much prefers drinking, being sassy and reading her books. It follows her life and those of her closest neighbors in the small town of West Mills, NC from the early 40s up until the late 80s.
Some people found Knot's personality tiresome and grating, but I absolutely loved her! I found the issues she faced then, just as relevant today and that makes this book truly timeless. Her relationship with her neighbor, Otis Lee was something special. I enjoyed his soft spot for her and how the complexities of their relationship gave them comfort during troubling times. In this community, the love they had for one another always came through in the end, despite the hurt or feelings of resentment that materialized.
I can't wait to read the next book from Mr. Winslow as this was truly, something special.
Thanks to the Buffalo Public Library for my copy to read!
Review Date: 6/15/19
Publication Date: 6/4/19