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tatesomne's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed Gaines' writing. This is my first book by him and it was an great introduction. It reminds me of Toni Morrison's erry writing style. This definitely feels like a story your grandpa tells you on the back porch.
megannewsome's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
ronsavjr's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
foxreadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
There's a lot to dig into with this one, especially with history and generational divisions. The characters are developed, but the internal conflict sometimes drags on a little too long.
fox_reads_books's review against another edition
3.0
There's a lot to dig into with this one, especially with history and generational divisions. The characters are developed, but the internal conflict sometimes drags on a little too long.
kimg1208's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cainwaogu's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliant! Iceberg-esque literature! Still working through my thoughts...
melyssa57's review against another edition
3.0
Read all of my reviews at: bit.ly/PageBedtime
In My Father's House by Ernest J. Gaines was the June read-along with one of my online book clubs. The book itself if relatively short, but there is a lot of detail contained in this story set in the 60s during the Civil Rights Movement in the small town of St. Adrienne, Louisiana. The story begins with a mystery man, Robert X, who comes to town. His entrance directs the story to the revered Reverend Philip Martin. During the course of the novel, we learn than Reverend Martin has led two lives, and the house of cards he so carefully built is all about to fall down due to the presence of the young Robert X.
This is the first book I've read by Gaines. I found his writing to be simple yet powerful; clear yet descriptive. He captured the essence of the time period and the struggles that many people of color were facing during that time. He presented the story in a fair way that left me thinking about it for days after I've finished reading it. Having read this book, I'd definitely be interested in reading more of his writing.
I think if I could have read this story when it was first published in the late 70s, it would probably have had a higher rating. However, more than 40 years later, some of the plot just made me frustrated because we've come so far. So, even though the book was short, it was difficult for me to plow through. Not only because of the status of African Americans but also women. I think I struggled with Reverend Martin's treatment of his wife (as well as her acceptance) more than anything. But those were the times.
Recommendation: This was a good read. I don't know that I would have picked it up on my own, but I am thankful it was selected for our monthly book club reading.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at: bit.ly/PageBedtime
In My Father's House by Ernest J. Gaines was the June read-along with one of my online book clubs. The book itself if relatively short, but there is a lot of detail contained in this story set in the 60s during the Civil Rights Movement in the small town of St. Adrienne, Louisiana. The story begins with a mystery man, Robert X, who comes to town. His entrance directs the story to the revered Reverend Philip Martin. During the course of the novel, we learn than Reverend Martin has led two lives, and the house of cards he so carefully built is all about to fall down due to the presence of the young Robert X.
This is the first book I've read by Gaines. I found his writing to be simple yet powerful; clear yet descriptive. He captured the essence of the time period and the struggles that many people of color were facing during that time. He presented the story in a fair way that left me thinking about it for days after I've finished reading it. Having read this book, I'd definitely be interested in reading more of his writing.
I think if I could have read this story when it was first published in the late 70s, it would probably have had a higher rating. However, more than 40 years later, some of the plot just made me frustrated because we've come so far. So, even though the book was short, it was difficult for me to plow through. Not only because of the status of African Americans but also women. I think I struggled with Reverend Martin's treatment of his wife (as well as her acceptance) more than anything. But those were the times.
Recommendation: This was a good read. I don't know that I would have picked it up on my own, but I am thankful it was selected for our monthly book club reading.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at: bit.ly/PageBedtime
readermonica's review against another edition
4.0
This was our June discussion book for our Goodreads group.
Gaines is one of my favorite authors, so it was no surprise that I enjoyed this one again. Gaines has a way of giving his characters depth and interest in a very compact and precise way. I enjoy that he seems to give his readers just enough information to make inferences for motivation, consequences, and in some cases whether or not the truth has been told. Gains is not an author who over explains or gives too much detail. If you are looking to start reading Black literary fiction that's a little older (this was first published in 1978) I would recommend this one. It's a good example of Gaines' concise yet impactful writing style.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @MonlatReader
Instagram: @readermonica
Facebook: Monica Reeds
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
Gaines is one of my favorite authors, so it was no surprise that I enjoyed this one again. Gaines has a way of giving his characters depth and interest in a very compact and precise way. I enjoy that he seems to give his readers just enough information to make inferences for motivation, consequences, and in some cases whether or not the truth has been told. Gains is not an author who over explains or gives too much detail. If you are looking to start reading Black literary fiction that's a little older (this was first published in 1978) I would recommend this one. It's a good example of Gaines' concise yet impactful writing style.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @MonlatReader
Instagram: @readermonica
Facebook: Monica Reeds
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
judithgo04's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
3.0