I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with historical fiction novels. Taking a real historical event and trying to blend a fictional story around it can be tricky to get right. But, oh my, Harrison does this right.

We meet Mattie, whose story starts on that very same bus where Rosa Parks made her infamous stand against racial oppression. Through Mattie's eyes we understand the significance of that moment, how it enabled black women to start questioning everything they had always believed to be true. It causes her to reconsider the course she had decided upon for her and her unborn child and to make the ultimate brave sacrifice that she had been unable to contemplate before that moment. Her resolve and bravery will capture your heart entirely and you won't be able to leave this book without finding out what happens to Mattie.

" ... Riding that bus as it pulled away, I wondered what life would feel like defying rules and making my own decisions. The mere idea had something turning inside of me, deep in my core. Deeper than my belly. Kinda like a flame on a matchstick, dying and breathing its last only for someone to blow and spark its life again. Not some blaze running amuck across a cane field. Just a gentle flame safely contained in the palm of your hand. "


The timeline of the story is split between two; we alternate between Mattie's story and that of her grand-daughter, Ashlee. Despite being separated by two generations, the two women have so much in common. Through their eyes we are able to see how many aspects of racism and racial oppression have vastly improved, and yet, devastatingly, how far we still have to go to achieve racial equality.

The characters in this book are simply wonderful. You'll ache for them so much as they come through incredible adversity. This is both an inspirational and bittersweet story, and one that I inhaled in only 2 days. It's not just about racial inequalities (although that is a pivotal element of this book), but about family, death, inter racial relationships, hardship and strong women. I loved the structure of the alternating storylines, but Mattie's story was far and away my favourite. You can't help but root for her, she demonstrates such remarkable determination and resolve to provide for her child against all the odds.

Harrison paints wonderful, believable characters who each have their own distinct voice. I loved her writing style and can't wait to see what's next.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus was released in paperback on 8th February 2021 by Bookouture.

Big thanks to Bookouture, for organising and inviting me to take part in the blog tour. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is such a relevant novel and a stunning story spanning 3 decades of black women and their lives.
Mattie is on her way to make a life changing decision when a young lady on the bus (Rosa Parks) stands up for herself against white people and their privilege. This act makes her change her mind and therefore changing the direction of her life forever but also facing many struggles. Ashlee has returned to her family home after leaving her high-powered job. Her family have always been her safe place but she is about to discover a secret that may rock her foundations.
I adored the dual timeline/dual narration aspect of this book. Such a clever way of showing how racism may have changed but how it still exists. What I found scary is how in modern society, racism (and sexism) is more often displayed in such underhand, sneaky ways allowing it to happen by never overtly being racist. While some things have forward, what is striking from reading this novel, (and other information) is that racism is still very much alive and people have just found different, and more sly ways to do it to avoid repercussions.
Both Mattie and Ashlee are strong female characters, who face adversity in different ways. What they have in common is the unwavering and absolute love of their families and the people around them.
As well as racism, this novel also tackles interracial marriages and relationships, sexism, teenage pregnancy, death and families and the contrast between the different times. The similarities and contrasts are fascinating.
This beautiful story is told in an engaging way. It’s such an emotional rollercoaster with heart-warming and heart breaking moments and some stark realities. I loved taking both Mattie and Ashlee’s journey with them and I though their stories were amazingly told.

Powerful, introspective, moving, emotional. Important to read to remind people where we came from, where we have gone, and where we still need to go. I get so emotional reading about the hatred, the racism, the inequalities; it infuriates me and makes me feel so angry and frustrated.

I personally was drawn more towards the the story told in the past than the present and would have loved if the entire book were set during that time. I do see and appreciate the importance of the present point of view, and to see how the inequalities and challenges still exist today.

Also worth mentioning and complimenting was the moving and touching relationships between the characters, as well as the colorful and unique characters, both present and past.

