What do you think?
Rate this book
Camilla's Roses
The poignant tale of a woman who discovers the fragility of life and the strength of a family’s love, from an author praised by Toni Morrison for “searing, expertly imagined scenes”
Known for bringing to life a host of endearing characters who reveal tender truths about humanity, Bernice L. McFadden now turns her storytelling talents to an unforgettable and deeply troubled woman named Camilla.
Unfolding in a progression of stirring and powerful chapters, Camilla’s Roses presents a life haunted by the past. Camilla’s childhood was immersed in chaos and love, and steeped in the myth of perfection. As an adult, she never looked back, refusing to acknowledge the people and places that had scarred her so many years ago. But a legacy of cancer proves inescapable, forcing Camilla to embrace the past—no matter how painful it may be—and to salvage what is left of her love in order to save her daughter. As Camilla discovers the bittersweet limitations of motherhood and reconciliation, she also awakens an inspiring message about the mortality issues we all must face.
The author of four bestselling novels, Bernice L. McFadden receives consistent accolades from reviewers coast to coast, and has captured the hearts of thousands of readers. With Camilla’s Roses, she is poised to win over her widest audience yet.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 22, 2004
40 people are currently reading
850 people want to read
About the author
Bernice L. McFadden
21 books2,264 followersBERNICE L. McFADDEN is the author of ten critically acclaimed novels including Praise Song for the Butterflies (Long listed for the 2019 Women's Prize in Fiction ) The Book of Harlan (winner of a 2017 American Book Award and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Fiction) Sugar, Loving Donovan, Nowhere Is a Place, The Warmest December, Gathering of Waters (a New York Times Editors’ Choice and one of the 100 Notable Books of 2012) and Glorious . She is a four-time Hurston/Wright Legacy Award finalist, as well as the recipient of four awards from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA).
McFadden has also penned five novels under the pseudonym: Geneva Holliday
She is a visiting assistant professor of creative writing at Tulane University in New Orleans. She is at work on her sixteenth novel.
McFadden has also penned five novels under the pseudonym: Geneva Holliday
She is a visiting assistant professor of creative writing at Tulane University in New Orleans. She is at work on her sixteenth novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 1, 2017
Camilla’s Roses is Bernice L. McFadden’s sixth novel. I’ll have just reached the halfway mark on my book challenge to read all of her books in order of publication this year. So far this has been an interesting challenge. I’m enjoying observing how her writing style has developed and improved with each novel. https://browngirlreading.com/2017/09/...
July 3, 2016
Wow..
4 stars.
This is one of the saddest stories I have ever read but it was so good. Camilla is a girl with a seriously rough past, where it seemed like the hits just keep on coming. And grows up to move on with her life never to look to look back, but when she is faced with the presence of cancer, Camilla must come to turns with all the self hate and pain that she has buried deep inside herself before it's too late.
There was nothing happy about this whole book. It was pretty much a sad and sometimes painful read from page one, but it kept a strong hold on me. Ms. McFadden is a brilliant storyteller.
4 stars.
This is one of the saddest stories I have ever read but it was so good. Camilla is a girl with a seriously rough past, where it seemed like the hits just keep on coming. And grows up to move on with her life never to look to look back, but when she is faced with the presence of cancer, Camilla must come to turns with all the self hate and pain that she has buried deep inside herself before it's too late.
There was nothing happy about this whole book. It was pretty much a sad and sometimes painful read from page one, but it kept a strong hold on me. Ms. McFadden is a brilliant storyteller.
April 7, 2018
There was a lot of pain in this story. The mother of the girls in the family gave each one a middle name of "Rose." First there was Maggie Rose who never seemed to grow up even after a tragic automobile accident that killed Lloyd, the love of her life. And there was Audrey Rose who could not shake her addiction. The mother, Velma was never able to give Audrey the help she needed and abandoned her emotionally. The father, Chuck tried his hardest to lead Audrey on the right path. Sometimes it's the Dad who loves that child "in spite of."
