toffishay's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
3.75
The writing style of this book makes it really easy to read. Langston Hughes' background as a poet really shines through in the time he takes to describe setting and the flowing language used in dialogue. The book is also a love letter to jazz, at least in part, and the inclusion of song lyrics and descriptions of dancing and singing really make the book come alive. There is a real swath of experiences here, particularly the different perspectives of Black women in the few decades after the end of slavery. The ending kind of loses me a bit, just because I felt like it kind of trailed off.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Abandonment
Minor: Sexual content, Death, War, Vomit, Violence, Slavery, Physical abuse, Infidelity, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
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