This was such a wonderful read and I highly recommend it to all. Definitely award worthy, one that will be talked about and honored by many.

Published 11th Feb 2021

I originally picked up The Girl at the Back of the Bus because of the mention of Rosa Parks but it’s fascinating to read in this book not about Rosa herself, but about a life lived in bravery as a result witnessing that act of defiance.

This really is an excellent book. We jump back and forth between the stories of Mattie and her grand daughter Ashlee and it shows the reader that, although things are better for Ashlee than they were for her grandmother, there is still a long way to go before she can truly believe that she is treated equally.

The fact that an educated, young, black woman who works hard and does everything she’s supposed to do can get passed over time and again by a white man who is her intellectual inferior should, and does, induce anger but this part of the plot is used well to provide Ashlee with a turning point in her life. The inspiration of her Grandmother’s life and the discrimination she faced as a teenager in 1950s Alabama turns Ashlee in another direction and some of the best parts of the book are the scenes between Mattie and Ashlee and their family.

The detail in the historical sections is excellent, providing a real picture of Alabama and Georgia in the 1950s – including the absolutely baffling attitudes towards race and segregation. After being supported and protected as much as possible by her loving mother, at one point Mattie weeps about how it’s not fair – and her mother goes on to show her just how unfair their lives are. This is was a hugely powerful part of the book and stories like that are badly needed, and should be shared and read by all.

For such a powerful story, it’s resolved in an unexpectedly hopeful way, with the hope that Mattie’s experience that day on the same bus as Rosa Parks can having meaning for future generations.

This the first historical fiction book of its kind that I've read. From start to finish, I was deeply invested in the characters. This book spans generations starting from a girl that realizes she's stronger than she knows.. That strength and pride travel down to her granddaughter who has some decisions of her own to make.. I really enjoyed the book and the author's weaving of the present and the past.

I did find the mentioning of the mother's skin tone a bit repetitive, but otherwise, it was a wonderful read.

The book is set in two timelines across six decades showcasing the struggle of two coloured women. While the grandmother Matilda is shown as a strong woman refusing to accept the inequality handed out to her, with her mother fighting her corner, the granddaughter Ashlee comes out as a shallow woman with just short term personal aspirations. Though the main theme that there’s not much of a change in the society at its core is portrayed, the differences whatever little have not been highlighted. The achievements of various civil rights movements could be mentioned.

I love a book with strong female leads – and this one has two. Mattie is such an amazing character. Now, I can’t say I’m an expert in the area but I found her to be an important personification of black females in the 1950s. Mattie’s personal story of hardship, discrimination, and limited opportunities, but also strength, determination, and strong will is the story of many women who fought for freedom in one way or another.

As we flip between Mattie and Ashlee’s stories, we are starkly reminded that racial discrimination was not limited to the 1950s. Ashlee is held back in her career due to prejudice and this leads to her questioning her entire life. This was the most relatable aspect of Ashlee for me, her uncertainty that she is the right/job career. Not that I was expecting to fully relate to Ashlee or Mattie; we’ve had very different life experiences. The importance of these characters from me was getting to learn through them, which I certainly did.

However, the character strength of Mattie and Ashlee was not enough for me to love The Girl at the Back of the Bus. I can’t quite put my finger on it but the book was missing something for me. One part of me thinks it needed a stronger plot, another part feels like there was too much filler text in areas. I also feel that there were some areas that could have been explored more (Mattie’s relationship with her mother, Ashlee’s relationship with Brad) to make this story a bit more unique. I actually thought the Rosa Parks part would be stronger but, for me, it didn’t tie into the overall plot as well as it could have. I just needed something else to draw me in more and take it from a 3-star to a 4-star read.

Overall, I do think this was a good book with an important story to tell. However, I don’t think it is the story I would recommend to other readers interested in learning more about the time period and/or topics touched on.

What a powerful book this is!

