Soledad

by Brandi L. Bates

SOLEDAD is a novel about love, betrayal, heartbreak, and the aftermath of an extramarital affair. Set in contemporary Metro Atlanta, SOLEDAD sheds light on taboo and often controversial issues among educated, uppity, bourgeois black folk, like Soledad Francis. Soledad gets entangled in the cross-hair of a smooth, fast talking man with more secrets than Deep

David’s mouth dripped open slowly. He stood with his heels dug into my carpet, a dashed hope, a broken dream. No amount of money could top the priceless look that gathered on his face like an unmade bed. His eyebrows crumpled and furrowed like disheveled sheets. His lips curled into an acidic smirk. Confusion and shock collided in the cornea of his dilated pupils. He was a B.B. King Song, personified. His entire body sang the blues.

Through near death experiences, trauma, sadistic stalkers, loss, and friends with their own baggage and issues, Soledad finds her authentic self, and learns valuable life lessons about trust and timeless wisdom; the type of wisdom that can only be garnered through pain and loneliness.

Genres: Fiction

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2011

About the author

Born in 1979, she was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and educated at Phillips Exeter Academy, University of Southern California, Spelman College, Meredith College, and The Master's College and Seminary.

This earthy Los Angeles native is a self proclaimed avid reader and cheerleader of the Talented Tenth and is also known for her fiery intellect and infectious sense of humor. Some of her stories treat reality with a magical realism, sometimes demonstrating an altered reality. Yet, they are always satisfying, stimulating, and thought provoking.

Bestselling Author of Amid the Cacophony of Cries, Ruminations, Lunar Eclipse, Mood Swings, and The Head Mistress, Brandi L. Bates is known for her sexy, fast-paced, edgy style of writing. She gracefully spices up the intimacy and mood with juicy blow by blow details, while weaving a thrilling whodunit filled with brevity, taut atmosphere, and strong psychological suspense. She has been described as a master of suspense, plotting, and vivid characterization by her contemporaries. Her stories have glowing reviews in most literary circles. Best known for her novels that could broadly be described as suspense thrillers, Bates also frequently incorporates poetic elements of erotica, horror, mystery, science fiction, and satire.

Many of Bates’ novels feature sympathetic portrayals of characters who suffer from some mental or emotional abnormality and a desperate struggle for survival that leads to a final confrontation where one never knows where they’ll be taken. Her stories are unpredictable and jarring. Nominated for the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, Bates is considered one of the pre-eminent writers of twenty-first century African-American literature.

Reviews

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just received my copy of Soledad in the mail. I can't put the book down! So far...amazing. WoW Ms. Brandi, thank you for the great read. I will be ordering all of your books this week.

[marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down

I loved this book. It was only 287 pages and I finished it in two days. So many gems about life, death, love and family. The author has a great way of painting pictures with words that leaves your soul feeling nourished and fed. Will read again soon but first I’m going to check out more books by Brandi Bates.

[jenea chapman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Over detailed

Way too much detail, I know as a writer you are to make the reader feel as if their expericing the scene with their own eyes like, however it was overkill throughout the entire book which could have been a good read but ultimately failed

[Mahoghani 23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed Emotions

This was a pretty good book to read but not a page turner. Some friendships don't stand the test of time.