I had such high hopes for this read but i didn’t connect with it like I would have wanted. I have read another book by this author that I really enjoyed and this one just didn’t have the same impact.

I could see that this book has really important issues raised within it, filled with family dynamics, violence, race, religion, huge important factors but for me it took some time before I really got into it. It took me ages to read a book that isn’t all that big! I found it really hard work to read, for me it was far from a page turner at first but I kept going back. Topic wise it was a bit heavy for my current mindset and even though I didn’t want to stop reading it I found it to be a hard slog.

I liked that it was written from the perspective of different people which shed light upon actions and attitudes within the family. There were twists and turns and lots of sinners and sins with complicated twisting tales. There were people on pedestals that had made great mistakes in their past and continued to do so in their present, hiding behind religion, misconceptions and a sensation of being trapped and the obvious anger that dominated the story line.

Posted this book on the forum to see if anyone wanted to read it next and got a response! Hope you enjoy!

Arrived safely. Many thanks for sharing I look forward to reading it.

As you would expect the novel is peppered with biblical references that evoke the spirit and realism of the black church and a community struggling with its demons.

"The rebirth of the soul is perpetual; only rebirth every hour could stay the hand of Satan."

The novel is semi-autobiographical and consequently reflects Baldwin's own religious doubts, experiences as well as his difficult relationship with his own father. The story features some very complex issues and whilst it is undoubtedly well written it failed to really grab me somehow meaning that I found it an OK read rather than a good one.

Going out as part of a swap. Enjoy!

This has arrived safely in Edinburgh! Thanks for swapping 4evagreen!

I really enjoyed the rhythm of the text as some of it felt like the rhythm of preaching and I like how the author did that. What a book full of pain though. It really illustrates the cycle of violence brought about by fear and anger, and how difficult it can be to break that, especially if there seems to be no change in surrounding circumstances. I liked hearing the different stories and voices, my fave was probably Florence. I can understand why Baldwin felt he had to write this book before being able to write others. Thanks very much for sharing this one. I've spotted it on another wishlist so plan to get it travelling very soon.

And off it goes to Nataliec7 to grant a wish. Happy reading!

Thanks so much for sending me this wish list book bookfrogster! You’re spoiling me :)