Makeda

by Randall Robinson

Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ISBN 1617750220 here.

Makeda Gee Florida Harris March is a proud matriarch, the anchor and emotional bellwether who holds together a hard-working African American family living in 1950s Richmond, Virginia. Lost in shadow is Makeda's grandson Gray, who begins escaping into the magical world of Makeda's tiny parlor.

Makeda, a woman blind since birth but who has always dreamed in color, begins to confide in Gray the things she "sees" and remembers from her dream state, and a story emerges that is layered with historical accuracy beyond the scope of Makeda's limited education. Gradually, Gray begins to make a connection between his gr

Part coming-of-age story, part spiritual journey, and part love story, Makeda is a universal tale of family, heritage, and the ties that bind. Randall Robinson plumbs the hearts of Makeda and Gray and summons our collective blood memories, taking the reader on an unforgettable journey of the soul that will linger long after the last page has been turned.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, African American, Fantasy, Book Club, Novels, Historical

350 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2011

Reviews

[Andre(Read-A-Lot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the title alone, if you are a reader who enjoys "factual" fiction you know you are in for a treat. The book is essentially a coming-of-age story, but told with a backdrop of African history. When and where have the Dogon been mentioned in a work of fiction? The thoughts that run through Gray's mind are certainly designed to be instructive to the reader. It is rare that a novel can be educational in regards to African history, and how it relates to the contemporary African-American but Makeda is that. Randall Robinson has hit a home run with his first novel.

[Friederike Knabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could West African history and cosmology, the Queen of Sheba and early Christianity possibly have to do with a simple, blind, old woman, who is only moderately educated and has lived all her life in Richmond, Virginia? Quite a lot, you will find when you read Randall Robinson's thought-provoking and persuasive novel. With Makeda Robinson ventures into a world of fiction that transcends any genre definition of a traditional novel. It integrates a fictional memoir, a coming-of-age and a very tender love story with elements of magical realism and a moving account of a personal and spiritual journey. Interwoven into these different narrative strands are discussions on African-American socio-political issues and a refresher course on aspects of African history.

At about ten years of age, Gray March "decided" to become a "writer". Having listened to his grandmother's stories since early childhood, "I began preparing to give this account of the fascinating events of my grandmother's life." Mattie (Makeda) Gee Florida Harris March is indeed a very special person and her life's experiences not only enchant Gray, they provide much emotional and historical depth for this astounding and highly engaging novel. Gray, growing up in the nineteen fifties and sixties feels lonely and insecure; his parents appear to be emotionally stunted, weighed down by circumstances he will only come to understand much later. His grandma is the only person he trusts.

Grandma Makeda, blind since birth, dreams - like a time traveler - "in pictures - color pictures, pictures of people, pictures of odd places - though she had never in her life seen a human soul..." Recalling her dreams in great detail, she will only allow Gray, her "spirit child", to write them down.

Makeda's "special" dream places are all in Africa, in regions that have a special spiritual connection to African-American history. The dream stories are so vividly told, and, with each dream recurrence, grow in more intricate detail, that they easily pull us into Makeda's belief in "past lives", letting us forget that they may be "just a dream". She remembers clearly where she was and who she was in each dream, but do these places exist in reality or did they at some time in the past? Is there any surviving evidence of them today? What are the connections of those people to her own life and time? She knows, for example, that her name "Makeda" is the Ethiopian name for the historical Queen of Sheba and one dream series takes place in Lalibela, known as the centre of early Christianity in Africa...

At Makeda's urging, Gray travels to West Africa, not too far from the fabled city of Timbuktu, to the Dogon people... Robinson superbly captures the landcape, the Dogons' traditions and extraordinary knowledge of the stars Sirius cosmology). Makeda's dreams are, however, more than a key for Gray's personal journey in search of identity and love. They are like virtual spiritual doors that Robinson opens to lead us into his multi-layered vision of a broad-based African-American identity that, while recognizing its contemporary challenges, is intimately connected to its African roots and its African historical and spiritual heritage. Robinson is an exquisite writer and stylist, who brings the different themes harmoniously together and into one fascinating and enriching reading experience. This novel may not be as engaging for every kind of reader as it is for me. (see for a fuller review in Mostlyfiction.com)

[Kecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe I missed it (which is entirely possible given how scatterbrained I've become) but I'm surprised this book didn't get more press. I found myself comparing Robinson's book to those of another black law scholar/novelist, Stephen L. Carter. The big difference between the two is pacing: Robinson's, for all its elegant prose, moves at a not-too-fast, not-too-slow clip, whereas Carter's tend to plod along while also lacking the same grace of language. The story in and of itself isn't that complicated -- a grandson tries to discover what's behind his blind grandmother's dreams -- but Robinson uses this vehicle to make statements about race and culture that aren't too preachy. The only real problem I had involved the use of the older brother in the story; I feel Robinson missed an opportunity to deepen the novel even further by exploring his role in the family dynamic.

This is his second novel; I haven't read the first (The Emancipation of Wakefield Clay) but now I think I might.

[dianne b. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book. The writing is exquisite. The plot is wonderful. I learned a whole lotta good stuff. Stuff about history, stuff about the BS of the Christian mythology (did you know that a pagan Roman called a council together 400 years after Jesus’ death where they - mortals all it seems - decided whether or not it was best (politically, mind you) if Jesus was deemed “divine” or not?) How about the fact that the Queen of Sheba was also Queen of a large area of Africa (conveniently left out of King James the Gay* Version) who Wise King Solomon (of baby dividing fame) raped and impregnated with a son, Menelik, who (reasonably enough) hated him. After a visit to “dad” & turning down Sol’s offer of kingdom inheritance - Menelik just accepted the Ark of the Covenant and returned to Ethiopia. (see the KEBRA NAGAST, no? me neither)

See, but none of this really, is the plot of the book, which is situated in the Civil Rights Era South - replete with all the creepy crackers that hatefully, unpredictably and explosively defended their imagined little ...what?

“Just think what a nasty psychological business it is insisting to people who’ve treated you like vermin that you are equal to them….Reverend King even had us saying we loved them. I knew this was only a strategy, but, God, look at the cost to our heads.”

The characters are lovable, almost too perfect - and situated for us to be seated with notepads and #2 pencils at the ready for the didactic lecture ahead. The lecture is great!! But it’s not a novel, and i’m confused again...wait there’s some guy in here i am watching grow up, or something, right? And a magical matriarch that i want to follow to the end of the world…

The indecision - novel? really great nonfiction historical juice? cool ideas? all of the above? made for a "story" i found i had to encourage myself to return to.

*Huzzah!

[El · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blowing

Well written and well thought out. History and fantasy leave you wantingore and with food for thought about world history as it has been presented to us. Simply superb

[René · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is right up my alley, the metaphysical and spiritual aspects of it flowed with my being like old familiar friends. I did have some issues with the writing, there were times when it felt like it was coming from different writers; or maybe their were long periods of time between writing pieces of the book; it gave it a choppiness and some parts were contradictory to the overall vibe of the book. Also, there were times when I felt the wording was trying to hard...the use of big words for no reason came off as arrogant. However, in fairness, the writing could be so on point and profound in moments...there were many passages I wrote in my journal because they moved me. I did not really like Gray at all...I thought he was a brat, lacking compassion or desire to understand flawed family. Of course, I was in love with Makeda. How lucky to be fully conscious of your past journeys, how perfect to be so rooted in who and what you are! There is a moment towards the end, with the dirt, that I was brought to those kind of tears that are hard to explain...its always about the dirt and its always about coming home. Well done!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just completed this wonderful story by Randall Robinson. It is the story of a young man Graylon, "Gray" March and his grandmother Mattie Gee Florida Harris March "Makeda" born blind in Richmond Va at the turn of the century. Gray and his grandmother have a relationship born of love and respect that grandmothers represent. Makeda had dreams in color that were from the past lives that she had lived in Ethiopia and amongst the Moors in Spain.

I loved the book as Ethiopia is a country that I have longed to visit because of the connection of Christianity and this country. Makeda was a voice that attempted to guide Gray to reconcile with his father so that they could make amends for the what he thought was his father's favoritism of his older brother.

The story had me mesmerized and in tears also. It has reawakened my interest in the Ethiopian history and it's part in Christianity it was a really great read.

[Shauntrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pretty good mix of fiction and fact. The author seemed to "time hop" a bit too much, and I found myself trying to figure out which century or year he was in. I also felt that he could have been a bit more detailed in some parts of the book. Other than that, it's a nice book.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good premise for a novel, but way too wordy and detailed. The author comes across as an intellectual English major on steroids!! Got better at the end, but not enough to justify a higher rating.

[Brian TramueL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obey. Love. Serve. Excel!

Rich & detailed.

[Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE READ IN MY LIFE TIME*

Fictional book which includes historical and scientific facts that is told through a grandmother and grandson relationship. The end of the book contains references of books and scholars for further recommended reading if you feel like doing so. The story line itself was very captivating and inspiring.

Upon pondering midway through the book how much I was enjoying this read, I had already decided that it is now one of my favorite books. I will definitely read again at some point. It is very easy to read and I would include it is suitable for young readers as well. This book is a gem so make sure to add this one on your bucket list.

[Stephanie Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book randomly at a used book sale and liked the cover. It is the story of Gray, whose grandmother is Makeda. Makeda is blind, but able to know ideas about the world that she theoretically cannot know. It is revealed that Makeda has possibly had reincarnations and the book is Gray's life story interspersed with his investigation of his grandmother's past lives. The book also deals with issues from the Civil Rights Era south. The book was both uplifting and sad at times.

[Alex Mormoris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a 3.5 read for me.

[Aaron Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about African history and family told by the character Gray. Makeda is an interesting and wise grandmother.

[Damaris Soler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

[Doc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking and a book that introduced a whole new area of inquiry for me! Very enjoyable and. Beautifully written

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 1
We meet the main characters, Graylon and his grandmother, his parents and "perfect" brother, Gordon. Graylon has a special relationship with his grandmother, Makeda/Mattie. While in elementary/Middle school, Gray visits her almost everyday. By the time he reaches HS, his family has moved further away from Mattie so he sees her only on Thursdays. They talk and she tells stories. She is blind from birth but dreams in color of her past life or lives. She tells Gray, who has decided he wants to be a writer, all about her colorful dreams of being one of the Dogon people of West Africa. Gray finds her stories very interesting and starts to research the places and things she mentions.

Part 2 is historical/fact. A professor from the University of Ghana, after telling the black senior class that "we (blacks) have no insides", eventually gives a lecture about the Queen of Sheba (actually the Queen of Axum), King Solomon,and their son Menelik. He has a little debate with a student regarding the Council of Nicea and how Jesus became a deity. A lot of education in this Part.

Gray begins to connect the dots of his grandmothers dreams with these newly learned facts.

Gray is now in Mali in part 4 and he is learning "who" he is. He even called the woman he loves, Jeanne, from Timbuktu to answer a question she asked him that he refused to answer because he was hurt and embarrassed by the answer.

Gray did open up to Jeanne and told the whole sad story of what happened to his brother, while at the funeral of his Aunt. Fast forward to "present time": Gray finds that he has acquired some of fathers traits that he is trying to squelch; he and Jeanne has had a full life complete with child & grandchild.

I enjoyed more the historical information in the book more so than the actual story, I found Gray to introverted and depressing almost. But he always lit up when speaking with his Grandmother and Jeanne.

[Londa · Rating 3 out of 5]

...son, you won't need to talk to my headstone in order to talk to me. I won't be there. I'll be in the air and the Earth. I'll be in the stars that light the African heavens. I'll be watchin' over you and your family. My spirit will always be close enough to touch and protect you all. So, do not grieve for me. My body will die, but my soul will live on. For my soul cannot die. Always remember that my soul is the spark of God in me."

Isn't that beautiful?! Sometimes one quote can make an entire novel. Truly this quote sums up the heart of Makeda. I was intrigued by idea of blood memories. How wonderful would it be to have lived many lives and actually remember those lives?! Makeda is about much more than that though. I learned about the Dogon people (why have I never heard of them?) and I will be researching much more about Timbuktu and also the Golden Age of the African continent.

Robinson also attempted to explore different familial relationships. I felt he was most successful when he wrote about Graylon and his love for his grandmother. A grandparents love is a beautiful thing and I was touched by the tenderness described in Makeda.