Audrey got married and bore a baby-girl, Camilla, who should have been the love of Audrey's life. But it was always Velma who did the most for Camilla, while Audrey was doing drugs, stealing anything that could bring a little money, in the street, in prison, while Camilla was watching it all.
Camilla was the smart one, got good grades in school, and went off to a major college. But she could not shake the presence of Audrey from her life. Camilla was fair-skinned to start with, but bleached her skin to remove the presence of Audrey from Camilla's psyche. Camilla married and moved to the suburbs with her husband and baby Zola. When she got cancer, the husband stopped being attentive and cheated on Camilla with one of her best friends.
And then there was the backdrop of September 11, 2001. The whole world was watching. Camilla gathered up her wigs and her baby and went HOME! Home to mother Velma and sister Maggie.
Audrey got married and bore a baby-girl, Camilla, who should have been the love of Audrey's life. But it was always Velma who did the most for Camilla, while Audrey was doing drugs, stealing anything that could bring a little money, in the street, in prison, while Camilla was watching it all.
Camilla was the smart one, got good grades in school, and went off to a major college. But she could not shake the presence of Audrey from her life. Camilla was fair-skinned to start with, but bleached her skin to remove the presence of Audrey from Camilla's psyche. Camilla married and moved to the suburbs with her husband and baby Zola. When she got cancer, the husband stopped being attentive and cheated on Camilla with one of her best friends.
And then there was the backdrop of September 11, 2001. The whole world was watching. Camilla gathered up her wigs and her baby and went HOME! Home to mother Velma and sister Maggie.
February 8, 2015
I am a huge fan of Bernice L. McFadden but this book was not one of my favorites by her. It was very well written but it seemed like she threw in every issue a family could possibly have to make it as dysfunctional as possible...drug abuse, prostitution, (unintentional) incest, mental illness, cancer, sibling betrayal and rivalry, teen pregnancy, adultery...you name it, it's in there. It was also a a lot more sexual than her other books. Overall, I found the story to be both depressing and somewhat unrealistic.
September 9, 2018
Another amazing story! So many layers, so many emotions! Always a lesson!
October 14, 2009
Camilla's Roses, Bernice McFadden's latest release, is told in three parts: the present day when Camilla's husband discovers a lump in her breast, a flashback to the haunting past that she would rather erase, and a return to present day to face reality and her future. Camilla's middle name is Rose and all the women on her maternal side share the same middle name honoring a one-of-a-kind rosebush that only prospers and blooms on her great-great grandmother's land in Southern Georgia despite being stolen and clipped many times over the years.
Camilla suffers from an identify crisis and abandoned her family ten years ago. However, after learning about her childhood, one can understand her self-imposed exodus. Raised in a house full of cousins by her maternal grandmother (Velma Rose) and great aunt (Maggie Rose), Camilla seldom saw her heroin-addicted parents (Audrey Rose and Leroy Brown) and when she did, the results of the visits were disappointing and heartbreaking. Her childhood experiences causes her to develop an identity crisis that leads to serious skin bleaching and lying - to her friends about her family situation and to herself which proves to be most damaging.
With her usual flair, McFadden cuts to the core of humanity and deals with raw pain, loss, and suffering. This book deals with a multitude of issues: breast cancer, the affects of drug addiction, abandonment, self-hate, infidelity, etc. Every character is fully developed with a rich history and strong role in the plot - making it a well told story. The subject matter is dark and harrowing, but there is a silver lining embedded between the lines -- despite the despair, like the rose bush planted so long ago, Camilla and her "Roses" are made with a strong constitution and we are left with a glimmer of hope that they will be all right.
Camilla suffers from an identify crisis and abandoned her family ten years ago. However, after learning about her childhood, one can understand her self-imposed exodus. Raised in a house full of cousins by her maternal grandmother (Velma Rose) and great aunt (Maggie Rose), Camilla seldom saw her heroin-addicted parents (Audrey Rose and Leroy Brown) and when she did, the results of the visits were disappointing and heartbreaking. Her childhood experiences causes her to develop an identity crisis that leads to serious skin bleaching and lying - to her friends about her family situation and to herself which proves to be most damaging.
