Well, where do I even start with this truly special book? I just loved this book from beginning to end.

The story has a dual timeline, between Mattie, in the 1950s, and Ashlee, her grand-daughter, in the present day. As the book goes on, and Ashlee discovers more of her grandmother’s remarkable story, the two interwoven stories of these strong women inspire and captivate the reader.

The story will have you completely mesmerised right from the start. It all feels so real, like you could step into the pages and be swept away. We witness history, as well as being given an insight into these women’s lives. Even if you are aware of the historical background to this novel, you will still be shocked, saddened and often angry at the discrimination that took place. But it’s a beautiful and tender story, with touching and poignant, and even funny moments.

I really admired and liked Mattie, she is a clever and strong character. She fights so hard to overcome obstacles. Ashlee is a product of a different time, and much more confident in the fight for her rights. Her internal monologue gives us a great insight into her thinking, and I found myself really getting to know, and love her.

This beautifully flowing and authentic story will make you laugh and cry. I didn’t want it to end, and when it did, I found myself smiling through the tears. This book will stay with me for a very long time. I think it’s going to be one of the huge literary successes of this year. A wonderful, inspiring novel.

'The Girl at the Back of the Bus' by Suzette D. Harrison is a historical fiction story that follows the paths of two women dealing with racial injustices decades apart.

Told in a split narrative across two timelines, the book begins centered around Mattie Banks. Sixteen years old and pregnant, she boards a bus, hoping the driver will carry her away from disaster. Purely by chance, she happens to witness an act of bravery by a woman named Rosa Parks. Inspired, she decides to go a different direction with her choices, but dangers and difficulties seem to rise up around her.

Meanwhile, in the present, Ashlee Turner.. dismayed by prejudice and its effects on a career she has worked so hard for, heads home to see her beloved grandmother while she still can. When she finds a hidden trove of letters containing a family secret, she too finds herself at a crossroads.

I was certainly enraged at the injustices portrayed here, likely in part because though so much time has passed since Mattie's tale, not nearly enough has changed. Normally I find it hard to read detailed accounts of the horrible things people do to each other in the name of some perceived right they think they have and I didn't like seeing those things here either. However, I find it incredibly important to keep talking about them.. because I fear that if we as a society ever allow ourselves to forget the things that have been done.. that are still being done.. we will fail to find them as horrifying as we should. And frankly, it seems we're on the verge of failing that anyway.

That being said, the writing is clean and crisp, the structure is sound, and the author does an excellent job of maintaining those two separate voices. There are no surprises here. Of course, there doesn't need to be a twist in everything, but I did come across a couple of spots where misdirection could have made the difference in keeping the storytelling itself, more interesting.

I've read that reviewers were "enthralled and riveted".. but for me, it was just pretty good. I believe the sheer quality of the writing carried the story for most people, but the storytelling aspect was actually outmatched by the technical skill of the author. Quite possibly, the events themselves inspired others to rate the story higher, and that makes absolute sense to me.. but in trying to be objective about the overall presentation, I feel like it could have been more balanced.

Yes. The things these two women experienced were unjust and should never have happened, but I actually think it could have packed a much bigger emotional punch than it did. I did enjoy the characters immensely though. From Dorothy and Mattie, to Ransome and Sadie.. they were painted vividly, full of warmth and determination.

Nonetheless, as I said.. there are some very important topics discussed here.. and that alone might make this story a worthwhile read. It's a good reminder of a terrible time that is not so far behind us and a healthy wake-up call not to dismiss current situations still facing people today.

Reviewer - Wayne Jordan } Rating A+ } Award of Excellence

From the very first page of Suzette Harrison’s THE GIRL AT THE BACK OF THE BUS, I knew I was going to be in for a rare treat. Ms. Harrison is a gifted storyteller, and her previous books are all evidence of her immense talent. Her current story, releasing in this year’s Black History Month, is a moving tale that will leave readers breathless at its bold honesty, its heartbreaking angst and its inspiring triumph.

The story takes place in two time periods (1955 and the present day) with two heroines who are linked by the blood which flows through their veins. Mattie Banks, at sixteen, finds herself pregnant, ashamed and alone. She has not only let herself down, but she has disappointed her mother. However, it is her encounter with 'Miz Rosa' who refuses to give up her seat in a Montgomery bus which plays a pivotal role in the choices Maddie makes that night; choices which impact her life, her unborn child and their futures.

From 1955, the author time-travels to the present and we meet Ashlee Turner who, in her workplace, is forced to confront the racism and sexism which is still present sixty-five years later. On returning to her hometown, Ashlee realizes that much has changed and when she discovers a stack of letters from her grandmother, she knows that the choices she has to make will affect her already grieving family. But I will reveal no secrets here because this beautifully written story is yours to discover and enjoy.

Everything about this story works; especially, the movement between different time periods. Instead of resulting in a disjointed narrative, I found myself eagerly awaiting each chapter as bit by bit of each woman’s story. The connection between the two women and the hidden secrets revealed all play important parts in what makes this story so special. Ms. Harrison’s forte is her ability to create memorable characters, main and secondary. Mattie, her mother and grandmother are accurately painted, and at times, the harshness of their journeys is heartbreaking.

THE GIRL AT THE BACK OF THE BUS is Suzette Harrison at her finest. This book is listed as one of the most anticipated books for 2021. Ms. Harrison definitely delivers.

What a wonderful book!
I absolutely enjoyed this historical fiction title. I was immediately drawn to the book cover and knew it would captivate me and boy did it do that. I loved everything about it.

Told in both past and present timelines it encapsulated the struggles, strength and redemption of the Banks family through two generations both grandmother and granddaughter alike in so many ways each navigating their struggles decades apart.

Incredibly moving, I weapt as I turned the last pages.

It is a triumph of a read! I will advocate for this book for a long time to come.

Thank you so much for an eARC in return for my honest review.

In 1955 Rosa Parks stood against the rules, or did not stand if you know what I mean- she sat instead and didnt get up as she “should have done” for a white person getting on the bus. This book has Mattie Banks on the same bus, seeing what happened and taking her own stand which changed her life. She was on her way to get rid of the baby she knew she was carrying but seeing Rosa’s actions made her change her mind. In present day Ashlee is a lawyer and being passed over for promotion so takes a couple of weeks leave and travels home- something she hasn't done in almost a year. Coincidently her grandmother Mattie is dying. Ashlee is close to her and inspired by her. Whilst home Ashlee finds that she too is expecting- something she and boyfriend Brad wanted but not quite yet. Ashlee, on Matties instruction, finds her story.
This quickly stole my heart and also recently hearing of P.O.C being passed over just because of the colour of their skin- heavens this is the 21st century but appears some of the world still don’t realise it sadly. A truly inspiring story for women everywhere. Of not being taken for granted for your gender, race, beliefs or whatever. I loved Ashlee and especially Mattie. This drew me in and I didnt want it to end. If you read one book this year to inspire you- perhaps make it this one- I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Wow!
(amazon done- misfits farm)

It's 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama and sixteen year old Mattie Banks sits on the bus with her battered suitcase, her head full of troubles and her heart heavy with a momentous decision reached. Then, on the bus, she witnesses something extraordinary which will shape her destiny, and that of her family for generations to come.

In present day Georgia, corporate lawyer, Ashlee Turner is at her own crossroads, both in her career which seems to be stalling, and in her relationship with her boyfriend which seems to have reached an emotional impasse. When she is called home to see her beloved grandmother, Ashlee discovers that the emotional bond she shares with her family, and especially her nana, will see her through this troubling time.

