Author: Hillary JordanGenre: Historical Fiction
Published: 2008
Personal Rating: 4.5/5
Yearly Count: 86
It's 1946 in Mississippi and the McAllan family live on their farm - in a shack with no running water or electricity. The Jacksons, tenants on the McAllan's land, farm as well. Both of these families have sons return home from the war who have personal struggles of their own, let alone the adjustment of merging back into the ways of the land. A relationship develops between the two sons and the intertwined families experience the tragedy of racism, which is told from the point of view of all those involved (black, white, male and female) via alternating chapters.
Jordan's writing placed me back in the not-so-far past with realistic characters and setting. The visit was not a pleasant one, but one that gave me great perspective. There were several complex issues seamlessly interwoven throughout the book, all of which created emotions in me. Jordan has impressive talent and I eagerly await her next novel. This successful Southern read goes on my Best Reads of 2008 list!
*Recommended By: The Surly Bookseller, Redux
Isn't she a wonderful writer?? Definitely the best book I've read this year.
ReplyDeleteI've heard so much hype about this book, but now that I know it has alternating perspectives (one of my favorite elements of literature), I'm going to have to check this one out! Glad you liked it so much, Joy.
ReplyDeleteYours is the second favorable review of this book that I've read today. I'm interested in this time period and your lovely review compels me to add it to my TBR!
ReplyDeleteSigh, everyone but me has read this now I think. It sounds so good. I must get me a copy :-)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you liked this one, Joy!!!
ReplyDeleteI'll be interviewing the author, Joy! Do you have any questions? :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I just haven't heard a bad word said about this book. O.K., that does it...to the top of the wish list it goes. Thanks, Joy!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to get my hands on this one, I haven't heard a bad word yet either.
ReplyDeleteSuzi ~ Yes, indeed. The writing just flowed.
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ Oh, yes. The alternating views are very interesting. I enjoyed getting into all their heads. :)
Terri B ~ If you have an interest in this time period, you can't go wrong with this one.
Nicola ~ You're not the last one, I'm sure! :) It's only been out for a short while.
Eleanor ~ Thank you for the recommendation! I added your name on this post and The Well and the Mine as my "recommender". Keep reading! :)
Maggie ~ Hmmm, no questions at this time - just praise! :)
Debi ~ It's a very realistic portrayal of this time period. Hope you enjoy it.
Maw Books ~ I hope you do. It's a good read.
I'm glad to read your review of this book, too. I've seen several in the last week or so, and I'm eager to read it.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of Barbara Kingsolver and noted that Jordan won the Bellwether Prize. Another to recommend, if ya'll haven't read it - Family Bible by Melissa Delbridge.
M.E. Martin ~ Thank you for the recommendation. I'll look into it.
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