With her usual flair, McFadden cuts to the core of humanity and deals with raw pain, loss, and suffering. This book deals with a multitude of issues: breast cancer, the affects of drug addiction, abandonment, self-hate, infidelity, etc. Every character is fully developed with a rich history and strong role in the plot - making it a well told story. The subject matter is dark and harrowing, but there is a silver lining embedded between the lines -- despite the despair, like the rose bush planted so long ago, Camilla and her "Roses" are made with a strong constitution and we are left with a glimmer of hope that they will be all right.
January 5, 2021
Bernice does not disappoint. How do you trace a family lineage that runs this deep? She captivates you from the beginning through every intricate detail she unveils. What a talent!
June 25, 2012
i loved this book. found it at dollar tree. i could not put it down!! i like how there were 2 points of view for every story!!
March 9, 2013
I read this book years ago and to this day it's the only book I've ever read that actually evoked tears. I plan to read it again.
March 31, 2015
Emotional, Touching, Captivating, Engaging & Beautiful! A Powerful Story! I Truly Loved It!
August 5, 2022
Surprised that this is our first time reading McFadden. It was a pleasure delayed too long. McFadden weaved layers of these characters sharing peeks into critical conflicts that made each of them rise as main characters of the moment while keeping a handle on the true MCs. The mix of family and life situations that are introduced and managed but not fully explored (Tuesday night intimacy, preacher introducing heroin, 2nd generational breast cancer, grief, etc) brings layers into CAMILLE'S ROSE like pedals of the flower: you know they belong there and removing one would lessen the beauty.
The layered storytelling reads like multiple POV although it isnt and that may be what allows the story to come full circle without the characters having closure.
The layered storytelling reads like multiple POV although it isnt and that may be what allows the story to come full circle without the characters having closure.
March 22, 2019
A down home soul stirring good story
Nothing beats a Bernice McFadden story. The remarkable thing about her writing is that the story moves at such a regular pace before I even realized it I was more than half through the book in one day. I just love the way she can take anybody story and make it so intriguing that you can’t stop reading.
I loved this book. I think this will be my Bernice McFadden year of reading.
Nothing beats a Bernice McFadden story. The remarkable thing about her writing is that the story moves at such a regular pace before I even realized it I was more than half through the book in one day. I just love the way she can take anybody story and make it so intriguing that you can’t stop reading.
I loved this book. I think this will be my Bernice McFadden year of reading.
September 12, 2014
Oh, my gosh! I thank God for coming across Bernice McFadden's books! There are few authors out there whose works completely ensnare me, yet she has done it. Beauty drips from the pen of this author. After reading "Gathering of Waters" earlier this year, I was hungry for more of her works. Only Ms McFadden can write about the most tragic family circumstances and make them appear a thing of beauty. She spins her magic around the reader and compels us to love her characters completely, despite their imperfections. Lately, I have been reading many books that have not left much of an impression on me, so coming across a talented author whose works so eloquently embody that passion is very exciting. Can't wait to read more of her works!
March 23, 2015
Disappointing...
I was very disappointed in this book, particularly after reading Butterfly. There was nothing redeeming in this story. I didn't like the storyline nor the layout...one minute you're reading a particular part and in the next, the sentence has jumped to something entirely different and it takes a moment to realize it and further down it jumps back to the previous part. Like I said, very disappointing and a waste of my time.
I was very disappointed in this book, particularly after reading Butterfly. There was nothing redeeming in this story. I didn't like the storyline nor the layout...one minute you're reading a particular part and in the next, the sentence has jumped to something entirely different and it takes a moment to realize it and further down it jumps back to the previous part. Like I said, very disappointing and a waste of my time.