Told in alternate voices, that of Mattie and Ashlee, the author certainly knows how to brings a story alive and very quickly I became immersed in Mattie's eventful life in Montgomery and of the trials and prejudices she endured as a young woman of colour growing up in a segregated society. My heart ached with sorrow for her, and her mother, when they were subjected to such disdain by people who should have treated them better.. The author goes on to show that racism has not yet been confined to history, and successful though she is in her professional life Ashlee also finds that she too has to fight for recognition in a world where prejudice and sexism still flourish.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is beautifully written by an author who has poured so much emotion into the story and paints such a realistic picture I felt as if I too travelled on the 2857 bus alongside Mattie. I laughed with her when she was happy, felt her pain when she was sad, and admired her strength of spirit to succeed in a world which was just so difficult. Ashlee's modern day dilemmas are no less important, and the seamless transition between viewpoints allows both women to have a strong and powerful voice.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is a multi-generational story which highlights the spirit of survival, the emotion of hidden secrets, and the overwhelming strength of powerful family values.

Powerful. Haunting. A story that makes you think, question, change. One thar made me cry. Just beautiful. A story for our times. Do read this one. Exquisite. Extraordinary. A stunner of a read.

When I started to read this, I realised I haven’t read any book which deal with Rosa Parks and that era of American history which I found a little strange, so I was looking forward to getting lost in something a little bit different. The book uses a technique that’s featured in a lot of books I’ve read recently, moving between the past and present. I like this structure and the way it gradually reveals two plots and the links between them. In this case, the historical section focuses on Mattie, a young black woman who witnesses Rosa Parks’ act of defiance but is struggling with hiding her pregnancy to a white boy so is too preoccupied to realise the significance of the event. In the present, Mattie’s grand-daughter finds a box of letters and uncovers the truth about Mattie’s past. I found this book gripping and quite intense at times as the author grapples with racism. This is well worth a read.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is such a compelling book. In it, we read about the lives of two black women. In 1955, the famous actions of Rosa Parks have a profound effect on young Mattie Banks. Seeing her courage in standing up to injustice gives Mattie the courage to stand up for herself. In the present day, Mattie's granddaughter Ashlee is finding that being a black woman still brings challenges and injustices. When she hears that her beloved grandmother is dying, she immediately goes home to spend time with this woman whose wisdom has guided her so much throughout the years. But Mattie has been keeping some secrets from Ashlee and she wants her to know the truth before she dies.

I so enjoyed this book and in particular the way the women's lives had so much in common, despite the years between them. I was outraged on behalf of Mattie so many times at the injustice and prejudice she had to face. Yet I was so impressed by her calm and dignified manner and her bravery. Although I wasn't initially so keen on Ashlee, she grew on me particularly with the love she showed to her grandmother. Love was what really stood out for me in this book. The love Mattie had for her child, the love she shared with her husband which led to some particularly poignant scenes later in the book, the love between Mattie and Ashlee. I won't be able to hear the beautiful song 'Chances Are' by Johnny Mathis again without thinking of Mattie and her husband. Please do give it a listen - it's lovely!

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is a very moving read and one that will make you reflect on racist attitudes throughout the years which, sadly, we know all too well are still prevalent today. The strength and support from family and friends are conveyed so well in this book. Even though it's a very emotional read at times, there are also some lighter, funny moments and it's definitely a book that will leave you feeling uplifted. The Girl at the Back of the Bus is a beautiful story of courage, respect and above all love.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus by Suzette Harrison

1950s Alabama - 16 year old Mattie Banks is on the same bus as Rosa Parks and is inspired to change her life after witnessing her bravery. Present day Georgia - Ashlee Turner has worked hard to become a successful lawyer but discrimination means that an incompetent colleague is promoted above her, prompting her to rethink her life.

Wow, I can't possibly do this book justice in a review, I'm not going to even try - read it, it's AMAZING! Fabulous characters, really interesting and inspiring story...in fact everyone should read it. A fantastic five stars from me!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is set in the Deep South of America across two timelines- the 1950s and the present day. In the 1950s storyline we follow Mattie who at just 16 years old finds herself pregnant with limited options as a black girl living under Jim Crow. In the present day timeline, we follow Ashlee a promising black lawyer who is getting increasingly tired of dealing with microaggressions at work and being overlooked for promotion by her white, male bosses. The two stories eventually come together and this, I thought, was done beautifully.

