Reviews

The Book of Harlan by Bernice L. McFadden

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southernsufi's review against another edition

5.0

what a fantastic story based on the lives of the author's ancestors! I read it quickly in just a couple of nights. I could not put it down.

pleoniesmith's review against another edition

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3.0

Such solid storytelling for 3/4 of the book. The book was strongest when the story stuck to Harlan and his closest family and friends. It faltered when she made the world of the book bigger. It veered into telling, not showing and took some of the pleasure out of reading for me. It's my first McFadden. I will be reading more from her in the future.

sammisaysread's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

jmtaylor1981's review against another edition

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4.0

This was my first Bernice McFadden and I can guarantee that it won't be the last. Well written, this story hooks you from the jump and doesn't let you go.

misterintensity's review against another edition

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4.0

The Book of Harlan tells the life story of an African American jazz musician from Harlem who was sent to a Nazi concentration camp while performing in Paris. Bernice L. McFadden is a writer who says a lot with as few words as a possible. Her concise, spare, folksy prose allows the reader to move through the story easily. The book is about 400 pages but it comprehensively covers the entire life of Harlan Elliott, including his parents’ courtship. Readers are given enough information to keep the story moving without getting bogged down in anything extraneous to the story. Historical personalities and events are often markers of time rather than detailed explanation of historical events in this sweeping book which spanned a good portion of the twentieth century. As we follow Harlan throughout his life, at times he comes across as unlikable but ultimately he is sympathetic because while he has made his share of mistakes, he also gets swept into circumstances and situations that are beyond his control.

http://blackreadersadvisory.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-book-of-harlan-by-bernice-l-mcfadden.html

kaya217's review against another edition

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5.0

Well written story. Very interesting. I had never thought of poc being detained in Nazi camps. Good read.

shoshthemost's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny informative reflective sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

aprisky's review against another edition

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5.0

My first by this author - what a storyteller! Beautifully edited and crafted, rich multi dimensional characters who will stay with me for some time. Superb!

Addendum: I reread this in preparation for Book Club, at a more leisurely pace. This time I took the time to look up every person, word and reference that was new to me - starting with the first page "Juneteenth," the Mary Bruce Dancers, many of the musicians. My second read became another great experience, and our group unanimously enjoyed.

jendella's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

bekah_belle's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Content Warnings

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