This book captivated me. I adored everyone of the characters, who were all battling their own demons and baggage while attempting to make their way in the world. I cherished the fact that they all supported one another despite their individual struggles and loved one another despite their differences.
a research project on what it means to be human. Beautiful

It is 1957, and Drunetta Brown has had enough. An oppressed woman of colour, she decides to leave her husband and his alcohol problem behind in the South, and head to New York with her youngest children.

Initially, making a life as a single mother is easier said than done, but fortunately, Drunetta eventually finds her place - due, in large part, to the much-needed support of other black women from very different backgrounds. Like the lively bar singer, Rayceen.

This book is peopled with flawed but honest characters, some of whom are both relatable and likeable. Drunetta makes her mistakes in the process of following through with her plans, but she grows through that process.

There is a lot of warmth in this story, which draws readers in, and leaves one thinking about the characters long after the book is finished.

Thank you to Netgalley and Poetic Gems Publishing for approving my request. I got approved for the audio book and the e-book and I really enjoyed both. The story was very much organized like the book, Black Cake, and shares similar themes of generational trauma, multiple generations, and the healing journey. The book also spanned from 1957-2011, with some chapters going as far back as 1914. What I loved about the book were the multiple perspectives and individual stories of most of the characters. I really enjoy reading the back story of characters and knowing how they came about, why they behave the way they do. The main character of this book was Drunetta Brown, an oppressed black housewife and mother , and most of the book was from her POV. It was her story of leaving her drunkard husband, surviving in a new city, forming long lasting friendships with Sister Rose and Raycie and the journey of healing. She was a strong and courageous woman, and I was so happy to read about other strong woman characters as well, which was very uncharacteristic during the time the story was set in. There were many religious aspects in the story as well, where many references to God, the Bible, and hymns were made, and for someone who is not as religious or believes in God, they might like the story less. I, however, did not mind the references and liked how everything flowed so well. It is also important to note that some of the words used, or sentiments described, are dated, and no longer accepted in today's society. For example, during 1960-1970s, people were not very accepting of homosexuality and you will see a little glimpse of that in the story. Words like "loose" to refer women who had sexual relations with multiple men or "sweet" to refer gay men were probably used back in the day, but is not acceptable today. However, the whole story in general was very progressive, and the characters were admirable, and relatable. I really liked Raycie's character because she was unapologetic about how she was, did not judge others and did not care what people thought of her. She lived her life on her own terms and I love having characters like that in the story. Overall, the novel had multiple layers , multple timelines and perspectives, but flowed very well.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****