I appreciated how the 1950s story incorporated real life events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 and even references the real life historical figure, Rosa Parks. The present day storyline looks at issues of race that we continue to deal with including the challenges of inter-racial relationships, the legacy of slavery and the importance of continuing to tell the story of pioneering African-Americans.

Harrison's writing flows wonderfully and the pages just flew by. I found myself compelled to go back to the characters and came to care about them. I liked how Harrison addressed difficult issues such as racism and pregnancy outside of wedlock, without ever allowing those issues to bog down the narrative. As a result, I found The Girl at the Back of the Bus to be an uplifting read despite some of the tough things the characters had to face. A thread of strong family ties and support from the community runs throughout the novel and shows that even though black people still suffer from systemic prejudice, family and friendship is a lifeline that allows there to also be joy, hope and meaningful connection.

This was a fantastic book! I really enjoyed it ! This book was simply amazing. I enjoyed the storyline and how it flowed so seamlessly. I could read this book again and again.

If I could increase the ratings on this I would.

A charged, emotive read. Very impactful.

I’m going to say “in my day” we had history lessons that involved the teaching of slavery and how the black people were treated plus the pregnancies that weren’t acknowledged, the segregation of whites from blacks.

This reminded me of how I felt then in my younger days to how I still feel today and how I raised my kids, plus stood up against diversity.

My soap box over!
This story was intense and sourly beautiful.
I loved Mattie and she reminded me of someone I knew in life with a strong disposition and a true tale to tell. A warm loving person with a huge back life.

The generation of women were astoundingly strong and resilient. Just like Mattie.

The Girl on the Bus . There starts the story. There sees the changes, personal and historic.

I was literally blown away by this story.
I need this book in physical format to keep on my shelves. It’s a book that will stay with me.


Do you think I’ve found my top 5 in literature fiction?
I do.
I can’t see anything surpassing this.

I need more books like this.

With two povs, this books jumps through past and present, talking about young Mattie back in 1950's and her granddaughter Ashlee in today's America. I have to be honest and say that I didn't particularly enjoy the present day story, it was a bit bleak and I actually didn't get to care about the characters at all. But the past part was great. Interesting, touching and sweet and sad at the same time. It pointed out to a time of a history I knew not much about and I loved it. It was a story about love and family, and about life.

As I always repeat, the most horrible stories wrote the humans themselves, with their jealousy, ignorance and selfishness. So many hurt could be avoided in the world if we just learned to respect other people and be kind. But, maybe these stories should be written and read to teach us a lesson we mustn't repeat. I certainly hope so. ⠀⠀

A beautifully written book highlighting the difficulties faced by two women and their families due to the Jim Crow laws. Told from the perspective of Mattie, who was on the bus the day Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat, and her granddaughter Ashlee, a successful lawyer, the delightful story takes us on a journey through their lives and we experience the highs, lows, and injustices encountered but one thing is prominent and that is the love of their close knit family. This book definitely highlights that despite change being made, there is still a long way to go to promote the fairness and equality that is needed in this world.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus by Suzette D. Harrison
Publication Date: February 8, 2021 - Out Now!
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Description from NetGalley...
“I watched in awe as Miz Rosa stopped those men on the bus with her clear, calm “no” and I thought about that word. What if I said no? What if I refused to follow the path these White folks wanted for us? What if I kept this precious baby?”

“Montgomery, Alabama, 1955
On a cold December evening, Mattie Banks packs a suitcase and leaves her family home. Sixteen years old and pregnant, she has already made the mistake that will ruin her life and disgrace her widowed mother. Boarding the 2857 bus, she sits with her case on her lap, hoping that the driver will take her away from disaster. Instead, Mattie witnesses an act of bravery by a woman named Rosa Parks that changes everything. But as Mattie strives to turn her life around, the dangers that first led her to run are never far away. Forging a new life in a harsh world at constant risk of exposure, Mattie will need to fight to keep her baby safe.