This is a time slip novel. Matties story is from the 1940s and Ashlees is from the present day. Mattie is on her way to have an abortion when she is on the bus with Rosa Parks. The heroic act of Ms. Parks gives Mattis the courage to raise her baby. Ashlee is Maddies granddaughter and she needs to fight against the glass ceiling of being an African American woman in a male dominated world of being a lawyer.

There were so many things to think about from this story as I looked back on history and the present day. I could have done without some of the sexual stuff and language but I appreciated the story and the lessons that came with it.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

In this fabulous work of historical fiction, Mattie Banks boards the 2857 bus and is witness to an event that will dramatically shape the course of history for Mattie and that of future generations. Pregnant at 16, Mattie has left home, waiting for the bus driver to take her away from her despair and shame. She witnesses a woman, Rosa Parks commit an act of bravery that will change Mattie's life. The Girl at the Back of the Bus tells the story of three generations of black women.

Told through the voices of Mattie and her granddaughter Ashlee Turner, the story spans the 1950s to the present day. With its excellent plot and pacing, I had difficulty putting this book down between chapters. The Girl at the Back of the Bus was such an absorbing read, and I relished every moment. This riveting, spellbinding story was weighty and Suzette D. Harrison brilliantly weaves this stylish tale with skill and flair delivering on warmth, drama, injustice, and prejudice in such an impactful way.

The book tackled so much including racial segregation, pregnancy, interracial relationships, family dynamics, living and death and the author deftly drew me into the engaging tale. The Girl at the Back of the Bus was a moving read and the strength and support from family and friends were conveyed so well. A very emotional read at times, there were also some lighter, amusing moments. A beautiful story of courage, respect and love, it's definitely a book that will leave you feeling uplifted. Suzette D. Harrison is a new name for me and I will be in the queue for whatever else she has in store.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

"My right mind knew my life and so much more depended on my silence, but clearly I wasn't finished being that girl from the back of the bus."

A story of an ordinary family that is told through the eyes of the matriarch, Mattie, in 1950s Alabama, and her granddaughter Ashlee, in modern-day Georgia, exploring themes of motherhood, dignity, prejudice, injustice and the fight for equality.

Opening with Mattie taking the same bus ride as Ms. Rosa Parks on that infamous day she refused to give up her seat, the author blends historical moments with the fictional story of Mattie’s family that give it a strong sense of authenticity and impactfulness. Moving seamlessly between the dual timelines, we see how the two women face similar obstacles and dilemmas sixty years apart despite the changes in society.

"It was a belittling ballet played to the melody of racism"

The author has filled the novel with a multitude of strong, fierce and fascinating women that I loved reading. We only see Mattie’s mother Dorothy and Ashlee’s mother Savannah through the eyes of their daughters, but they both could have carried chapters of their own. It is clear they are a tribe of dynamic, indomitable women. And of course we have the woman who’s quiet but deafening protest kickstarts it all; Rosa Parks. Witnessing the illustrious Ms. Parks refusing to give up her seat that day in December 1955 is what gives Mattie the courage to stand up against the injustices she faces. The author transports you back to fifties America, allowing you to walk in Mattie’s shoes for a short time and offering a greater understanding of the inequalities she faced that I knew nothing about, such as having to get off the bus after paying to get on again at the back.

Powerful, thought-provoking, captivating and inspiring, this is a remarkable novel with a timeless message. I am looking forward to reading more from this author and highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the genre.

My thoughts: this book was an absolute delight, it was heartwarming, but also heartbreaking & very powerful, I’m not really sure how to put my thoughts into words as I’m completely speechless.

The story is told in 2 timelines from 2 separate perspectives. – Mattie Banks – 1955 and Ashlee Turner – 2020

The book opens in 1955 with Mattie as a 14 year old, caught in a situation she never expected she’s boarding a bus to take her somewhere where she can sort it, as a young black girl she is sent to the back of the bus, unbeknownst to her she is about to be witness to a big event in black history where Rosa Parks refuses to move from the back of the bus & it changes Matties perspective on things forever.