I wanted more from the other relationships in Gray's life. His parents and his brother got the short end of the stick in this story. These characters felt flat and voiceless. I was especially disappointed with the entire Gordon episode. Why did his father disown Gray like that? It just didn't seem to be a rational response to the tragedy described.

It took me a while to finish this novel, and I think it was because of PART 2. It just did not interest me much. "Gray Goes to College" was very dry compared to everything else in this novel.

Overall, a good book and one I am glad to have had the opportunity to read. (Goodreads giveaway)

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Randall Robinson, best known for his efforts in foreign policy advocacy and his bestselling nonfiction works An Unbroken Agony and Quitting America, turns his hand to fiction with the story of a young African-American man whose sense of self is shaped and buoyed by his visions of the past.

Gray March feels little connection to his emotionally distant parents, but from early childhood he is strongly bonded to his blind grandmother Makeda. Only to Gray will she divulge her dreams of Africa, dreams that she believes are true memories of past lives. As he comes of age against the turbulent backdrop of the Civil Rights movement, Gray discovers a need to prove to the world that his grandmother is right about her visions.

While the plot could not exist without the concept of reincarnation, Robinson's message has little to do with the mechanics or spiritual implications of past lives. Instead, Gray's ability to come to terms with himself through discovery of his family and racial history symbolizes the healing power that comes with knowing one's roots. One of Gray's professors suggests that black Americans are struggling with their cultural identity because slavery ripped it from them, but Robinson is not only exploring what it means to be black. His theme of knowing the past before planning the future applies to all cultures, all people. Pick up this odyssey of family drama, history and love, and be prepared to consider your own beginnings.

***This review originally appeared in Shelf Awareness Readers Edition. Sign up for this free and awesome newsletter at http://www.shelf-awareness.com for the latest news and reviews! This review refers to an ARC provided by Shelf Awareness.***

[Susan Henn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/2012 The book, Makeda, has strong writing, interesting historical information, and thought provoking ideas. However, the story was not what was described in the online description or on the book’s cover. Perhaps the discrepancy was due to my lack of understanding of African-American history and culture. The books is described as, “Makeda Gee Florida Harris March is a proud matriarch, the anchor and emotional bellwether who holds together a hard-working African American family living in 1950s Richmond, Virginia. Lost in shadow is Makeda's grandson Gray, who begins escaping into the magical world of Makeda's tiny parlor. … Part coming-of-age story, part spiritual journey, and part love story, Makeda is a universal tale of family, heritage, and the ties that bind. Randall Robinson plumbs the hearts of Makeda and Gray and summons our collective blood memories, taking the reader on an unforgettable journey of the soul that will linger long after the last page has been turned.”

The main character, Gray, seemed a bit old (mid-twenties) to be having a coming-of-age experience. Gray doesn’t escape into any world, rather he visits his grandmother often because he is estranged from his parents. The plumbing of blood memories involves Makada’s dreams that are the memories of previous lives (reincarnation). So although well written and historically interesting, it was not the book I had hoped to read!

[Mike Heyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the descriptions of books on their covers or in Goodreads one never quite knows what to expect. I was prepared for the magic of Makeda's dream world. I was far less prepared to be drawn so completely into the heart and mind of an African American writer. Randall Robinson was completely unknown to me before I entered the First Reads drawing and won this book, but I am very glad that we were introduced. Given the oft-quoted and inescapable fact of "so many books, so little time," it's no surprise that I had not discovered a writer of such dexterity and power; but that makes the discovery all the more pleasurable.

I'm not a great fan of the first person in fiction, unless it is done very well. Too often first-person narratives are so full of braggadocio or colorful phrasing that the narrator is constantly in front of the story. Robinson never gets in the way of his story. He just tells it, almost matter-of-factly, and quite compellingly. Some who write about the black experience in America (understandably) focus so much on its terrible inequities, unintentionally or otherwise, that they may inflame more than heal the wounds. Randall Robinson avoids that with deftness and grace. Makeda beautifully coveys the truth that under the skin we are far more alike than we are different. I unreservedly recommend this book to all.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author takes us on a spiritual journey through many reincarnations of an old soul, who in this reincarnation is a blind African American retired laundress and empowers her grandson to know, without a doubt, that no matter how downtrodden, disadvantaged, poor, seemingly uneducated, or no matter how lowly your current job, that you are a part of culture, and man's glorious achievement. That no matter how " third world" a country appears to be, it is the repository of knowledge western science is just finding out about. And the important thing is not how many zeroes are in your bank account or income, but that you love, and know the past.

