A review by thissagreads
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson

challenging reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

2.75

There were times that book moved slower than I’d like, and I felt that the characters held back in moments they could’ve spoken up about, but that’s the 50’s & 60’s unfortunately. Because the book is historical fiction, there was some insight and knowledge gained about the old catholic boarding houses for pregnant girls (including the coercive tactics). I think I wanted more happy for both characters, and at the I got that nice “happy ending” plot twist, but it wasn’t enough. 

Ruby becomes the doctor she dreamed of, while Eleanor raises her baby unbeknownst to the both of them.

 
All in all, I thought the story was a fresh perspective with the 2 character perspectives.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment

Minor: Racial slurs and Abandonment

Ruby got pregnant by a white Jewish boy who’s mom offered her a scholarship for college if Ruby cuts off communication with her son, AND must stay at a boarding house while pregnant, and then give her baby up for adoption. Mom keeps end of bargain so Ruby unknowingly gives her daughter up to Eleanor and her husband the elite William who’s well know in the black community in DC. Eleanor has already lost 3 babies -before the baby can be brought to term- and her mother-in-law suggests adoption from the boarding house to William unbeknownst to Eleanor- and William suggests it to Eleanor who says yes even though she’s riddles with guilt and shame for not being able to carry full term.