May 2, 2016
I thoroughly and completely enjoyed this impossible-to-put-down family saga. Written in a strong voice, this novel pulls you in and sets you on the wall of this family's home like a fly with a panoramic view. Full of reality and grit, this is a must read for anyone who loves an expertly told story. These characters will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
Adrienne Thompson
Author of The Been So Long Series
Adrienne Thompson
Author of The Been So Long Series
December 21, 2012
Another great one! I did find, though, that Camilla's Roses moved very fast toward the end. I felt myself going back to be sure I didn't miss anything. The story didn't feel rushed, just fast and moved through several scenes of Camilla's life within a few pages. It was a welcome change from her previous 2 books I've read. I seem to devour these books and I don't mind that at all.
October 3, 2013
I continue to enjoy Bernice McFadden's books, but this time the title character was almost an after thought. She was mostly invisible for the first 2/3s of the book. I found the character development of other family members strong.
May 19, 2008
Didn't like it at all...
May 5, 2016
Three parts, equally touching. Written with great detail that provides real life imagery.
January 17, 2017
Enjoyed this book...realistic events...sad and tragic. I just wish the ending was a little different.
December 3, 2020
#BerniceMcFadden is a fantastic storyteller and this does not disappoint. Very emotional and captivating.
January 11, 2019
Camilla's Roses by Bernice McFadden is a story following a lineage of women that share the same middle name "Rose" passed down through generations since post slavery time.
Camilla Rose is raised by her grandparents in a home filled with sadness,pain, and love.
Her grandmother, Velma Rose, has assumed an unofficial role as matriarch of the family. Throughout this story, Velma is often found to be tired and worn out having raised her wayward children and grandchildren. She was also tasked with taking in her twin sister, Maggie Rose, who is mentally slower than others after a tragic accident that left her a barren widow with one good eye.
When Camilla reaches high school age, she begins an attempt to dissociate herself from her reality which is living in poverty, being a product of a teenage pregnancy, and having not one but two parents that are addicts. Her mother Audrey Rose, pops in and out of Camilla's life, and her father is absent. Each time Audrey returns home, the outcome is disappointing and Camilla's love for her mother decreases more and more. All of this dysfunction, Camilla associates with being black, and since she now attends a predominately white school, she attempts to dissociate herself with her blackness as well.
Camilla's is successful at creating a new life for herself and rewrites her own history by the time she becomes an adult, that is until she is hit with unsuspected news about her health that leaves her no choice but to turn back and face her true self and family history.
This was an emotional read for me as McFadden is famous for novels that pull at your heartstrings. It was refreshing, though, to have a few parts of comic relief from Maggie, who in my opinion, had a pretty sad story herself. I still found myself chuckling out loud when she was in a scene. I would have liked to have read the actual fallout between Camilla and her husband when she caught him with her best friend and also how Camilla and her mother got along after they both returned home.
I would recommend this book along with any other McFadden novel. She is a master storyteller.
Camilla Rose is raised by her grandparents in a home filled with sadness,pain, and love.
Her grandmother, Velma Rose, has assumed an unofficial role as matriarch of the family. Throughout this story, Velma is often found to be tired and worn out having raised her wayward children and grandchildren. She was also tasked with taking in her twin sister, Maggie Rose, who is mentally slower than others after a tragic accident that left her a barren widow with one good eye.
When Camilla reaches high school age, she begins an attempt to dissociate herself from her reality which is living in poverty, being a product of a teenage pregnancy, and having not one but two parents that are addicts. Her mother Audrey Rose, pops in and out of Camilla's life, and her father is absent. Each time Audrey returns home, the outcome is disappointing and Camilla's love for her mother decreases more and more. All of this dysfunction, Camilla associates with being black, and since she now attends a predominately white school, she attempts to dissociate herself with her blackness as well.
Camilla's is successful at creating a new life for herself and rewrites her own history by the time she becomes an adult, that is until she is hit with unsuspected news about her health that leaves her no choice but to turn back and face her true self and family history.