Atlanta, Georgia, present day
Ashlee Turner is going home. Her relationship in ruins, her career held back by prejudice, she is returning to the family who have always been her rock. But Ashlee’s home is not the safe haven she remembers. Her beloved grandmother is dying and is determined to share her story before she leaves…”
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Thank you to @NetGalley @bookouture for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts...
Fantastic read! Though this book was written in dual timelines and mainly about two women, we actually learn about four women and their stories of struggles. A story of heartbreak about being a Black woman, segregation, interracial relationships and family loyalty. But, it was also a story of self-preservation, success, love and hope. There were a lot more but you will have to read it. The characters were so well defined and developed that you could feel their emotions. Their struggles were at times raw, that it leapt out of the page. This was an empowering read.

Set in Alabama, this is a family saga told from the perspectives of Mattie and her granddaughter, Ashlee. Mattie's story begins in 1955, when, pregnant at 16, she gets on the same bus as Rosa Parks, intending to seek an abortion. This thread of the story is very powerful, drawing a vivid picture of segregation and Jim Crow laws which led to the civil rights movement. Ashley's story is set in the present day and although she has opportunities her 'nana Mattie' and even her mother could only dream of, she still suffers from the discrimination of white, middle class America.
If I'm honest, I found Mattie's story more compelling but the two threads worked well. My only tiny criticism was that the language got a little too flowery for my taste at times. But that doesn't change the fact that this is a powerful book, showing that, in Mattie's case particularly, even the seemingly insurmountable odds can be overcome sometimes.

The Girls at the Back of the Bus is a beautiful multi-generational story that is completely captivating from beginning to end.

The story opens with a pregnant sixteen year old Mattie Banks boarding the 2857 bus in Montgomery, Alabama, 1955. Little does she know as she clutches her suitcase to herself that she is about to witness a historical act of bravery by Rosa Parks. This remarkable defiance gives Mattie her own strength and courage to fight for herself and her baby, all the while battling societies prejudices.

Meanwhile, in present day Atlanta, Georgia, Ashlee Turner is also dealing with her own social prejudices. When Ashlee goes home to be with her much loved dying grandmother, she begins to question her life choices, career ambitions and as secrets unravel, her own family.

This book is an incredible page turner that tackles so much, racial segregation, sexism, pregnancy, interracial relationships, family dynamics, living life and death. Now, those are not easy topics to write about but Suzette D. Harrison seemingly draws the reader in effortlessly and creates an engaging and emotional tale. The Black women in this story are so admirable, in particularly, I enjoyed the parallels between Mattie and Ashley's lives, it was fascinating to see the differences and similarities that exist in both past and present day.

The Girl at the Back of the Bus is most definitely a book to read and recommend.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy to review.

#TheGirlattheBackoftheBus #NetGalley

Excellent historical fiction with lessons that can be applied to today's world.

This is an excellent read for Black History Month.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

An absolutely cracking example of historical fiction. Taking a parallel timeline this book looks at the lives of two women - one not quite an adult in the 50s and the other aspiring career woman in her early thirties in the present day. Their stories intertwine but we aren’t sure how at the beginning

The 50s scenes on the bus are startlingly evocative and demonstrate the treatment that black people received in segregated America and the fear that caused. The behaviours of whites towards blacks are abhorrent- but there are echoes of this segregation and white privilege through the present day chapters of the book.

I loved the historical chapters more than the modern day but that doesn’t detract from the book.

If anyone isn’t sure what white privilege is, this book is a great way to demonstrate it. Would be a fantastic book for teenagers to read and understand the challenges faced merely for having a different skin colour.

It’s probably not my classic 5* book - simply written rather than beautiful prose- but it’s engaging and the story has stayed with me long after I finished it.