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A review by beverleefernandez
In Search of Satisfaction by J. California Cooper
3.0
I have mixed feelings about In Search of Satisfaction. Part of me is glad Hosanna & her family found love and was able to rise out of poverty. The other part of me is disappointed in underlying message- namely that a woman should seek a good man to love in order to be complete. I think a person needs to find what satisfies or makes them and happy & then maybe seek someone to share their life, if so desired.
I must remember this is a morality tale. Ms. Cooper's presentation of the characters clearly illustrate who's good and who's bad. Carlene Befoe- clearly the devil's child, Richard Befoe, her uncle, devil (incestuous relationship) both are also extremely rich. Hosanna, Luke, Lovey, Lettie- children of Ruth & Joel are fundamentally good, though not perfect, which is human (a definite plus). Yinyang is the only character who moves between good and evil (probably because of her name).
I thought the story was unique and the way the characters are connected in Yoville gave the impression of a small community where everyone knows each other, for better or worse. What I didn't like was the preachy, self righteousness sometimes ascribed to the good people though I suppose it's meant to counter the terrible behavior of the bad. The ending found most everyone satisfied except Yin, though there's a brief allusion to more evil coming by way of Carlton and Emily.
This text is definitely important to read, especially from a womanist perspective. I admire the women's ability to not be dependent on men for financial security, but to acknowledge they desire love and not be afraid to pursue it. I may not agree with the prevailing attitude, but I admire their honesty.
I must remember this is a morality tale. Ms. Cooper's presentation of the characters clearly illustrate who's good and who's bad. Carlene Befoe- clearly the devil's child, Richard Befoe, her uncle, devil (incestuous relationship) both are also extremely rich. Hosanna, Luke, Lovey, Lettie- children of Ruth & Joel are fundamentally good, though not perfect, which is human (a definite plus). Yinyang is the only character who moves between good and evil (probably because of her name).
I thought the story was unique and the way the characters are connected in Yoville gave the impression of a small community where everyone knows each other, for better or worse. What I didn't like was the preachy, self righteousness sometimes ascribed to the good people though I suppose it's meant to counter the terrible behavior of the bad. The ending found most everyone satisfied except Yin, though there's a brief allusion to more evil coming by way of Carlton and Emily.
This text is definitely important to read, especially from a womanist perspective. I admire the women's ability to not be dependent on men for financial security, but to acknowledge they desire love and not be afraid to pursue it. I may not agree with the prevailing attitude, but I admire their honesty.