This was an emotional read for me as McFadden is famous for novels that pull at your heartstrings. It was refreshing, though, to have a few parts of comic relief from Maggie, who in my opinion, had a pretty sad story herself. I still found myself chuckling out loud when she was in a scene. I would have liked to have read the actual fallout between Camilla and her husband when she caught him with her best friend and also how Camilla and her mother got along after they both returned home.
I would recommend this book along with any other McFadden novel. She is a master storyteller.
October 18, 2025
A rose is still a Rose. In her poignant narrative centered on Camilla Rose and her family, Bernice McFadden weaves a powerful tale rich with emotion and depth. The story intricately explores the complex relationship between love and pain, illustrating how the two are often inseparable in shaping our experiences. Camilla’s journey of self-discovery amidst her family’s shadowy past reflects a universal struggle for identity, revealing how we often grapple with the expectations of our heritage while seeking to carve out our own paths.
McFadden masterfully portrays the resilience of her characters as they confront deep-seated traumas and the scars left by generational pain. The narrative resonates strongly as it highlights how healing is not linear, but rather a journey that requires vulnerability and courage. Each character embodies the struggle of reconciling their past with their present, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing inherited wounds to foster healthier relationships.
As the story unfolds, the influence of generational trauma becomes increasingly apparent, prompting reflection on how our histories shape our lives. McFadden poignantly illustrates that while the weight of the past can be overwhelming, it can also serve as a catalyst for growth and connection.
Overall, McFadden's exploration of love, pain, identity, and legacy creates a compelling narrative that invites readers to reflect on their own experiences. It’s a deeply moving account of the human condition, urging us to embrace both joy and sorrow as essential parts of our journeys.
January 30, 2025
This book is a gripping and emotionally charged read that pulled me in right from the start. The story follows Camilla, a woman who’s spent her life trying to escape a chaotic, love-filled childhood, seeking perfection in her adult life. But when a cancer diagnosis forces her to revisit her past, she’s confronted with the painful choices and experiences that shaped who she’s become.
At first, I struggled to empathize with Camilla's grandmother, Velma. Her selfishness and harsh treatment of Maggie, made her difficult to like. However, as the story unfolded, I began to understand the depth of Velma’s character and how her actions tied into the larger themes of motherhood, regret, and the need for reconciliation.
What really resonated with me was the emotional depth of the novel, as Camilla comes to terms with the complicated realities of love, loss, and mortality. The story serves as a powerful reminder of how our pasts shape the decisions we make and how far we’re willing to go for those we love—sometimes requiring us to face painful truths. By the end, I found myself reflecting on the choices we all must make in our own journeys toward healing.
Thanks to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton | Plume for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
At first, I struggled to empathize with Camilla's grandmother, Velma. Her selfishness and harsh treatment of Maggie, made her difficult to like. However, as the story unfolded, I began to understand the depth of Velma’s character and how her actions tied into the larger themes of motherhood, regret, and the need for reconciliation.
What really resonated with me was the emotional depth of the novel, as Camilla comes to terms with the complicated realities of love, loss, and mortality. The story serves as a powerful reminder of how our pasts shape the decisions we make and how far we’re willing to go for those we love—sometimes requiring us to face painful truths. By the end, I found myself reflecting on the choices we all must make in our own journeys toward healing.
Thanks to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton | Plume for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
June 24, 2025
Camilla's Roses is a powerful, emotionally charged novella that delves deep into the heart of the Black experience, family ties, and personal identity. Centered on three generations of women, the story captures the resilience and complexity of Black families, especially through Camilla—a woman haunted by her chaotic yet love-filled past.
Though only about 150 pages, the book packs in a range of heavy issues: addiction, mental illness, betrayal, teen pregnancy, and more. Despite this, it remains relatable and deeply human, with rich characters and a heartfelt narrative. The writing is thoughtful and vivid, making it easy to connect with the story and its themes.
This book left a lasting impression on me and I consider it to be a must-read for Black women and anyone who appreciates a raw, beautifully written story of pain, healing, and legacy.
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the ARC.