Ashlee Turner (who we later find out is Matties granddaughter) has just been passed up for promotion AGAIN and needs time to reflect on what she actually wants to do with the rest of her life. – she then gets a devastating phonecall which turns her whole life upside down!

The 2 ladies stories become interwoven in a very clever way & I found myself unable to put it down, this is definitely a story that will stay with me for a long time

🐧❤️

This is a historical fiction novel and its one of the greatest I've read in a while.

It switches from the past to the present of the granddaughter in the present and Matti in the past. They are both fighting for equality and gender rights.

It features two black strong willed women who I loved to read about. It kept me hooked from the first page to the last and will gladly read more from this author.

This novel was fantastic! Please give it a try if and when you get a chance

Told in alternating chapters, The Girl at the Back of the Bus depicts how one small but significant act of defiance inspires three generations of black women to take control of their lives and rise above the discrimination they face.

I admired the clever way the author had Ashlee learn her grandmother’s story, initially just catching up on the story we as readers have already been witness too but then learning, alongside the reader, what happened next. It was also fascinating to see the parallels between the challenges faced by Mattie and those by Ashlee, and how Ashlee takes inspiration from what her grandmother had overcome. As Ashlee reflects, “My having education and economic power that she hadn’t possessed didn’t simplify my options. We both had decisions… Something in her proactiveness, her bravery, surpassed me, spoke to me, demanded introspection, was sobering”. In return, Ashlee is able to fulfil her grandmother’s dying wish and carve out a more rewarding future for herself at the same time.

The book is full of strong, determined women. Not just Mattie but her mother, Dorothy, and Ashlee’s mother, Savannah. As Ashlee comes to recognise she is the product of “indomitable spirits of transcendent women”. And, of course, there is the woman who inspired it all – Rosa Parks. As Mattie observes, “Her sitting gave me courage to stand.” And what courage Rosa Parks needed given the injustices she and other black people experienced at that time. One of the most fascinating aspects of the book for me was the insight into the daily iniquities, such as the shorter loan period for library books or having to board a bus, pay the driver, then get off and enter by a rear door to sit at the back of the bus.

Although some of the men in the book are distinctly unpleasant characters, I’d like to single out Ashlee’s grandfather and Ashlee’s partner, Brad, as positive role models. I’m sure I’m not alone in being touched by the tender scenes between Ashlee’s grandmother and grandfather towards the end of the book. I also liked the realistic depiction of Ashlee’s and Brad’s very modern day relationship involving the juggling of personal and career aspirations.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is an enthralling and touching story of how courage and tenacity can overcome injustice and inspire others.

this book was absolutely incredible! love, love, loved it. broke my heart, but mattie's happiness was so beautiful to see.

I love historical fiction and have read many. I don’t always like parallel storylines. However, I have to say that this was well written. It is amazing how things around you can make you take on a new perspective as it did with Mattie Banks. It just reinforces that inspiration is all around us. Something insignificant to others may be just the spark needed for someone else. There are nuggets all around us.

The author weaves a timeless look at human dignity. Rosa Parks was one of the first women to stand up for her human rights. Mattie Banks on the same bus witnesses this courageous act and her life is endlessly altered.
Pregnant and scared, but Mattie is now is given the resolve to fight not only for her baby , but her rights as a female black person who deserves equal opportunities and basic human rights.
Ashlee Turner is the granddaughter of Mattie and even though she is an attorney and seems to be happy and settled, she is anything but that because her innermost self is in turmoil. She decides a trip home is needed to help her make some decisions about her life choices.
Ashlee discovers her Grandmother is dying, but does she have the resilience to endure this loss? While home she uncovers secrets and heart-wrenching secrets come to light.
We watch these characters grow from one era to today and we truly hope that our issues of one lifetime are not continually carried over without being resolved or as a country not learning from the past to the present to make our future triumphant.
I definitely would recommend this book!

