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A review by mmarlborough
Betty by Tiffany McDaniel
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5 ⭐️ alert! WOW. This book will stay with me always. I love coming of age stories and this emotionally eviscerated me. McDaniel has said this is a novel inspired by her mother Betty’s upbringing. While this is a heartbreaking tale, Betty’s resilience is what will stay with me.
Growing up with a white mother and Cherokee father in the Midwest in the 1960s, Betty has it tough. She combats the racism and classism as best as a young girl can, seeking solace with her mystical father and the beauty he creates for her. Betty struggles to find her footing in her large family, wanting so desperately to fit in. As she grows up, she discovers dark truths within her own family that she must keep secret.
McDaniel’s prose is so beautiful, I reread several passages over and over again. Her lyrical writing often lives within Betty’s father Landon’s magic which is in stark contrast to the everyday ugliness Betty has to contend with. I cannot wait to read more by this phenomenal author.
Side note: I won this in a Goodreads giveaway a few years ago. I’m so bummed I waited so long to dive in!
✨Trigger Warnings: Rape, Incest, Racism, Animal Cruelty, Animal Death. Suicide Attempt, Death of a Parent, Self Harm, Abortion
Growing up with a white mother and Cherokee father in the Midwest in the 1960s, Betty has it tough. She combats the racism and classism as best as a young girl can, seeking solace with her mystical father and the beauty he creates for her. Betty struggles to find her footing in her large family, wanting so desperately to fit in. As she grows up, she discovers dark truths within her own family that she must keep secret.
McDaniel’s prose is so beautiful, I reread several passages over and over again. Her lyrical writing often lives within Betty’s father Landon’s magic which is in stark contrast to the everyday ugliness Betty has to contend with. I cannot wait to read more by this phenomenal author.
Side note: I won this in a Goodreads giveaway a few years ago. I’m so bummed I waited so long to dive in!
✨Trigger Warnings: Rape, Incest, Racism, Animal Cruelty, Animal Death. Suicide Attempt, Death of a Parent, Self Harm, Abortion