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Blackberry Days of Summer
In an exciting historical whodunit, a young black man is murdered and even though suspects abound, no one is trying too hard to find his killer.
The novel begins as ?The Great War? is coming to an end. As Robert Parker?s body is lowered into the grave, Herman Camm introduces himself to the mourning family. He is a beady-eyed, small-framed, well-dressed man with a mysterious stare?and he is about to drastically change the lives of three women: Mae Lou Parker; her daughter, Carrie; and Pearl Brown.
On Christmas Eve in Jefferson County, Virginia, trouble arrives when Carrie reveals a disturbing secret that will haunt and change their lives forever. Mae Lou is fed up with Herman spending time with other women and she goes to confront him. Everybody wants a part of him, including Willie; however, the tables are slightly turned when Willie ends up with a gun pointing directly at him.
All of the stories converge when Herman is found dead from a shotgun wound. There are many people Herman has offended. And all three women are suspects in his murder. An investigation is launched. But no one really cares, including the police. Blackberry Days of Summer is a brilliantly crafted story of family secrets, complexity and the courage of forgiveness.
277 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2012
9 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 16, 2012
I just finished this book early this morning at 5am because I couldnt put it down! I was so into this book that I had crazy thoughts of what I wanted to do to the protagonist, Camm myself! I love a good historical fiction novel. I loved that she didnt focus so hard on racism which many black american historical novelist do. She centered the focus exactly where it needed to be. Great plot line. Super great ending. I loved the strategic method she used to revealed who murdered Herman Camm (it made me have to reread the scene and say AHAA!).
I fell in love with Ginny, she was my favorite character. She's one of those characters that sneaks up on you and wish you had more of her. I could relate to Carrie in some ways. And even though Pearl wasnt my fav, I could definitely respect her constant crave for freedom. To live outside of the small claustrophic box that women, black and white, in that era were expected to live inside. And as for Mae Lou, I think we all know women like her. Strong, matriarchal women who appear tough as nails on the outside carrying the weight of a tough cold world on her back like its nothing, but deep inside when no one is looking, she's soft as butter. Yearning for male company and someone to lighten her load.
My only critic is that it was really hard for me to get through the first 6 chapters. I considered putting the book down and not returning. I'm really, really into historical fiction especially around the early 20th century. With that being said, I didnt feel that she put enough emphasis on the language of the era. I do understand that Carrie was educated and many of the other characters. But, some other characters like, Mae lou, Herman, Ginny, and a few more she could have taken advantage of the broken english and lack of vocabular for that time frame. It didnt always seem realistic to me. but once I accepted that we just have too different writing styles, I was able to move past that and fall so in love with this book.
But all in all it was a wonderful story. It was slow in the beginning, but a little before halfway I literally couldnt seem to put the book down. I love a good book like that. Great first novel.
Ruth, if you are reading this review please please please give me a sequel! I need more!!!
I fell in love with Ginny, she was my favorite character. She's one of those characters that sneaks up on you and wish you had more of her. I could relate to Carrie in some ways. And even though Pearl wasnt my fav, I could definitely respect her constant crave for freedom. To live outside of the small claustrophic box that women, black and white, in that era were expected to live inside. And as for Mae Lou, I think we all know women like her. Strong, matriarchal women who appear tough as nails on the outside carrying the weight of a tough cold world on her back like its nothing, but deep inside when no one is looking, she's soft as butter. Yearning for male company and someone to lighten her load.
My only critic is that it was really hard for me to get through the first 6 chapters. I considered putting the book down and not returning. I'm really, really into historical fiction especially around the early 20th century. With that being said, I didnt feel that she put enough emphasis on the language of the era. I do understand that Carrie was educated and many of the other characters. But, some other characters like, Mae lou, Herman, Ginny, and a few more she could have taken advantage of the broken english and lack of vocabular for that time frame. It didnt always seem realistic to me. but once I accepted that we just have too different writing styles, I was able to move past that and fall so in love with this book.
But all in all it was a wonderful story. It was slow in the beginning, but a little before halfway I literally couldnt seem to put the book down. I love a good book like that. Great first novel.
