Lenny Gray

by Earl Sewell

Set in early 20th century Mississippi, Lenny Gray yearns for life beyond the suffocating walls that enclose her within. She has known from an early age that she is meant to live a better life, but she is hemmed in by the limits imposed on women and particularly African American women.

Lenny Gray is set in motion when she attempts to escape from marriage to a loathsome man. Under the cloak of nightfall, Lenny rushes towards nearby train tracks to begin her walk north towards a better future. Before long, she is caught by Curly, the father of her unborn child, who gives her an ultimatum.

Genres: Historical

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2018

Reviews

[Maya B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fast paced read. Full of history. I could tell the author did a lot of research for this novel. Set in the post slavery, reconstruction, and the post reconstruction era this is the story of Lenny Grey. Very vivid characters and I could really picture the story as I was reading.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Earl Sewell gives an impeccable performance of the South at its best, from its rich south racism to its hard labor of hiding slavery under so many hidden legal forms of acceptance. The opening of the story shows a glimpse of character Lenny Gray’s backdrop of where she came from an octoroon mom who could live comfortably in her skin to pass for white but it didn't stop her craving for black men, on the other hand although Lenny gray skin was shades lighter she didn't want to hide in her skin she wanted to show that she is so much more and wanted more for herself smart strong and a woman of courage from her strength of spirituality to her love for self-empowerment this is a very rich story of reflection family and is very current to how far we have come. Thank you Author Earl Sewell for a very rich performance.

[Lori Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical novel

This book was a look into the tortured minds of the southern black folks in the south. Not technically slaves but not free either and led to believe their reality was the only option. It shows the constant pain and suffering a black woman went through every single day, yet continuing to hold strong to her faith. As a white person working on my own racial reconciliation, this book make me look at things through yet another lens. And reiterate that the times we live in now are really not that much different for many black women living in poverty. It has definitely left me with a lot to think about as I continue to understand what my action will be for the modern day Lenny Grays.