I have always found it quite baffling why Christians are so averse to the concept of reincarnation. It was left out of the state approved version of Christianity promulgated by the the Council of Niacea. After all, Jesus promised "Life Everlasting"! More cultures believe in reincarnation than those that do not. More people alive on this planet right now believe in it than those who do not.

Written in a poetical, lyrical, spiritual prose.

This author sings.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Makeda, a blind laundress in Richmond, Virginia reveals her dreams to Gray, her grandson. Makeda dreams of her past lives in Africa. Her most vivid dreams are about her life in Mali. She belonged to the Dogon ethnic group. The Dogon were highly skilled in astronomy. Makeda asks Gray to document her dreams. Makeda only trusts Gray with her dreams because others would think she's insane. Years pass and Gray realizes scientists who discovered a star did so ten years after his blind grandmother described it it to him. Makeda's past lives aren't of blood relatives, but it makes Gray curious about his history. He goes to Mali to find what Makeda sees in her dreams.

I was excited to receive this complimentary copy from Akashic Books through Goodreads. I don't think I've read books by African American authors before. This story makes me want to know more about my history.

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[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I had finished this book I wanted to praise it to the skies. I'm glad I held off because to have done so would not have been a fair and accurate review. There is a place in the book that unfortunately rather mars the story and the writer for me. Of course it is well understood that the thinking for the character is set in a certain time period, however, for me I don't feel the same enthusiasm for Virgil nor Randall Robinson. The place in question is Virgil mentioning Geraldine Trice. She was good to have sex with but because she set it in motion not good enough beyond sex. She was not a "good girl" for marriage. Even though boys and peer pressure expects girls to cave into sex they're not worth being seen in broad day light with. The other criticism I think is that Jeanne needed to have at least one foible of her own to make her credible, she's a little too understanding and patient to be real. Otherwise a very fascinating book.

[Ashley Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makeda is an amazing fact-infused fiction work that I found deeply inspiring. It described a people and existence that African Americans desperatly need to remember and reconnect with. However, the coming of age story line and common experience of navigating higher education resonated with me as well. I'll definitely be gifting a copy to all my friends and family. This novel can easily be described as a "must read". I'll be reading through it again myself soon enough. Randall Robinson's promotional interviews about the book can be found on YouTube -- I find him just as inspiring as his work. Check them out in the mean time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFoR4D...

[Emma B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very unusual book. A family's life and young man's relationship with his blind grandmother, who dreams in color. Her dreams take her back to other lives she has lived on the African continent. A deep read. This book made me thankful for having close family relationships, and sad for the young man who had an estranged relationship from his parents. The author keeps the reader reading by giving little tidbits of information about what has happened in the protagonist's life that keeps the reader reading to find out. Style of writing requires concentration on the story. I kept going back to read passages relating to the passage I was currently reading.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rambling family narrative about a grandmother who remembers past lives and her grandson who is struggling to find his place in civil rights era America. I listened to this book while running and I didn't mind the meandering so much--the great voices helped--but I probably would have been annoyed reading it. The narrator intentionally avoids subjects by wandering off on rabbit holes and it can get a little frustrating. But the beauty and history he discovers about his African heritage is incredible.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to read this again - with a highlighter and pencil. Such an interesting glimpse into the mind of an African American and his exploration of SELF in civil rights era of 1960s, and beautiful explanation and glimpses of the richness of African heritage and culture that truly was lost by most African Americans. Writing style was more disjointed, and some of the soliloquies were more academic and "English Major" in prose and style, but the thoughts, insights, and science were thought-provoking and soul–searching. I would love to discuss this book!

[Shereese Maynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started this book. Randall Robinson can tell a story like no other. You can almost here his voice through the words of this amazing story. I'm taking this on my Thanksgiving getaway and can't wait to tell you about it once I return. If you haven't heard Randall read or speak, you simply must; if you haven't read his words, you're missing out! I already highly recommend this book. Love it and recommended it for a book club.