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Homeward: A Novel
The country is changing, and her own world is being turned upside down. Nothing—and no one—will ever be the same.
Georgia, 1962. Rose Perkins Bourdon returns home to Parsons, GA, without her husband and pregnant with another man’s baby. After tragedy strikes her husband in the war overseas, a numb Rose is left with pieces of who she used to be and is forced to figure out what she is going to do with the rest of her life. Her sister introduces her to members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee—young people are taking risks and fighting battles Rose has only seen on television. Feeling emotions for the first time in what feels like forever, the excited and frightened Rose finds herself becoming increasingly involved in the resistance efforts. And of course, there is also the young man, Isaac Weinberg, whose passion for activism stirs something in her she didn’t think she would ever feel again.
Homeward follows Rose’s path toward self-discovery and growth as she becomes involved in the Civil Rights Movement, finally becoming the woman she has always dreamed of being.
Praise for Homeward:
"This is a harrowing novel about the push and pull of fidelity, family, and faith under the crush of history. Angela Jackson-Brown has written a deeply emotional novel that feels timeless while also speaking to the particularly troubled times in which we live."
—Wiley Cash, New York Times bestselling author of When Ghosts Come Home
A stirring tale of one woman’s experience in the Civil Rights movement that changed a nation, written from Angela Jackson-Brown’s experience of being born and raised in the rural South.Stand-alone novelIncludes Discussion Questions for book clubs
Georgia, 1962. Rose Perkins Bourdon returns home to Parsons, GA, without her husband and pregnant with another man’s baby. After tragedy strikes her husband in the war overseas, a numb Rose is left with pieces of who she used to be and is forced to figure out what she is going to do with the rest of her life. Her sister introduces her to members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee—young people are taking risks and fighting battles Rose has only seen on television. Feeling emotions for the first time in what feels like forever, the excited and frightened Rose finds herself becoming increasingly involved in the resistance efforts. And of course, there is also the young man, Isaac Weinberg, whose passion for activism stirs something in her she didn’t think she would ever feel again.
Homeward follows Rose’s path toward self-discovery and growth as she becomes involved in the Civil Rights Movement, finally becoming the woman she has always dreamed of being.
Praise for Homeward:
"This is a harrowing novel about the push and pull of fidelity, family, and faith under the crush of history. Angela Jackson-Brown has written a deeply emotional novel that feels timeless while also speaking to the particularly troubled times in which we live."
—Wiley Cash, New York Times bestselling author of When Ghosts Come Home
A stirring tale of one woman’s experience in the Civil Rights movement that changed a nation, written from Angela Jackson-Brown’s experience of being born and raised in the rural South.Stand-alone novelIncludes Discussion Questions for book clubs
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2023
77 people are currently reading
5694 people want to read
About the author
Angela Jackson-Brown
9 books479 followersAngela Jackson-Brown is an award-winning writer, poet and playwright who teaches Creative Writing at Indiana University in Bloomington. She also teaches in the Naslund-Mann School of Writing at Spalding University in Louisville, KY. She is a graduate of Troy University, Auburn University and the Spalding Naslund-Mann low-residency MFA program in Creative Writing. She is the author of several novels, including the soon-to-be released, Homeward, and has published in numerous literary journals. Her publisher is Harper Muse, an imprint of HarperCollins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
June 21, 2023
4.5 Stars
This is a story of family, heartbreak, loss and healing, and life in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, as it begins, but moves to Parsons, Georgia in 1962. It is a time when racism was rampant and common, not that it has stopped. A time when those whose job it was to protect people from harm was really only available to those whose skin was the ‘right’ colour. That’s how they saw it. When the colour of your skin dictated if you could sit at a counter in Woolworth’s without being arrested, but were happy to give you the opportunity to put your life on the line to honor your country, even when those you fought alongside didn’t honor you in return.
But it is also so much more than that. It is a story of love of family, love of place, fear, war, death, and grief. It is also a story of navigating grief, and allowing oneself to honour the deceased by living fully, once again. Ultimately, it is a story of love, and finding a way to live and love despite the past.
Pub Date: 10 Oct 2023
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Harper Muse
October 15, 2023
3.5 Audiobook
Completely my fault for not reading the blurb well enough. I was hoping this book had more about the civil rights movement from the POV of an ordinary young black woman in the South. For me there was far too much of the personal stuff and Rose seemed far too fixated on men until a good two thirds of the way through the book, which is when the civil rights part came to life.
The basic storyline is that Rose has rather hastily married her sweetheart and gone to live with him and his mother. However her husband, Jasper, hasn't exactly been honest about his life which is considerably poorer than Rose had been expecting. Jasper then goes into the army and while away Rose becomes enamoured of the lodger, eventually getting pregnant. Ashamed of her behaviour she leaves Jasper to return home to Parsons.
