These Same Long Bones

by Gwendolyn M. Parker

After bank president Sirus McDougald's daughter dies, he must recover from grief in time to prevent white power brokers from destroying the cohesion of his middle-class, segregated, southern black community. A first novel. 25,000 first printing. $25,000 ad/promo. Tour.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

260 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing deserves four or five stars; very insightful and all-around solid. The three stars are for personal enjoyment. 😉

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book on my to-read list for a long time. And even once I decided to read it while on my vacation, I didn't get to this until the end of my time off.

What I found, once I got started, was a book that was fascinating in itself and that contrasted well with The Help. These Long Bones takes place in Durham in the 1950's. I believe that Parker wants to show what black communities were like when they were fairly self supported or at least appeared so. This would have been before the period that The Help takes place in.

I think Gwendolyn Parker is nostalgic for a point in African-American life like many people are nostalgic for other eras of history. I am glad I read her novel - I found the premise interesting and I found Sirus to be fascinating. However, I believe the time period that Parker seems to find "good" may only exist in her book and in her mind.

[gaudeo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. It depicts especially well the struggles of parents after the death of a child (not a spoiler), as well as the vagaries of small-town sentiments. At times, the writing draws attention to itself with a not-quite-apt metaphor, simile, or description, so I was taken out of its sphere more than I wanted to be. But I enjoyed the characterization and the community the author creates.

[Lady Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

A former resident of Durham, which I loved, I looked forward for a long time to reading this book. However, I found the dialogue poor and the characters unengaging. I just couldn't get into it. When I was 133 pages into its 260 pages and felt the same way, I realized I was never going to and gave up.

[Sis3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a character study more than a plot driven book. Aileen and Sirus have a child who is the center of their world. Set in the Black section of Durham NC, this small town reels after the unexpected and tragic death of Mattie. This author zeroes in on emotions and expectations of the bereaving family ans also the neighbors. In addition to this, Sirus has to hold the town together. As a respected businessman, something has to be done to keep this small village moving forward. Well done! I liked this writing style.

[Meatball · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing is very beautiful and emotional when it describes certain characters. It was a solid read for me as well as immersive. I could picture what Sirus envisioned when he describes the dream he sees when purchasing land for his community. I liked that about him. It made seem very human. All in all, the cast of characters was great and I liked this book. 8/10 Would recommend.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving, beautiful. I missed the chatacters when I was done.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A black family upturned at the death of only daughter. Sirus, the father, responsible to family & community must continue. It's a story of how they get through.

Lovely, intelligent man broken down by events. He ultimately pulls himself back together, bringing those who rely on ihim back on an even keel as well.