THE HOUSE ON OCTAVIA STREET: A NOVEL

by Jacqueline La Tourrette

Genres: Gothic

315 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1984

About the author

pseud. of Jacqueline Gibeson

Reviews

[Lissa Notreallywolf]

The istoracity of this book is possibly questionable-I hate seeing the demonization of an African American woman who was unquestionably powerful in San Francisco before and after the Civil War. I have been fascinated by Mary Ellen Pleasant and her protege, Theresa Bell for many years, having lived close to the home Theresa Bell died in up between Noe Valley and Glen Park. The book skips some familiar anecdotes, like how Muni, the transit railway was never segregated because Mary Ellen Pleasant was a passenger the cheif of police would not alienate when she was recognized as a very light African American. But her mismatched yees, her participation in the Underground railway are in this book. Her career as a jockey doesn't seem to make it in to this narrative. But let me discuss what is there-is the estate Beltane in Half Moon Bay real? Common knowledge does indicate that ME Pleasant substituted the children of her prostitutes or actually call girls, into leading San Francisco families. La Tourette makes much of this, and it's the core of her novel. She delves more closely into Ralston's death after being bankrupted by Sharon, who later became a senator. I think one of their widows also had an interesting life with Thimas Lake Harris. I'm inclined to read Michelle Cliff's novel on Pleasant as a balancing factor for this one, but I can't say this wasn't a fascinating read.
Pleasant used Voudon to keep her emanicipated slaves and loose women in line. She was involved in restaurant and sex trade in Gold Rush San Francisco. Her mismatched eyes and unfailing youth, well into her seventies. She used the servants, mostly African American and her girls as a means of amassing a substantial amount of insider information on finances. She also was reputed to have used secret passages in her rooming house and the mansion on Octavia Street. She died in a rooming house near chinatown, nearly peniless, whereas Theresa Bell lived a very quiet life thereafter. She wasa certainly involved in the ruin of many poerful men-Ralston, Sharon, Bell. I'd like to know more, and this novel did nothing but fuel my curiousity. I have read some of the newspaper accounts from that time, but the papers were so sensational and racist it's hard to determine the reality. Perhaps I will see if there are interviews with this author, as well as examining hte Black feminist, Michelle Cliff's work. Good book though, in terms of compelling fiction.

[Joanne]

This was a library read that fascinated me because of the title. Many years ago, I stayed on Octavia Street in San Francisco and the book jacket sounded like an interesting story. Boy, was I surprised.

First, this was based on true events. San Francisco in the 1870’s was still bustling from the Gold Rush and Teresa Percy arrives in the port from the East Coast without much to her name. Mary Ellen (Mammy) Pleasant comes to her rescue and gives Teresa a chance at fine living as a lady of social standing. Unfortunately, it comes with a price! Mammy has her own dark history coming from New Orleans. She’s secretive and known by many for her good works especially amongst the colored and indigent communities. Mammy does not give charity for the sake of being compassionate; you will find there is a reason for everything she does.

What amazed me were the twists, turns, tricks and manipulations the story weaves. Living behind the walls of fine San Francisco real estate there’s a hidden story waiting to be told. Superstitions, greed, deception and love are prominent in the house on Octavia Street otherwise known as The Mystery House. This book is interesting in the history is it based on and the psychological makeup of the unique women who live on Octavia Street. Definitely a page turner!