After tragedy strikes Rose becomes involved (through her sister Elena) with SNECC (Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee). Although the dangers are very real Rose takes the message home to Parsons where her family suffer greatly from their resistance efforts. She also gers close to a young, black, Jewish man who helps her see how her fighting back is necessary even if it is dangerous.
As I said, I thought there would be much more about civil rights. That part of the story doesn't get going until around two thirds through and up to that point it's mainly love story and the aftermath of loss.
The narrator, Joniece Abbott-Pratt, does get a little melodramatic at times and it's not easy to make out the dialogue but apart from that she has a good clear voice that's very pleasant to listen to.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy.
Completely my fault for not reading the blurb well enough. I was hoping this book had more about the civil rights movement from the POV of an ordinary young black woman in the South. For me there was far too much of the personal stuff and Rose seemed far too fixated on men until a good two thirds of the way through the book, which is when the civil rights part came to life.
The basic storyline is that Rose has rather hastily married her sweetheart and gone to live with him and his mother. However her husband, Jasper, hasn't exactly been honest about his life which is considerably poorer than Rose had been expecting. Jasper then goes into the army and while away Rose becomes enamoured of the lodger, eventually getting pregnant. Ashamed of her behaviour she leaves Jasper to return home to Parsons.
After tragedy strikes Rose becomes involved (through her sister Elena) with SNECC (Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee). Although the dangers are very real Rose takes the message home to Parsons where her family suffer greatly from their resistance efforts. She also gers close to a young, black, Jewish man who helps her see how her fighting back is necessary even if it is dangerous.
As I said, I thought there would be much more about civil rights. That part of the story doesn't get going until around two thirds through and up to that point it's mainly love story and the aftermath of loss.
The narrator, Joniece Abbott-Pratt, does get a little melodramatic at times and it's not easy to make out the dialogue but apart from that she has a good clear voice that's very pleasant to listen to.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy.
December 6, 2023
Loved this book!!! I was immediately pulled in after our MC stated, “I was pregnant with a baby that didn’t belong to my husband, Jasper.” I was like so that’s how we about to pop this off? That alone had me anxious to see what direction the book was headed. With an opening chapter like that I knew I was in store for something good.
After finding out she was pregnant Rose ran home to her parents. Jasper was even willing to care for the child as his own after knowing the truth. Soon Rose realized no matter where you go your problems will always follow. Everything that happened after she returned to Georgia sent her through a downward spiral of unfortunate events. But in the end Rose found herself, made history, and gave love another chance.
It was set during the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement so there’s a lot of history involved that added depth to the novel. The pacing was rather up and down but I loved all the characters especially Rose’s mother so it made up for it. She comforted Rose during her healing process but as a mother she still let her know that what got her in this situation was her fault. “If you old enough to make grown-up decisions, you old enough to deal with the aftermath.”
Overall, the writing was excellent and really kept me engaged. If you’re a fan of historical fiction this is definitely worth adding to your TBR. Special thanks to the author & @harpermusebooks for my gifted copy!!!
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
After finding out she was pregnant Rose ran home to her parents. Jasper was even willing to care for the child as his own after knowing the truth. Soon Rose realized no matter where you go your problems will always follow. Everything that happened after she returned to Georgia sent her through a downward spiral of unfortunate events. But in the end Rose found herself, made history, and gave love another chance.
It was set during the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement so there’s a lot of history involved that added depth to the novel. The pacing was rather up and down but I loved all the characters especially Rose’s mother so it made up for it. She comforted Rose during her healing process but as a mother she still let her know that what got her in this situation was her fault. “If you old enough to make grown-up decisions, you old enough to deal with the aftermath.”
Overall, the writing was excellent and really kept me engaged. If you’re a fan of historical fiction this is definitely worth adding to your TBR. Special thanks to the author & @harpermusebooks for my gifted copy!!!
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
October 8, 2023
I love the historical context involving the civil rights movement and the push to get Black Americans registered to vote. The author did a fantastic job with her research.
I very much loved and appreciated the strong family relationship between the Perkins. A phenomenal creation by the author.
For me, the let down of this story was the main character, Rose Perkins Bourdon. I tried so very hard, but I couldn’t relate to her and I couldn’t empathize. It just seems that she continually had these random bouts of bad luck and her way of dealing with every situation was to whine and cry about it. I, personally, saw no growth.
Overall, I liked it but I wasn’t in love with it.
I very much loved and appreciated the strong family relationship between the Perkins. A phenomenal creation by the author.
For me, the let down of this story was the main character, Rose Perkins Bourdon. I tried so very hard, but I couldn’t relate to her and I couldn’t empathize. It just seems that she continually had these random bouts of bad luck and her way of dealing with every situation was to whine and cry about it. I, personally, saw no growth.
