The House of Eve by Sadequa Johnson
Excellent story by Sadequa Johnson! At times it was hard to read because the truth can sometimes be painful. About halfway through the book I began to piece together how the paths of Ruby and Elenore might pass.
Eleanor was a student at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Ruby was a high schooler in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ruby lives with her aunt, Marie after her mother kicks her out. She works hard trying to receive a four-year scholarship to Cheney State University. Ruby was from a small town in Ohio. Her parents worked extremely hard to send her to Howard. Her mother baked cakes and other goodies to sell.
While the story takes place in the late 1940s, I was relatively surprised that racism was alive and well in Philadelphia. I don’t know, I thought Phillie was fairly progressive, back in the day. Wrong! Although African Americans had their enclave in North Phillie, they had to shop in downtown Phillie for clothes. That was indeed a degrading experience.
Eleanor had a different type of problem. She had to deal with colorism. That was absolutely not surprising to me. At Howard, she was given the side eye by her lighter-skinned schoolmates who were from the creme de la creme of Washington's elitist society. Eleanor didn’t meet the paper bag or the comb test.
Both Eleanor and Ruby had to endure the consequences of their choices. Both were strong in their way and had to rely on their inner toughness to survive, then thrive in their situations.
I loved this story! Sadequa used the vernacular of the era through her dialog. I was transported back in time. I could hear the music of the era in my ears. Her writing style was engaging. I will read her other books.
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Damita J.
A Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2023
I took a week cruise to the Caribbean. I didn’t think I would have time to read the book, but I read it from cover to cover in a matter of days! The story of two females from different worlds - their journey, how they cross paths, is nothing short of amazing. I was glued to the stories. Although each chapter jumped from the two characters, it flowed perfectly.
This book is a must read and will not disappoint!
This book is a must read and will not disappoint!
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Eraiza
Excellent Read
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2023
I was mesmerized with the two stories and how they connected. I cried in the middle and at the end, there is loss, happiness, love, hope and joy. Great read! Will look for more books from this author.
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Top Seller
High praise to the brave young women
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2023
Top reviews from other countries
lolly rugs
A beautiful but heartbreaking story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 17, 2023
