Beloved

Staring unflinchingly into the abyss of slavery, this spellbinding novel transforms history into a story as powerful as Exodus and as intimate as a lullaby.

Sethe was born a slave and escaped to Ohio, but eighteen years later she is still not free. She has too many memories of Sweet Home, the beautiful farm where so many hideous things happened. Her new home is haunted by the ghost of her baby, who died nameless and whose tombstone is engraved with a single word: Beloved.

Filled with bitter poetry and suspense as taut as a rope, Beloved is a towering achievement by Nobel Prize laureate Toni Morrison.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Wow. I seriously cannot believe I have never read this book before now. Though, I can honestly say that I know if I would have read it any more than three or five years ago, I don't think it would have had the same emotional impact as reading it now. However, I also think that if I ever read this book again, the emotional impact will increase with my age as I, as a woman, can connect more and more with Sethe. 

Though I am not African American, I think Sethe's story transcends the differences between her and the female reader. Her story is raw and ugly and heartbreaking and gut-wrenching and horrifying. However, it is also hopeful and mystical, even though it's a little frightening throughout. I felt connected to Sethe through her guilt, her experiences, and her scars as Morrison bares all for her reader. I also felt connected to Sethe through her hope for the future, even though the guilt she feels over her past mistakes nearly kills her in the end. 

What I most enjoyed about this book were the mystical elements that surround Beloved's return and the interesting dynamic her ghostly figure created between the characters. However, again, Beloved also made the book a little scary as the reader doesn't know if Beloved has returned from the other side to offer peace, cause suffering, or a little of both. 

For readers who like novels that show no fear in telling a story that will prompt change -- this book will exceed expectations. It also has a lot to offer in social, cultural, and historical contexts as it takes place in the late 1800s. Though it was not by any means a 'happy' book, I'm glad I read it and even through the darkness, Beloved offers a feeling of brightness. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

The Jazz Cage

Prohibition-era mobsters collide with Underground Railroad abolitionists in The Jazz Cage.

It is 1924—sixty years after the South’s victory in the Civil War.

Frank McCluey, bounty hunter for the mob, is sent to help out a wealthy Virginian bootlegger. Frank’s job: track down two female slaves who’ve run away from the millionaire.

But the mob has made a bad choice. Instead of capturing the women, Frank decides to help them escape to Canada, his mission now aided by the pint-sized but steel-willed runaway Della and the outlawed Underground Railroad.

Soon Della and Frank become the target of slave catchers, cops, gangsters, and most chilling of all, a Confederate agent nicknamed the Hound for his ability to always sniff out and kill his prey. - Goodreads

*May Contain Spoilers*

In Ray Chen Smith's novel, The Jazz Cage, the history learned in class isn't how The Civil War ended and slavery was never abolished. Now it's the twenties with twisted territories and two young slaves, Della and Cece, are trying to escape their owner. Enter Frank, used-to-be gangster who's determined to do right or die.

The entire novel is like a compilation of scenes from a diary. Smith's writing puts readers directly in the thick of the action. And it never lets up. Readers will feel as if they are living history through the words on the page as the plot line carries them through the South and up into the North, trekking toward freedom with Della and Cece. 

The main thing I loved about this book: the obstacles that Smith put in front of Della, Cece, and Frank. When trouble was catching up with the three freedom searchers, Smith didn't shy away from the situation or cheat his way through. Smith matched up the fugitives and those tracking them, letting it all play out, describing every second of the action. I have to give kudos because the characters ended up in increasingly tight spots all the way until the end. 

And the characters themselves were amazing. Each person had their own problems, past, quirks, flaws, and personality traits. It was astounding to observe the characters, who were so different from each other, interact and work together toward a common goal. Della was definitely my favorite character. She's the woman who doesn't know her own strength but discovers it in her own moment of weakness. I loved her rambunctious personality and her ability to care for others more than herself. 

Although the beginning of The Jazz Cage seemed a little slow, it picks up and races along at dangerous speeds. And after about 3/4 of the novel, I doubt any reader will be able to put it down until the last period. Great, satisfying read. 

The Jazz Cage

on Amazon

rating: 4/5 cups

Note of Source: From the author for review