Overall, I liked it but I wasn’t in love with it.
January 21, 2024
3.75 I loved the first half! I didn’t read the synopsis. The main character at times appeared to be too naive and I was hoping for a bit of maturity to develop as the book progressed. I loved the overall concept of the book and although some of the characterization highly annoyed me at times would give this author another spin!
October 8, 2023
A moving historical fiction novel that follows a young African American woman as she navigates love, marriage and motherhood during the tumultuous period of the Vietnam War and Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s South. Great on audio narrated by Joneice Abbott-Pratt and highly recommended for fans of authors like Jesmyn Ward. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
CW: infidelity, death of an infant in birth
CW: infidelity, death of an infant in birth
November 5, 2024
I read my first Angela Jackson-Brown book, When Stars Rain Down, back in September and I knew that had to read more. So when I saw this book tour, I jumped on it even though I told myself no more book tours this year.
(Spoiler Alert: I'll be right back here next month on tour discussing her newest book, Untethered.) I love Southern Historical Fiction and that's why this book did it for me. I was skeptical with this one by the way we started. Rose comes back home pregnant by a man who is not her husband. I was like “what kind of historical fiction soap opera is this?” And Lord my girl, Rose, continues to go through it. We get to see some of our favorites from Parsons (When Stars Rain Down) several years later as well. I didn't really know what I was getting into but Rose's journey was amazing!
I surprisingly loved seeing her alongside these civil rights icons. She even taught me a few things. Like Charlayne Hunter-Gault, I knew she was an author but I had no idea she was responsible for integrating the University of Georgia. Plus, I loved that SNCC was such a big part of this story. This book really hit the spot right in the midst of the presidential election. I knew about voter suppression tactics but I don't think I really understood the extent of it. Listen, I may have all of these degrees but I could not walk in and take one of those literacy tests without being adequately prepared!
I saw a video recently where someone talked about the poll taxes being equivalent to the weekly pay from these menial jobs that a lot of black people held then.
The system was determined for us to not have these voting rights! They are still using dirty tactics to try suppress many people's vote. That's why I will always exercise my right that my ancestors fought so tirelessly to obtain. This book really hit the spot!
Rounded up from 4.5 ⭐️
(Spoiler Alert: I'll be right back here next month on tour discussing her newest book, Untethered.) I love Southern Historical Fiction and that's why this book did it for me. I was skeptical with this one by the way we started. Rose comes back home pregnant by a man who is not her husband. I was like “what kind of historical fiction soap opera is this?” And Lord my girl, Rose, continues to go through it. We get to see some of our favorites from Parsons (When Stars Rain Down) several years later as well. I didn't really know what I was getting into but Rose's journey was amazing!
I surprisingly loved seeing her alongside these civil rights icons. She even taught me a few things. Like Charlayne Hunter-Gault, I knew she was an author but I had no idea she was responsible for integrating the University of Georgia. Plus, I loved that SNCC was such a big part of this story. This book really hit the spot right in the midst of the presidential election. I knew about voter suppression tactics but I don't think I really understood the extent of it. Listen, I may have all of these degrees but I could not walk in and take one of those literacy tests without being adequately prepared!
I saw a video recently where someone talked about the poll taxes being equivalent to the weekly pay from these menial jobs that a lot of black people held then.
The system was determined for us to not have these voting rights! They are still using dirty tactics to try suppress many people's vote. That's why I will always exercise my right that my ancestors fought so tirelessly to obtain. This book really hit the spot!
Rounded up from 4.5 ⭐️
October 28, 2023
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
Thank you @librofm & @harpermusebooks for my gifted ALC
𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱
𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀𝗼𝗻-𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻
🎧 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘁-𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘁
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
1960s: Following two devastating losses, Rose struggles to find meaning in her life. Become involved with SNCC, a non-violent civil rights organization, Rose just might have found her life's purpose.
Blending historical fiction and romance, Jackson-Brown spins a captivating tale of love, healing, and second chances, set within the tumultuous center of the US civil rights movement. A wonderful, heartrending book from start to finish, and Abbott-Pratt delivers her best performance yet!
• • • •
Thank you @librofm & @harpermusebooks for my gifted ALC
𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱
𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀𝗼𝗻-𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻
🎧 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘁-𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘁
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
1960s: Following two devastating losses, Rose struggles to find meaning in her life. Become involved with SNCC, a non-violent civil rights organization, Rose just might have found her life's purpose.
Blending historical fiction and romance, Jackson-Brown spins a captivating tale of love, healing, and second chances, set within the tumultuous center of the US civil rights movement. A wonderful, heartrending book from start to finish, and Abbott-Pratt delivers her best performance yet!
• • • •
August 5, 2024
Four stars because the novel is an excellent history lesson and emotionally very effective…but it’s as predictable and sentimental and lacking in complexity as a Hallmark movie. Not a great literary effort, but sometimes a book that gets you choked up in all the expected ways is not a bad thing!
October 10, 2023
4.25⭐️
Homeward is an illuminating view into the life of a woman who becomes involved in the Civil Rights Movement. We follow Rose through significant personal losses, the racial targeting she and her family experience, and her journey towards finding the courage to fight for equality.
Rose is a very sympathetic character, and following her journey really helps to personalize the Civil Rights Movement. This story highlights both the progress we’ve made in the intervening decades, and at the same time just how much further we have yet to go.
Thank you Angela Jackson-Brown, Harper Muse, and NetGalley and publisher for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
Homeward is an illuminating view into the life of a woman who becomes involved in the Civil Rights Movement. We follow Rose through significant personal losses, the racial targeting she and her family experience, and her journey towards finding the courage to fight for equality.
Rose is a very sympathetic character, and following her journey really helps to personalize the Civil Rights Movement. This story highlights both the progress we’ve made in the intervening decades, and at the same time just how much further we have yet to go.
Thank you Angela Jackson-Brown, Harper Muse, and NetGalley and publisher for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 25, 2023
How do you explain something that has happened to your family to someone who has no reference point. Angela Jackson-Brown brings stories of being African American in the early 60’s as the groups were moving their communities to register to vote.
Which to my thinking seems easy enough, but the experience of the African America community is completely different. Jackson-Brown takes us on that journey for a small town in Georgia. How it was so dangerous to do something that is an constitutional right.
A raw and truthful telling of part of our history that we need to all need to learn from and never have repeat itself.
Which to my thinking seems easy enough, but the experience of the African America community is completely different. Jackson-Brown takes us on that journey for a small town in Georgia. How it was so dangerous to do something that is an constitutional right.
A raw and truthful telling of part of our history that we need to all need to learn from and never have repeat itself.
November 8, 2024
The beginning of this book had me in tears. I went from judging Rose for sleeping with another man while her husband was away at war to boohoo crying for her. Poor Rose lost so much and all at one time. It was heartbreaking, one thing I loved about this book was Rose’s family. Everyone acknowledged Rose’s mistake, said what they had to say, and moved on from it. No one looked at her funny, chastised her, or even looked down on her. They accepted her mistake for what it was and moved forward as a family. I was glad Rose had such a loving family during her trying times. I was also glad to see Rose gave herself time to get through her loses and find herself and love again.
What infuriated me was the reminder of how Black people were treated in this country for fighting for rights we should have already had. It especially hurt my heart reading how Roses father masculinity was stripped away from him leaving him unable to stand up for or protect his family. I appreciated the various views on the civil rights movement within the Black community. Not everyone was on board, but I get it, these were scary times and some Black people were cautious of the repercussions the movement could cause them. This was agreat book to remind me of all my ancestors had to go through so I could have a right to vote as I headed to the polls on Tuesday morning. I enjoyed how Angela Jackson Brown put this story together and the historical facts and figures she gave us in this book.
What infuriated me was the reminder of how Black people were treated in this country for fighting for rights we should have already had. It especially hurt my heart reading how Roses father masculinity was stripped away from him leaving him unable to stand up for or protect his family. I appreciated the various views on the civil rights movement within the Black community. Not everyone was on board, but I get it, these were scary times and some Black people were cautious of the repercussions the movement could cause them. This was agreat book to remind me of all my ancestors had to go through so I could have a right to vote as I headed to the polls on Tuesday morning. I enjoyed how Angela Jackson Brown put this story together and the historical facts and figures she gave us in this book.
January 9, 2024
Homeward follows Rose Perkins in the early 60s as she navigates marriage, loss, infidelity, and the Civil Rights movement. I enjoyed the slow build of the story and how character focused it was and the focus on the reluctance of some communities to embrace the Civil Rights movement. Jackson-Brown does a really good job making you feel all of Rose's emotions and struggles and I felt very immersed in her story. My only complaint is that the book ended rather abruptly and I honestly would have loved more.
The challenge for some people is going to be that this character work takes up about half of the book before we really get into the Civil Rights part of the story. I think the other challenge for some people will be that Homeward really focuses on the personal/familial impact of the Civil Rights movement and what the cost of getting involved was. I thought this was a great choice and done very well, but do not go in expecting an action-filled story of the Movement.
Jackson-Brown's writing was evocative and beautifully crafted. I'm definitely excited to try more of her work in future!
Thanks to Harper Collins Focus, Harper Muse, Harper Audio, and Netgalley for an audioARC of Homeward.
The challenge for some people is going to be that this character work takes up about half of the book before we really get into the Civil Rights part of the story. I think the other challenge for some people will be that Homeward really focuses on the personal/familial impact of the Civil Rights movement and what the cost of getting involved was. I thought this was a great choice and done very well, but do not go in expecting an action-filled story of the Movement.
Jackson-Brown's writing was evocative and beautifully crafted. I'm definitely excited to try more of her work in future!
Thanks to Harper Collins Focus, Harper Muse, Harper Audio, and Netgalley for an audioARC of Homeward.
July 13, 2024
Rose is teetering on the edge of decisions, not the least of which is being PG by someone not her husband. Not the first time in the world that has happened, but it's still a sticky place to be. And, she's in Georgia, in 1965. . .a very prejudiced world if you happen to be a person of color.
For me this read beckoned because of the civil rights issues, combined with women's right issues in a region that has a troubled past on both counts. As it turned out this book is really more about Rose herself, a woman just trying to make it through life, and all the additional hoops put up by those who mightily enjoyed their season of situational power. She overcame and moved on. I longed for a smoother transition at the end from story to done, but maybe in the next book.
*A sincere thank you to Angela Jackson-Brown, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #Homeward #NetGalley
For me this read beckoned because of the civil rights issues, combined with women's right issues in a region that has a troubled past on both counts. As it turned out this book is really more about Rose herself, a woman just trying to make it through life, and all the additional hoops put up by those who mightily enjoyed their season of situational power. She overcame and moved on. I longed for a smoother transition at the end from story to done, but maybe in the next book.
*A sincere thank you to Angela Jackson-Brown, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #Homeward #NetGalley
November 21, 2025
This journey started off a bit challenging for me because it was in a dark place . I wasn't sure if I could go on, but something deep inside kept urging me to keep moving forward. Along the way, I gained many meaningful insights. I'm really glad I finished it because I feel much more enlightened and grateful for the experience.
October 12, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this story. It was at turns heartwarming and heart wrenching. It was very easy to read. I got through it in just a couple of days I found the characters and family members so likeable.
August 28, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
5 stars
Homeward is a beautifully written book about love, loss, faith, family, hope, and courage. I like how the Perkins family were close and respectful to each other. Rose made a mistake in her marriage, but she had a loving and forgiving husband.
Many times in her life Rose had to pick up the pieces of what was left and move on. She showed resilence and strength in the face of all she went through. She then found her calling in the Civil Rights Movement. She made history and forged new friendships and relationships.
Throughout her life, Rose overcame the odds and all that was stacked against her. She found the courage to follow her dreams. The only down side to this book was the ending. I wanted and felt that an epiloque was needed. I know Rose had an amazing future, but I wanted to read about the beautiful life she finally got to have.
5 stars
Homeward is a beautifully written book about love, loss, faith, family, hope, and courage. I like how the Perkins family were close and respectful to each other. Rose made a mistake in her marriage, but she had a loving and forgiving husband.
Many times in her life Rose had to pick up the pieces of what was left and move on. She showed resilence and strength in the face of all she went through. She then found her calling in the Civil Rights Movement. She made history and forged new friendships and relationships.
Throughout her life, Rose overcame the odds and all that was stacked against her. She found the courage to follow her dreams. The only down side to this book was the ending. I wanted and felt that an epiloque was needed. I know Rose had an amazing future, but I wanted to read about the beautiful life she finally got to have.
November 13, 2023
Nobody can tell me that I’m not kin to the Perkins from Parsons, Georgia!
I enjoyed reading cousin Rose’s journey through grief & self discovery. I appreciate that we met Isaac and he nudged her towards closing one of the worst chapters of her life and exploring what being a single young women meant, but he didn’t become her saving grace. I love that not getting him right away didn’t unravel her, instead she continued her path towards Rose and saved herself.
I’m praying that Jackson-Brown gives us an update on Birdy Pruitt Medical Clinic.
I enjoyed reading cousin Rose’s journey through grief & self discovery. I appreciate that we met Isaac and he nudged her towards closing one of the worst chapters of her life and exploring what being a single young women meant, but he didn’t become her saving grace. I love that not getting him right away didn’t unravel her, instead she continued her path towards Rose and saved herself.
I’m praying that Jackson-Brown gives us an update on Birdy Pruitt Medical Clinic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2024
3.5 stars: i learned so much from this book about the civil rights movement and it gave me such a good historical fiction fix. i cried so much which is the sign of a good book. my only complaint was that the some of the dialogue and character interactions seemed forced and sort of YA-ish. overall i liked it!
