Reviews

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

kaylajcj's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

eviesellers's review against another edition

4.0

this was an incredible read!!! hard to get through at times due to its depictions of very real violence and hatred that young black boys experienced at "boys schools" in the era of jim crow. this is a horrific chapter of american history, and magical realism was a fantastic vessel through which to tell this story. the ghosts of boys who had died at the school guiding robert, then ultimately getting revenge and subsequent peace by killing haddock, was fantastic and added an extremely interesting element to the story. finding out through the authors note that this story was loosely based on a real robert stephens who died at a school like this was even more heartbreaking.

grandmaleah's review against another edition

4.0

A tremendous tale and effort. I really enjoyed, but knocked a star off for what I felt was inconsistent pacing that made the story drag in certain parts, specifically act 2. 

I also have only myself to blame for not looking up the TWs before reading, but I highly recommend interested readers do so.

tarsharks's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

autumn_rayne's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

sarahalcala's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

4.5

alrightlauryn's review against another edition

dark medium-paced

4.75

courtsport3000's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Holy shit, what a book! Some of the most compelling writing I’ve ever read amounting to one of the toughest books I’ve ever read. I do think this hit extra hard considering I recently read a nonfiction account of the school that inspired this book (We Carry Their Bones by Erin Kimmerle) and was painfully aware of which horrors were fictionalized versus those that weren’t. 

A powerful read, but check the trigger warnings if that’s something you like to do cuz this gets dark, dark, dark. This is one of those books I feel like will stay with me forever. 

Also have to speak praises of the audio version. Joniece Abbott-Pratt brings so much range and personality to her read. Every character’s voice felt unique. The level of immersion she crafts is astounding. Highly recommend this format for those planning to read this book. 

kpeninger's review against another edition

Definitely coming back to this, but too heavy for me right now. It's me, not the book.

armandforyou's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Torture, and Violence

Moderate: Sexism

Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence