A review by zoes_human
The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis
5.0
Right out the gate, I'd like to say that Ms. Turpin should perform all the audiobooks. This was the most exceptional single-narrator performance I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. She had me utterly convinced throughout that every character and every emotion was real. I couldn't honestly tell you how much of the book was amazing because Mr. Curtis is an exceptional author and how much was because she nailed the performance.
As for the story itself, it is a magnificent piece of middle-grade historical fiction. It weaves the suffering of the Great Depression, especially as experienced by African Americans, into a powerful narrative of one family's struggle to survive. It also touches on the significance of the 1936 boxing match between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling. It is heartbreaking at times and uplifting at others. It speaks to the power of hope, family, optimism, and perseverance. It examines the racism of the time through a prism that allows you to better see the racism of our time. This may well be one of the finest works of children's historical fiction ever produced. Adults would be remiss to bypass this one simply because of the reading level.
Do NOT skip the afterword either. Mr. Curtis expands on the social significance of the boxing match in addition to addressing his concerns about income inequality and poverty in this country.
As for the story itself, it is a magnificent piece of middle-grade historical fiction. It weaves the suffering of the Great Depression, especially as experienced by African Americans, into a powerful narrative of one family's struggle to survive. It also touches on the significance of the 1936 boxing match between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling. It is heartbreaking at times and uplifting at others. It speaks to the power of hope, family, optimism, and perseverance. It examines the racism of the time through a prism that allows you to better see the racism of our time. This may well be one of the finest works of children's historical fiction ever produced. Adults would be remiss to bypass this one simply because of the reading level.
Do NOT skip the afterword either. Mr. Curtis expands on the social significance of the boxing match in addition to addressing his concerns about income inequality and poverty in this country.