November 2, 2023
Rose Perkins Bourdon returns home to Parsons, GA, without her husband and pregnant with another man’s baby. After tragedy strikes her husband in the war overseas, Rose is left with pieces of who she used to be and is forced to figure out what she is going to do with the rest of her life. Her sister introduces her to members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Feeling emotions for the first time since her husband’s passing, Rose becomes increasingly involved in the resistance efforts. Rose embarks on a path toward self-discovery and growth as she becomes involved in the Civil Rights Movement, finally becoming the woman she has always dreamed of being.
Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC! The audiobook performance of this book was great. The speaking was a little slow but I listened in 2.5x speed and it was perfect. The story itself was both heartbreaking and hopeful, and provided a lot of educational anecdotes about what Black people experienced living in the south during the Civil Rights Movement. The first 30% or so of the book was a bit slow for me and pretty much just involved laying the background and introducing all of the characters. I struggled a lot with Ruth’s character during this portion as she didn’t come across as very likable. The second half of the book was much more enjoyable to me as it delved into Rose and her community’s participation in the Civil Rights Movement and the hardships they suffered trying to bring equality to their small town. I really enjoyed this part of the book, so I think I would have rated this higher if the Civil Rights Movement was incorporated more into the first part of the book and if less time was spent with Rose dwelling on the consequences of her own actions and feeling sorry for herself. I really enjoyed all of Rose’s family members and thought they were very well developed, despite not being the main focus. Overall this was an enjoyable and educational book! 3.5 stars rounded up
Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC! The audiobook performance of this book was great. The speaking was a little slow but I listened in 2.5x speed and it was perfect. The story itself was both heartbreaking and hopeful, and provided a lot of educational anecdotes about what Black people experienced living in the south during the Civil Rights Movement. The first 30% or so of the book was a bit slow for me and pretty much just involved laying the background and introducing all of the characters. I struggled a lot with Ruth’s character during this portion as she didn’t come across as very likable. The second half of the book was much more enjoyable to me as it delved into Rose and her community’s participation in the Civil Rights Movement and the hardships they suffered trying to bring equality to their small town. I really enjoyed this part of the book, so I think I would have rated this higher if the Civil Rights Movement was incorporated more into the first part of the book and if less time was spent with Rose dwelling on the consequences of her own actions and feeling sorry for herself. I really enjoyed all of Rose’s family members and thought they were very well developed, despite not being the main focus. Overall this was an enjoyable and educational book! 3.5 stars rounded up
September 19, 2023
In 1962 Georgia, the world is changing. Some may say it’s for the better, but their lives will never be the same.
Rose Perkins Bourdon returns to her family home in Parsons, GA without her husband and pregnant with another man’s baby. After tragedy strikes her family in more ways than one, Rose’s sister introduces her members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee better known as SNCC. They’re fighting for equal rights for the black community, including the right to vote. Though frightened and nervous, Rose finds herself becoming more active in their fight, much to the chagrin of her family. As the fight moves to their hometown, their family must learn how to push their fears aside and fight for what they believe in.
I found this book to have some heartwarming moments in it. I thought the relationship among the family was beautifully written and well fleshed out. The setting was well established and the scenes during the fight for human rights felt so immersive. It made me feel like I was in the room! I could feel the character’s pain and frustration with the way the world was and the fear of retaliation.
There are times I wish this book wasn’t in the first person. I felt like some of the inner monologue, especially in regards to the major losses in Rose’s life often felt a bit repetitive and overdone. It just dragged the novel down a bit for me. I also felt this story took a bit to get moving. It could have done with a bit of trimming. Overall I liked this one, but wasn’t fully in the love it category.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read this book.
Rose Perkins Bourdon returns to her family home in Parsons, GA without her husband and pregnant with another man’s baby. After tragedy strikes her family in more ways than one, Rose’s sister introduces her members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee better known as SNCC. They’re fighting for equal rights for the black community, including the right to vote. Though frightened and nervous, Rose finds herself becoming more active in their fight, much to the chagrin of her family. As the fight moves to their hometown, their family must learn how to push their fears aside and fight for what they believe in.
I found this book to have some heartwarming moments in it. I thought the relationship among the family was beautifully written and well fleshed out. The setting was well established and the scenes during the fight for human rights felt so immersive. It made me feel like I was in the room! I could feel the character’s pain and frustration with the way the world was and the fear of retaliation.
There are times I wish this book wasn’t in the first person. I felt like some of the inner monologue, especially in regards to the major losses in Rose’s life often felt a bit repetitive and overdone. It just dragged the novel down a bit for me. I also felt this story took a bit to get moving. It could have done with a bit of trimming. Overall I liked this one, but wasn’t fully in the love it category.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read this book.
