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The Color of Family: A Poignant and Provocative Family Novel About Race, Religion, and Truth
A poignant and provactive novel of truth, race, and religions.
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 26, 2014
The story opens in New Orleans, LA in 1957 and the subsequent death of a young black man in a car accident. The story focuses on interracial relationships, then and now, as well family relationships. His twin sister Antonia firmly believes that that before being killed, he fathered a child with a white woman. Her tenacity to prove its truth, affects the lives of every character in the book over the next 50 years.
For me, it was a story of decision making and how those decisions made by mothers regarding their children, often with the best of intentions, backfire. Antonia, was totally blind to the feelings of her both her children and her husband as she tenaciously pursued the truth about her nephew. Although she thought she had done her very best as a mother and wife. It made me wonder how deeply affected (scarred, even)were my girls by many of the things that I did or decisions that I made.
Ms. Jones, unfortunately, lost her battle with cancer before the book was finished. It was completed by friends and family according to her notes and based on conversations. I look forward to reading her first two books.
For me, it was a story of decision making and how those decisions made by mothers regarding their children, often with the best of intentions, backfire. Antonia, was totally blind to the feelings of her both her children and her husband as she tenaciously pursued the truth about her nephew. Although she thought she had done her very best as a mother and wife. It made me wonder how deeply affected (scarred, even)were my girls by many of the things that I did or decisions that I made.
Ms. Jones, unfortunately, lost her battle with cancer before the book was finished. It was completed by friends and family according to her notes and based on conversations. I look forward to reading her first two books.
December 30, 2024
Moving story about a black family from New Orleans who moved to Baltimore and decades later secrets come out that cause a lot of strife. 4.5 stars
July 12, 2016
This book wasn't exactly what I thought it would be when I first picked it up. I thought it would focus mainly on race but instead it was more about general family drama, insecurities and memories that could take place with anyone. When I first started reading it, I didn't really like the main character Antonia. I found her to be a bit too nosy and pushy. However as the book went on, I started to understand her motivations a bit more.
I also thought some of the other characters should have been more fleshed out and it seemed like the ending was rushed. While reading the novel's epilogue it mentioned that the author passed away before the book was completed and that her friends pieced the rest of the story together from her notes. I then understood why some parts of the story seemed disjointed.
Still, it's a good book and is worth a read.
I also thought some of the other characters should have been more fleshed out and it seemed like the ending was rushed. While reading the novel's epilogue it mentioned that the author passed away before the book was completed and that her friends pieced the rest of the story together from her notes. I then understood why some parts of the story seemed disjointed.
Still, it's a good book and is worth a read.
July 22, 2014
This book was so bad in so many ways: it was boring & slow. I had to force myself to read it. I don't like how it ended with a group being demonized - so "out there" from anything I've experienced or could even create in my head. I mean really? A mother actually leaving her husband and CHILDREN after finding out part of their blood is "black"? Horrendous. And this book was written in 2004? Get a grip, Patricia. #realitycheck I recycled this book instead of donating it like I usually do, lest it rot some impressionable mind into thinking things like this are common place. What an atrocity.
April 2, 2008
I loved this book! it was one of those pleasant family stories, with no stress and just the right amount of drama to be believable. I found the subtle intertwining of racial issues and tensions to be refreshingly honest. Black and white story lines are often just divided rather than mingled together, I think.
Apparently the author died since this book was written, so I will track down her other 2 and see how they read!
Apparently the author died since this book was written, so I will track down her other 2 and see how they read!
June 23, 2009
It is a very provocative book that leaves you with a big what if at several turns like what if Emeril was saved? what if Agnes' reputation wasn't that of a sleazy teenager?
Although some parts of the book was constructed with only her notes for a guide, due to Ms. Jones' untimely death, the book is a wonderful legacy retelling the age old theme of how love can conquer all obstacles, because deep inside we are all the same in God's eyes.
Although some parts of the book was constructed with only her notes for a guide, due to Ms. Jones' untimely death, the book is a wonderful legacy retelling the age old theme of how love can conquer all obstacles, because deep inside we are all the same in God's eyes.
February 18, 2016
I loved this book. It was very nicely written. It's amazing a secret like that was kept for so long. I liked Antonia. She was who she was regardless of what was said about her. I understood her obsession with unveiling the truth. The ending revealed just how ignorant some people are.
December 9, 2010
I just started this and so far I am already interested in the plot and story line. Will update and give a rating when I am finished!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews