A review by serendipitysbooks
Maud Martha by Gwendolyn Brooks

emotional reflective 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

4.5

 
Maud Martha is the only novel, more a novella really, by well-known poet Gwendolyn Brooks. It is the story of an ordinary Black woman living in Chicago in the 1940s. It follows her from her childhood through to having a child of her own. It’s a gorgeously written character study that unfolds in a series of vignettes. Brooks is economical with her words, yet they are perfectly chosen as you would expect from a poet. Through them we clearly see Maud Martha’s dreams and disappointments, her trials and triumphs. It’s a very quiet book. Despite sexism, racism, financial insecurity and marital infidelity she never makes a fuss, preferring to carry on stoically making the best of her life, finding joy and happiness in the small moments. Her appreciation of a dandelion was perfection, her understanding of her husband insightful.

Thanks to @bookish.cori for putting this little known classic gem on my radar. I loved everything about it. Except Santa. I wanted to punch him!
 
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