Though only about 150 pages, the book packs in a range of heavy issues: addiction, mental illness, betrayal, teen pregnancy, and more. Despite this, it remains relatable and deeply human, with rich characters and a heartfelt narrative. The writing is thoughtful and vivid, making it easy to connect with the story and its themes.
This book left a lasting impression on me and I consider it to be a must-read for Black women and anyone who appreciates a raw, beautifully written story of pain, healing, and legacy.
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the ARC.
August 10, 2025
I wasn't too sure if I was going to like this book but after the first chapter I started getting into it.
I enjoyed the book but the story starts down one path, where the story is about Camilla and her life/marriage but then it switches and gives your family back story and then it switches back to present day the last hour of the audiobook and you get a glimpse into Camilla's marriage. There were some parts in this story that are in Bernice McFadden memoir, so that it had me wondering if Camilla is based on Bernice McFadden. This author is not an auto buy author for me but one whose audiobooks I will get from the library. Not an author who I am worried about reading all of her backlist but I will read her books at times.
I enjoyed the book but the story starts down one path, where the story is about Camilla and her life/marriage but then it switches and gives your family back story and then it switches back to present day the last hour of the audiobook and you get a glimpse into Camilla's marriage. There were some parts in this story that are in Bernice McFadden memoir, so that it had me wondering if Camilla is based on Bernice McFadden. This author is not an auto buy author for me but one whose audiobooks I will get from the library. Not an author who I am worried about reading all of her backlist but I will read her books at times.
September 14, 2020
"The men know that black women are women at the very least; magical at their zenith and biblical at the core, being with a black woman was as scared as dousing oneself in holy water."-Camilla's Roses
Lines like that make me love Bernice L. McFadden. But this story is intense. So intense. There were so many moments where my mouth dropped. McFadden really is a gifted storyteller. She weaves together this generational story which moves back and forth between the past and the present. The story is moving, intense, but a must-read.
Lines like that make me love Bernice L. McFadden. But this story is intense. So intense. There were so many moments where my mouth dropped. McFadden really is a gifted storyteller. She weaves together this generational story which moves back and forth between the past and the present. The story is moving, intense, but a must-read.
November 21, 2021
“Camilla is in a perpetual grip of panic, unsure if her lies are true or her truths lies and she weeps for that little black girl she abandoned whose spirit was broken by a mother whose spirit was weakened by a man and his drug.”
Engaging and gripping from the very first page. Emotional to say to the least, and tragic at times. There were some scenes that literally had my jaw dropping “Oh sh*t” moments. lol. I love Velma. (Grandma that holds the Fam together.) Highly recommend. So underrated! Must read.
Engaging and gripping from the very first page. Emotional to say to the least, and tragic at times. There were some scenes that literally had my jaw dropping “Oh sh*t” moments. lol. I love Velma. (Grandma that holds the Fam together.) Highly recommend. So underrated! Must read.
April 21, 2025
I received a copy of the reissue of Camilla’s Roses from Netgalley. The cover is stunning and the story content is as well. The main character of the book is Camilla Rose. She and other women in her bloodline have the middle name Rose. They also share behavioral patterns and family dysfunction. McFadden writes this multigenerational tale in a way that pulls you in and want the best for these women.
I requested and was sent an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, Dutton.
Publication Date: June 10, 2025
I requested and was sent an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, Dutton.
Publication Date: June 10, 2025
August 22, 2020
The past is always present
Once again Ms McFadden has dealt with the issues of family, blackness, addiction, coming of age in such a heartfelt and raw way that you can't help but SEE and FEEL everything each character is going through. At once you are the confused yet hopeful child in Camilla, the naive woman in Maggie, the coward of a husband in Bryant. You watch as the main character runs away from her past not realizing that it never left her.
Once again Ms McFadden has dealt with the issues of family, blackness, addiction, coming of age in such a heartfelt and raw way that you can't help but SEE and FEEL everything each character is going through. At once you are the confused yet hopeful child in Camilla, the naive woman in Maggie, the coward of a husband in Bryant. You watch as the main character runs away from her past not realizing that it never left her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews