kaya217's review against another edition
5.0
I have 2 favorite books in my world...this one and Kindred by Octavia Butler. They are the only books that I have taken the time to read twice. I truly enjoyed the way J. California Cooper told this story. She took a sensitive topic such as slavery and told it's story with grace. Always will always be one of my favorite characters.
mariahroze's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book for the Goodreads' book club Diversity in All Forms! If you would like to join or check out the discussion on this book here is the link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/18573912-family-june-2017
I am so glad that J. California Cooper was our voted on author because her work is amazing and I would have never been introduced to it otherwise.
This book takes place right before the Civil War. This book is about a woman named Always, born a slave, and her four generations of her African-American family throughout history.
I am so glad that J. California Cooper was our voted on author because her work is amazing and I would have never been introduced to it otherwise.
This book takes place right before the Civil War. This book is about a woman named Always, born a slave, and her four generations of her African-American family throughout history.
korilondon's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
booksbythecup's review against another edition
Cooper’s brilliance shines in this short work following one woman’s children during slavery on the brink of the Civil War and after. I loved Always.
gmdudley4's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. I am actually shocked at how much I liked this novel. I need a break from some of the high brow literature typically read and J. California Cooper was the answer to that. I will admit that I was hooked with only about 15 pages in as the writing is strong and the characters well developed. The topic was heavy - enslavement, rape, violence, white supremacy, etc. - but the writing focused on women and their agency, resilience, and survival so that kept me going. I would recommend this book. I'm going to check out more from this author.
divad785's review against another edition
4.0
I have always liked J. California Cooper’s writing and this book was one of my favorites. It spans the life of a slave and her family lineage. I love how it shows the family experience slavery to freedom. Wonderfully written!