November 8, 2024
CAWPILE
Characters: 9
Atmosphere: 10
Writing: 10
Plot: 10
Intrigue: 10
Logic: 8
Enjoyment: 10
Angela Jackson-Brown’s Homeward casts a poignant light on the Civil Rights movement through the lens of the Perkins family in Little Parsons. Raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring, the novel captures Rose’s journey as her family faces profound changes amidst a transforming community. This book is truly written for those who may not fully understand the power of their vote. As someone who feels deeply hurt by brothers and sisters who choose not to exercise their right to vote, this story hit me hard. From the very first page, Jackson-Brown builds a strong connection to the characters of Parsons, Georgia. The Perkins family feels like my family, so down-home and familiar it almost hurts. I’m incredibly proud of these characters and even more appreciative of my ancestors and their relentless commitment to freedom. This story serves as a powerful reminder that we cannot sit still when the going gets tough; as VP Harris has said, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and fight.
Characters: 9
Atmosphere: 10
Writing: 10
Plot: 10
Intrigue: 10
Logic: 8
Enjoyment: 10
Angela Jackson-Brown’s Homeward casts a poignant light on the Civil Rights movement through the lens of the Perkins family in Little Parsons. Raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring, the novel captures Rose’s journey as her family faces profound changes amidst a transforming community. This book is truly written for those who may not fully understand the power of their vote. As someone who feels deeply hurt by brothers and sisters who choose not to exercise their right to vote, this story hit me hard. From the very first page, Jackson-Brown builds a strong connection to the characters of Parsons, Georgia. The Perkins family feels like my family, so down-home and familiar it almost hurts. I’m incredibly proud of these characters and even more appreciative of my ancestors and their relentless commitment to freedom. This story serves as a powerful reminder that we cannot sit still when the going gets tough; as VP Harris has said, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and fight.
October 5, 2023
Thank you to Harper Muse Audiobooks and Netgalley for the arc.
We meet Rose at a difficult time in her life. She married young, she’s pregnant with a baby that’s not her husband’s and she has to head home and face her family and the consequences of her actions.
When I started this book I wasn’t sure I would finish it. The writing felt juvenile and immature. I wasn’t sure how the story would develop into something I would enjoy and I considered throwing in the towel. I’m so glad I didn’t!
Jackson-Brown crafts the character and personality of Rose as a young women through her writing and this young sounding voice matures as Rose does. We are painted a vibrant picture of the US in the 60s from the perspective of a naive black woman learning about civil rights along with the reader. We experience many major historical events through Rose’s eyes and feel the emotional ups and downs of them all.
This was a beautifully written book and I would definitely recommend this to those who enjoy historical fiction.
We meet Rose at a difficult time in her life. She married young, she’s pregnant with a baby that’s not her husband’s and she has to head home and face her family and the consequences of her actions.
When I started this book I wasn’t sure I would finish it. The writing felt juvenile and immature. I wasn’t sure how the story would develop into something I would enjoy and I considered throwing in the towel. I’m so glad I didn’t!
Jackson-Brown crafts the character and personality of Rose as a young women through her writing and this young sounding voice matures as Rose does. We are painted a vibrant picture of the US in the 60s from the perspective of a naive black woman learning about civil rights along with the reader. We experience many major historical events through Rose’s eyes and feel the emotional ups and downs of them all.
This was a beautifully written book and I would definitely recommend this to those who enjoy historical fiction.
November 8, 2023
4.5 - “They aren’t going to help us. Why would they help us when they hate us so?”
Thank you to Libro.fm and Harper Muse Books for the gifted audiobook on exchange for an honest review
This book is raw and timely, discussing topics like racism, segregation, and family drama with care and delicacy. It’s emotional and inspiring in a way I wasn’t quite expecting.
Rose returns home to Georgia pregnant with another man’s baby, seeking the comfort and support of her family. When tragedy strikes, Rose becomes a hollow shell of the woman she once was. Through her healing, her sister introduces her to group fighting for justice and equal rights, something she’d only seen on television prior.
This book can be uncomfortable at times, which absolutely makes sense with the subject matter and how vulnerable Jackson-Brown is able to make Rose. She’s not a character without flaws and she has to learn to live with her past decisions and move forward. She also needs to heal from her trauma and she finds it in a seemingly unlikely place.
When she becomes intwined with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, she becomes involved in resistance efforts. There are depictions of racism that feel visceral and real, and they shape Rose and her worldview in such a profound way. She becomes determined and confident, and her character arc is truly outstanding. Her journey of self-discovery was bother heartbreaking and inspiring, and absolutely worth reading.
“We had the right to fight for our rights. And I was determined. No mater what, that tomorrow I would exercise that freedom.”
Thank you to Libro.fm and Harper Muse Books for the gifted audiobook on exchange for an honest review
This book is raw and timely, discussing topics like racism, segregation, and family drama with care and delicacy. It’s emotional and inspiring in a way I wasn’t quite expecting.