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

My first Suzette D. Harrison novel and I'm sure it won't be the last. The story is told from two women's perspectives - grandmother and granddaughter. It is the story of Mattie, grandmother to Ashlee, a black woman growing up in Southern America in the 1950's. It is a heartbreaking read and I'm not ashamed to say, I sobbed. I learned so much about segregation in America and black people's lives back then and a little about how it is for black people today. I feel as though we still have lots to do in order for the black population and other ethnic minorities to be fully engrossed and accepted in our world. Black history is important and should be told. I loved the characters and the story was beautifully told. I do hope everyone will read this.

I don't know if I was expecting more or something else but I preferred one side of the story more than the other. While I did like the merging of the two, one just caught and kept my attention more. That being said it's been a long while since a story has caught my attention as quickly and completely as this one did.
From the first page it's hard not to get lost in the story and feel like you're right there with the characters.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is a beautifully written story about racial injustice in America during the 1950's. The story begins with a teenage girl named Mattie on the city bus in Montgomery trying to travel out of town to handle some very serious and personal grown up business. Unbeknownst to Mattie the particular bus she finds herself on is the same bus that Ms. Rosa Parks boarded and decided to keep her seat instead of handing it over to a white man. Ms. Parks refusal to be moved was the spark that ignited a flame for change against racial discrimination and forever changed our country.

I greatly enjoyed the writing structure that Suzette D. Harrison employed in writing The Girl at the Back of the Bus. She lays the novel out in flash backs and present day stories that coincide with each other to keep the reader interested throughout the entire novel. I found her description of Mattie and Ashley's home life heartwarming, and their relationship with each other truly beautiful. Being a mother myself I greatly appreciated Ms. Harrison's description about how much and how far a mother will go to ensure the safety and happiness of her child.

Mattie's struggle and persistence throughout the novel laid down the strong family values and relationships that her future generations enjoy. I found The Girl at the Back of the Bus a truly beautiful story about struggle, persistence and family. Segregation was a time in American history that changed our country for the better forever and this beautiful novel gives a glimpse into the turbulence and aftermath of that monumental time in all of our histories.

"Miz" Rosa Parks touched the lives of many people over the decades. A wonderful wife, already showing strength while living at a time when civil rights was being fought for, she unknowingly touched the life of sixteen-year-old Mattie Banks. It was 1955 and Mattie's life was in great turmoil and one bad decision was about to lead to an even worse one. When Mattie witnessed Rosa Parks dignity, strength and determination, she was so impressed that she didn't follow through on what would have been a fateful decision.

Before I go on about Mattie, we also meet Ashlee Turner, visiting and caring for her dying grandmother. The story shifts between Mattie and Ashlee and readers see how they were connected on basic and then very serious levels. Both stories were incredibly touching.

Back to Mattie. She got pregnant at sixteen and her life became uprooted. However, due to the bravery she witnessed on that bus ride, she was able to draw even closer to her mother and her life became incredibly remarkable. The strength of this young woman was beyond touching. The way she turned her life around, despite challenges many would have found insurmountable, was utterly incredible.

In present day, Ashlee's life is also in turmoil. Her beloved grandmother is dying, her relationship is on the rocks and her career as a lawyer is not bringing her the joy and fulfillment she imagined. As she and her parents care for her grandmother, Ashlee discovers hidden letters from decades ago. It is these very letters that tie her closer to her grandmother than she ever imagined. All the while, Ashlee's relationship is going through changes that will have a lasting impact on her future.

While this story began with Mattie on that monumental bus ride and witnessing what happened to Rosa Parks, the story evolves into the touching story of two strong women and how Mattie's experiences go a long way into bringing great change into Ashlee's life. I loved the drama, the warmth, the strength and the message that this book delivered. While Suzette D. Harrison may be a new name for me as an author, I will be front and center for whatever else she has in store for her readers.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.