Suzanne Feldman's Blog - Posts Tagged "library-journal"
Review from Library Journal!
A really nice review from Library Journal...
Absalom's Daughters.
Feldman, Suzanne (Author)
Jul 2016. 272 p. Holt, hardcover, $26. (9781627794534).
In 1950s Mississippi, half-black, half-white Cassie works for her grandmother, a woman who orchestrates
the births in her family so that her descendants can, one day, pass for white. Intelligent, hardworking, but
directionless, Cassie befriends her fully white half sister, Judith, a compulsive liar who dreams of
becoming a radio star. When they discover that their deadbeat dad will inherit money, they embark on a
road trip to get their due from the man who abandoned them. As the teenagers meet people warm and
hostile during their travels, they experience the elation of freedom and the constrictions of racism.
Although one crucial supernatural chapter in Feldman’s ambitious debut may deter those who prefer
straight historical fiction, open-minded readers will appreciate how this unusual opportunity allows Cassie
to decide who she wants to be and how she wants to live her life. Feldman’s quick read will appeal to
Faulkner fans with its references to Absalom, Absalom! (1936) and to all who will be intrigued by how
two girls discover their true identities in a place determined to limit their options.
— Biz Hyzy
Absalom's Daughters.
Feldman, Suzanne (Author)
Jul 2016. 272 p. Holt, hardcover, $26. (9781627794534).
In 1950s Mississippi, half-black, half-white Cassie works for her grandmother, a woman who orchestrates
the births in her family so that her descendants can, one day, pass for white. Intelligent, hardworking, but
directionless, Cassie befriends her fully white half sister, Judith, a compulsive liar who dreams of
becoming a radio star. When they discover that their deadbeat dad will inherit money, they embark on a
road trip to get their due from the man who abandoned them. As the teenagers meet people warm and
hostile during their travels, they experience the elation of freedom and the constrictions of racism.
Although one crucial supernatural chapter in Feldman’s ambitious debut may deter those who prefer
straight historical fiction, open-minded readers will appreciate how this unusual opportunity allows Cassie
to decide who she wants to be and how she wants to live her life. Feldman’s quick read will appeal to
Faulkner fans with its references to Absalom, Absalom! (1936) and to all who will be intrigued by how
two girls discover their true identities in a place determined to limit their options.
— Biz Hyzy
