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lundyd98's review against another edition
1.0
It had potential; however, I did not like this book at all. Perhaps had I not first read Wench, which was really good, and Take My Hand, which was excellent.
akgeekgirl's review
emotional
reflective
medium-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
3.25
red_steele's review against another edition
3.0
1. The voice actor Lisa Renee Pitts provided a four star performance. I enjoyed her ability to speak in different voices for each character, allowing the listener to differentiate between multiple characters.
2. True rating is 3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book more than Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s debut novel Wench. Her writing is beautiful and poetic at times, and I can see growth between her books. The author did a better job with character development compared to her first book Wench; however, at times the progression was slow.
In both books (Wench and Balm), I noticed Perkins-Valdez writes about some of the characters belief in Christianity; however, there is at least one person who practices another form of religion.
3. The main theme illustrated in this book is healing and forgiveness. The three main characters, Madge, Hemp and Sadie are all emotionally wounded and coping with grief in different ways. The title of the book “Balm” is fitting. As these three characters search for answers, their paths unexpectedly collide, weaving their stories together as they start new chapters in life.
4. The post-Civil War period, added to each character’s complexity of pain.
Sadie is a young Caucasian woman who was given in marriage to a man she did not know, and in exchange her parents received a lucrative bride price. Sadie’s life was thrust into a dark existence after her husband and mother died.
Madge is a Black free-born woman from Tennessee, who left home and sought a new beginning in Chicago. At a young age, she discovered that the three women who raised her (including her mother) treated her as an interloper, leaving Madge hurt and feeling unloved.
Hemp is an enslaved Black man born in Kentucky, and relocated to Chicago with the help of a missionary. His sole mission is to locate his wife Annie, who was sold to another plantation leaving Him emotionally destitute.
5. Overall I enjoyed this book better than the author’s first book Wench; however, I struggled with the abrupt ending. I wanted more closure concerning the three characters.
2. True rating is 3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book more than Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s debut novel Wench. Her writing is beautiful and poetic at times, and I can see growth between her books. The author did a better job with character development compared to her first book Wench; however, at times the progression was slow.
In both books (Wench and Balm), I noticed Perkins-Valdez writes about some of the characters belief in Christianity; however, there is at least one person who practices another form of religion.
3. The main theme illustrated in this book is healing and forgiveness. The three main characters, Madge, Hemp and Sadie are all emotionally wounded and coping with grief in different ways. The title of the book “Balm” is fitting. As these three characters search for answers, their paths unexpectedly collide, weaving their stories together as they start new chapters in life.
4. The post-Civil War period, added to each character’s complexity of pain.
Sadie is a young Caucasian woman who was given in marriage to a man she did not know, and in exchange her parents received a lucrative bride price. Sadie’s life was thrust into a dark existence after her husband and mother died.
Madge is a Black free-born woman from Tennessee, who left home and sought a new beginning in Chicago. At a young age, she discovered that the three women who raised her (including her mother) treated her as an interloper, leaving Madge hurt and feeling unloved.
Hemp is an enslaved Black man born in Kentucky, and relocated to Chicago with the help of a missionary. His sole mission is to locate his wife Annie, who was sold to another plantation leaving Him emotionally destitute.
5. Overall I enjoyed this book better than the author’s first book Wench; however, I struggled with the abrupt ending. I wanted more closure concerning the three characters.
drmelreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
4.0
Balm takes place right after the civil way has ended and follows three main characters who had interesting stories. One, a widow who has become a medium and can now talk to ghosts. Another, a woman born to women who healed, who has the power to feel illness with her hands. And a man newly freed from enslavement who is searching for his wife and child. The three stories are singular, but woven together gracefully. Of course reading during October I was intrigued in the supernatural aspects of the story, but also in how each of these three worked to uplift their own lives using the means they had. I enjoyed the book as this was a good listen for leisurely dog walks.
ailiscr32's review against another edition
4.0
Good book. Beautifully written. Felt almost too slow at the start, but it arrived at the right pace by the middle. A lovely story of people healing and growing.
indianajane's review against another edition
4.0
If you want a book that is a clear narrative, this is not for you. This book was beautiful and frustrating by turns, but, in the end, I'm glad that I read it.
aamccartan's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this a lot. It wasn't necessarily something I loved, but as a historical fiction/magical realism take on the immediate post-Civil War era, I thought it was very well rendered. I really liked the way the author handled all of the characters (though Madge & Hemp's stories drew me in the most). Sweet, thoughtful, with some beautifully-written passages throughout.
karissakate's review against another edition
2.0
This book was okay. I liked the characters but I found myself just constantly wanting more from the story and wishing I was more engaged. I wouldn't say it was a waste of time but I woudln't necessarily say it was good either. It was just okay.
chelsl's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-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
2.5