Beautifully read, and probably provocative to some

I listened to this and was hooked from the beginning. The writing is superb and I thought the reader did an outstanding job. She really brought the book alive. I realize the book makes some hard comments about race and stereotypes, and maybe these are not as prevalent as they were when the book was written, but I would propose that all these ways of thinking still exist, whether we want to acknowledge it or not. I admit it was strong in that regard, and as a white woman I don't think I have the experience to argue otherwise. As someone whose family is from the region discussed, I think there is a great deal of truth in the writer's words, and maybe we could all benefit from recognizing there is still a lot more progress we can make in exposing and eradicating racism. I just loved the writing most of all, and I would recommend this to others who enjoy a well written story and can stay open-minded to the relevance of Blanche's experience.

7 people found this helpful

For what it’s worth I think it’s a Gem

I’m white so please read this review through that filter or forgo reading it if that suits you better. I am grateful for this book and having been able to read it once in my teens in the late 90s, and then find it again here on audible. This book, through Blanche’s confident perspective, taught me that the silent spaces I encounter in racially tense encounters are NOT places I can project my own narrative and to do so would dismiss a deeper pragmatism and emotional reality that Blanche represents. Obviously I cannot compare my experience against Blanche’s (both racially and also being an adult in a time before cell phones and internet) to hold the story up to any scrutiny regarding plausibility. I found it compelling.
A side note, however: I am a bit skeptical it is 100% unabridged. I remember a scene with her bonding with Ardell over recovering from sexual trauma that seems absent. Perhaps it was in a later book....

5 people found this helpful

Insulting

This book is filled with bad stereotypes and a ridiculous predictable plot. I couldn't finish listening.

4 people found this helpful

Not For Me

I'm sure Barbara Neely is a talented writer. However, I don't like to read about characters who constantly make stupid decisions. I returned this book after chapter 6 because I simply couldn't force myself to listen anymore.

3 people found this helpful

mystery novel of note

i loved this book. Barbara Neely is a smart mystery novelist and i like her cheeky style.

2 people found this helpful

Good but not great

This was a good story but the narrator could have been better. There was an over pronunciation of words that took getting used to. The voices were better than the regular reading and sounded more natural if that makes any sense.

1 person found this helpful

My introduction to Ms. Neely

I struggled in beginning but is was worth it.
Ending was shall I say interesting.

Good story...enjoyed this book!

Loved it! The narration was wonderful, filled with genuine expression and emotion! I highly recommend it!