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A review by cjeanne99
The Atlas of Reds and Blues by Devi S. Laskar
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I don’t recall how The Atlas of Reds and Blues ended up on my “to read” list - but I’m glad it did. Our main character - “Mother” also known as “the Real Thing” has been shot in her driveway in suburban Atlanta. As she lays bleeding in the driveway - we read vignettes of events from her childhood, her marriage, her mothering. All the times she was told “why don’t you go home” - as if a person with brown skin does not belong in Georgia. Being told by a teacher handing out US Census forms that she doesn’t need one because they are for Americans. Her children not being invited to parties because of their skin color. A group of - cable tv salesmen? - who try to break in to her home - saying “the police won’t believe her anyway”.
Interspersed with her memories - are factoids about Barbie dolls.
The book ended quickly - not tying everything into a neat package. But that’s the point. This is not a story to make you feel good - it’s a story to make you think. And for a middle class white women in their 60’s - it was another reminder of how sheltered I have been - how naive I am about many things.
Interspersed with her memories - are factoids about Barbie dolls.
The book ended quickly - not tying everything into a neat package. But that’s the point. This is not a story to make you feel good - it’s a story to make you think. And for a middle class white women in their 60’s - it was another reminder of how sheltered I have been - how naive I am about many things.