Reviews

‘White peoples don’t sing no blues, ‘cause they ain’t got no blues. But they indirectly responsible for the music, ‘cause they sure be giving black folks the blues’.
This was such a good read. And as always, still very relevant.

shanaetheflyest's review against another edition

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5.0

I just finished reading "Your Blues Ain't Like Mine" and all I can say is, "Wow!" Bebe Moore Campbell (may she rest in peace) wrote a really fantastic historical fiction novel. The language was beautiful! I'm fascinated by Campbell's writing. I am still trying to figure out how she managed to switch narrative voices, so accurately, with so many characters. Each character had a distinct voice. For example, the strongest characters, Delotha, Ida, Mamie, and Doreen all have a completely different voice, despite having the same struggle and the same roots. Campbell tackles several painful familial issues including self-hate, alcoholism, and lovelessness and she describes their affects on people so consumed by these issues that they embody the hatred, the alcohol and the lovelessness just to get through the day. Moreover, Campbell's depiction of the men in this novel, all weak, and yet still so strong, is amazing - one might assume that a man wrote the novel, Campbell is so in tune with the feelings men (must) have when they cannot make money, provide for their families, and feel oppressed by society. Additionally, this expression by Campbell is made so much more perfect by the fact that she shows that men are men regardless of race. I mean, it's brilliant. The very fact that Campbell can present 20, 30 and 40 years of American history in 332 pages (according to my copy) and still have the time to discuss the people and how they relate to the socio-political regress and progress of their surroundings. Campbell's depiction of Black America is astounding and while reading her novel, I couldn't help but feel as if I, too, were in Mississippi, on Mamie's porch listening to the field of singing niggers; living and loving in Chicago - finally free of my motherly responsibilities, able to be just a sensual woman; and feeling the anguish and frustration that come after having my nation dilly out rights to those my father said were meant to serve me. This is one of the best novels I've read in quite a while. Campbell captures the spirit of America in this novel. My only upset is that we, the reader, along with W.T. never got to hear what Odessa, William, Wydell, and Delotha used to sing.

yaezerra's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
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

onceandfuturelaura's review against another edition

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3.0

Begins with a heartrending, barely fictionalized retelling of the murder of Emmett Till, here called Armstrong. Goes on to follow the killers and the (other) victims of the killing and the vast apparatus that made the killing happen over the decades. The first half of the book was just as gripping as it was when I read it 20 years ago; enough that it made me realize I’ve confused Armstrong and Emmitt Till pretty deeply. The second part something of a let down. I grieved for Armstrong’s mother, and I really wanted to like her too. But her intense hunger for another son, coupled with her grief at the birth of and dismissal of her daughters made liking her impossible for me. That part must not have left a big impression because I had zero memory of reading it before.

The ending was a bit contrived, but I liked it. Wove together our common heritage, frailties and all.

I miss Bebe Moore Campbell’s editorials on NPR.

lyloster's review against another edition

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challenging emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

mxleigh's review against another edition

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5.0

This novel is surely revolutionary. Not the thing you'd take for light reading. There's just too much in it. The words are full. The words aren't mediocre and trash. The words paint. Some passages are poetic, but not the type any one will try too hard to get to understand. The metaphors are as understandable as the songs of the soul.

I am fascinated by the way Campbell told the story in different points of view, that you can't just bring yourself to love one character and one character alone. Campbell can easily make anyone understand that blues ain't the same, identical blues for every body.

And really, the aftermath of Armstrong's death is as powerful as an extended arm from the grave. This is a great work. The characters are still haunting me even after I got to close the book.

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