Rose returns home to Georgia pregnant with another man’s baby, seeking the comfort and support of her family. When tragedy strikes, Rose becomes a hollow shell of the woman she once was. Through her healing, her sister introduces her to group fighting for justice and equal rights, something she’d only seen on television prior.
This book can be uncomfortable at times, which absolutely makes sense with the subject matter and how vulnerable Jackson-Brown is able to make Rose. She’s not a character without flaws and she has to learn to live with her past decisions and move forward. She also needs to heal from her trauma and she finds it in a seemingly unlikely place.
When she becomes intwined with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, she becomes involved in resistance efforts. There are depictions of racism that feel visceral and real, and they shape Rose and her worldview in such a profound way. She becomes determined and confident, and her character arc is truly outstanding. Her journey of self-discovery was bother heartbreaking and inspiring, and absolutely worth reading.
“We had the right to fight for our rights. And I was determined. No mater what, that tomorrow I would exercise that freedom.”
October 16, 2024
I’ll be back later with my thoughts
The first half of this book reads like a Friday night primetime drama or soap opera. This is a story of love. This is a story of life's choices.. This is a story of womanhood . This is a story of civil rights. This is a historical fiction that is true. Rose is a young woman that is a wife and soon to be mother who has lot of growing up to do. Throughout the story she carries a lot of guilt, shame, and embarrassment, I was hoping that by the end of the story that she would mature and make peace with herself. What I appreciated about this story is the family support, they disagreed on many things but when it was time to come together they did. The pacing of this story fell flat at times. Aside from wishing there was more growth from Rose i enjoyed this book, the characters and, the story. If you are like me and love historical fiction,I recommend this book.
The first half of this book reads like a Friday night primetime drama or soap opera. This is a story of love. This is a story of life's choices.. This is a story of womanhood . This is a story of civil rights. This is a historical fiction that is true. Rose is a young woman that is a wife and soon to be mother who has lot of growing up to do. Throughout the story she carries a lot of guilt, shame, and embarrassment, I was hoping that by the end of the story that she would mature and make peace with herself. What I appreciated about this story is the family support, they disagreed on many things but when it was time to come together they did. The pacing of this story fell flat at times. Aside from wishing there was more growth from Rose i enjoyed this book, the characters and, the story. If you are like me and love historical fiction,I recommend this book.
September 28, 2023
A beautifully written book about a Black family in Mississippi in the early 1960s. This is the kind of story that will transplant you smack into the middle of a family's life. As you read, you'll feel like you are there with them on the front porch and at meal times. Each member of the family has a distinct personality and approaches solutions to rampant racism differently. In the end they all come together to create change in their own town.
The author really captured all the different feelings a person might have had in this place and time. Be it hesitation, fear, cautious enthusiasm, unbridled enthusiasm, indifference etc. These are memorable characters and a few are even unusual characters. I think this is a wonderful read and also a read that sheds light on some moments in history that are in danger of being forgotten.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It's so well written and fascinating to get a glimpse into this time period and this wonderful family.
The author really captured all the different feelings a person might have had in this place and time. Be it hesitation, fear, cautious enthusiasm, unbridled enthusiasm, indifference etc. These are memorable characters and a few are even unusual characters. I think this is a wonderful read and also a read that sheds light on some moments in history that are in danger of being forgotten.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It's so well written and fascinating to get a glimpse into this time period and this wonderful family.
November 1, 2023
a beautiful work of historical fiction. this book captures grief, familial love, and the bravery that everybody fighting for equality in the 60s felt. i really love the emphasis on how the movement was successful because of so many “normal” people joining. showed they myriad of ways we can fight for justice while highlighting historical figures that aren’t as known as MLK and John Lewis. Truly a wonderful testament to how stories can teach important history.
February 11, 2025
I'm beginning to read more and more historical fiction. The thing that remains true is while do much had changed, too many things remain the same. Similar toThe Light Always Breaks, I appreciate AJB's ability to weave in fictional characters among real historical figures. This book was relatively slow paced and was extremely emotional and frustrating at times. But it also serves as a helpful reminder that our work isn't done.
December 18, 2023
Homeward the story of Rose Perkins Bourdon a story that was full of injustice and heartbreaks, she was admirable and strong, strong after all that she went through, I like the story, I only felt like there was something left out at the end I didn't felt a conclusion in my mind. overall it was a great book, I enjoyed the writing of the author so much.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Muse, for the advanced copy of Homeward in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Muse, for the advanced copy of Homeward in exchange for my honest review.
March 16, 2024
Another novel that should be on everyone’s “To read” list. It gives a real insight into what it was like to be black, and in particular a black woman, in early 1960’s America when segregation was rife. Such a powerful, harrowing story, but one that is full of hope and pride. One of the best novels I have read so far this year.
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