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A review by bookedupandbusy
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
4.0
4.5 stars
This is the story of two black women, living in Washington D.C. Eleanor falls in love with William. William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his parents don’t let just anyone into their fold. Ruby is 15, she is about to be the first person in her family to attend college, but a taboo love affair threatens to pull her away from her dreams. The way these two women’s lives collide is profound.
This story is a beautiful display of privilege, class, colourism and passing within the black community. There is a heavy focus on fertility and some of the challenges that were faced in the 1950s that comes with motherhood and fertility such as embarrassment, shame, burdens and coercion.
What stood out for me was the dual narrative writing style. I love this way of storytelling, it is skilful and genius and the anticipation of waiting to see how the lives of Ruby and Eleanor intersected was exciting.
The middle of the story dipped for me but the second half was much stronger and more engaging to the point where the storyline became more nerve wracking and suspenseful. I would have also liked a stronger title for the story. I understand the reason for ‘The House of Eve’ but I don’t feel the title is a perfect representation of the story.
There is reference to characters in the author’s first book ‘Yellow Wife’. The way the characters are linked to the characters in this book is a work of art and so special for fans of Yellow Wife.
This is a heartfelt story. I haven’t read a book with such a warm and fulfilling ending in ages and the full circle story was the icing on the cake.
There is a clear message that what one person sees as a curse, is a blessing to another.
The author’s note is touching. The story is inspired by true personal events and the research involved to write this historical story is top tier.
This is the story of two black women, living in Washington D.C. Eleanor falls in love with William. William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his parents don’t let just anyone into their fold. Ruby is 15, she is about to be the first person in her family to attend college, but a taboo love affair threatens to pull her away from her dreams. The way these two women’s lives collide is profound.
This story is a beautiful display of privilege, class, colourism and passing within the black community. There is a heavy focus on fertility and some of the challenges that were faced in the 1950s that comes with motherhood and fertility such as embarrassment, shame, burdens and coercion.
What stood out for me was the dual narrative writing style. I love this way of storytelling, it is skilful and genius and the anticipation of waiting to see how the lives of Ruby and Eleanor intersected was exciting.
The middle of the story dipped for me but the second half was much stronger and more engaging to the point where the storyline became more nerve wracking and suspenseful. I would have also liked a stronger title for the story. I understand the reason for ‘The House of Eve’ but I don’t feel the title is a perfect representation of the story.
There is reference to characters in the author’s first book ‘Yellow Wife’. The way the characters are linked to the characters in this book is a work of art and so special for fans of Yellow Wife.
This is a heartfelt story. I haven’t read a book with such a warm and fulfilling ending in ages and the full circle story was the icing on the cake.
There is a clear message that what one person sees as a curse, is a blessing to another.
The author’s note is touching. The story is inspired by true personal events and the research involved to write this historical story is top tier.