Confessions in B-Flat

Donna Hill’s ‘Confessions in B-Flat’ is a poignant, timely, and beautiful story about two people finding their way during the tumultuous 1960s.

When Jason Tanner meets Anita Hopkins on a bus bound for New York City, he knows he’s encountered someone special. He’s been sent by Dr. King to expand the message of passive resistance to people up north, which seems to directly clash with Anita’s support of Malcolm X’s ideology. But neither Jason nor Anita can seem to shake their connection. Will it be enough to keep them together during one of the most politically charged time periods in America’s history?

As mentioned in the blurb, this novel is as timeless as it is timely. At its core, it’s a story about two people whose connection and love for each other strengthens with time, despite some seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Hill is masterful at weaving the history of the Civil Rights Movement into her narrative; you feel dropped straight into that time period and all of its vigor and tumultuousness. Yet, the personal connection and bond between Anita and Jason is what really shines. Though they’re shaped by their time, their love is universal.

I felt a gamut of emotions reading the arc of their story, and feel that it’s not only important for its message about civil rights (and how much more work there is to do) but for its beautiful love story and tremendous character growth. I also greatly enjoy reading stories about characters whose life experiences are different from mine, as it widens my worldview and enriches my life in ways that are valuable and important. We need more stories like these.

This is one of my favorite novels of 2020. A definite must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

CONFESSIONS IN B-Flat is a masterpiece that accurately records the struggle of the sixties through the lens of a a young couple who are actively involved in that struggle. This story will resonate with your spirit because it foreshadows the struggles of today. The photos, newspaper. Clippings and posters that are incorporated in the book add to the historical authenticity of the story. while the music and poetry add to the cultural experience. The love story that develops between the main characters is an added plus. I highly recommend Confessions in B-Flat.

Being from Atlanta, and seeing actual life Civil Rights Heros come to live on a page, wrapped up in a moving romance, was just so beautiful to me. Donna Hill is amazing! The way she somehow made such a timely novel set in the Civil Rights Movement, a true journey of love during an important time of American history.

Jason and Anita have conflicting feelings about what it takes to have true liberation for black people. But their real liberation is the love that they have for each other. The American dream for them also includes a love that is revolutionary. The Poetry that Hill used for Anita was also beautiful- like a reverse "Love Jones" scenario in a way. The letters from Jason from Vietnam broke me down completely.y

SN: bravo for also including contraception in a novel during a time when that about. I could classify this as a historical romance (crazy to think the 1960s is now historical), but I really appreciated it.

My only negative: I truly didn't want the book to end but so grateful for the HEA ending.

Wow. Wow. Wow. I still have tears in my eyes! What a beautifully written book! I loved everything about this story. Jason, the do gooder who is a follower of MLK and Anita, a fiery activist supporting Malcolm X. Both of them coming together despite their differences and the challenges it causes educates you on how life was back then. I loved the history in this book and the pictures! You go from heart break to laughter to love. I definitely recommend reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.