Ruth, if you are reading this review please please please give me a sequel! I need more!!!
July 28, 2012
Ruth P. Watson is a great storyteller. This is such an enjoyable read I did not want to get to the end of the novel. That said…bring on the sequel! The characters are so believable it was easy to draw a visual of them as I read. I purchased the paperback but was compelled to download on my NOOK as well. This story would be excellent for a movie/stage production.
July 29, 2012
Blackberry Days of Summer is a must read! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Once you start reading, you will not put it down until the end. The end will leave you wanting more! Blackberry Days brings out so many emotions as the characters are developed...sympathy, empathy, anger, joy, pain...I highly recommend you read Blackberry Days of Summer by Ruth P. Watson.
January 1, 2016
An amazingly refreshing read that I could not put down. The writing was poetic and the story line was hypnotic. looking forward to more from Ruth P Watson!!!
August 7, 2012
Not sure of the title just yet, but as I started reading the novel, it feels like a summer breeze...hot in the right spots but a breeze to keep things cool. Carrie is an interesting character especially when she discovers who she really is and belongs to, but handles it pretty well at 15 years of age. Pearl is a jazzy nightclub singer that marries a man without really knowing what she was getting herself into. Mae Lou, after losing her husband, I still want to get to know her...and what she is willing to do after he dies.
This is a good wholesome story; and the writer creates meaningful characters and dynamics to savor the story overall. This is a historical fiction/contemporary novel, 1920s, and even though it is decades after slavery, still can relate to some moments of the past.
This is a good wholesome story; and the writer creates meaningful characters and dynamics to savor the story overall. This is a historical fiction/contemporary novel, 1920s, and even though it is decades after slavery, still can relate to some moments of the past.
January 30, 2016
A great read you want to keep reading because its good but you want to savor it and make it last. An all time great whodunnit and as you read and read you place the blame and point the finger only to have to retract your thoughts. A man was murdered and nobody trying to find out who did it. Makes you wonder why...you have to be a low down person for nobody to care enough to look into your death...is it you or the people? Definitely not what I was expecting when I picked up the book on a whim. Anxious to read the sequel because it couldn't just end the way it did.
August 22, 2012
What a WONDERFUL book! The plot was a refreshing change from a lot of the stories we see today. The characters were so complex and interesting. The novel follows the lives of three women in 1920's Virginia. The common thread for these women is one man, Herman Camm. When Camm takes way more than he could ever give, will these women be able to redeem their lives? Although the storyline was a bit predictable, I still wanted to read every word.
December 5, 2012
I really enjoyed the character development as well as the storylines twists and turns. The description on the back of the book is on point, but made me start reading with a different story in mind. I was pleasantly surprised to find way more between the pages.
July 28, 2012
Really enjoyed this book. Great read.
August 2, 2012
This is an excellent historical novel of the lives of two black women around the end of WWI.
July 17, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was such a smooth read!!!
November 18, 2020
By the second chapter, I have a winner in finishing this book. I can't express how much I love this book (1). The story has happiness, love of family, community, jealousy, and betrayal. My heart goes out to Carrie. Just to read how she's a victim of a terrible assault is heartbreaking. She was scared and not being able to tell anyone. Miss Pearl and Mae Lou, being blind, not seeing who Mr. Camm is, and deaf, refuse to hear what people say about the devil of a man, who's a womanizer to the hilt. Miss Pearl and Mae Lou are attracted to a man who wears nice clothing and has smooth hands and manicured nails, not your typical country guy with bib overalls and callous hands they see in their everyday life ( I call that a working man). Even if I didn't like some of the characters, they are all strong. Ruth P. Watson's writing is so graceful to me; you can't help but want to read every word of her books. What a winner.
February 28, 2018
I had a hard time getting into this book initially. There were random sentences in paragraphs that had me reading it again to see if I had missed something, and the characters - for me - were slow to develop. I'm glad I pushed through those first few chapters though. I wouldn't rate it as high as some of the reviews here, but I enjoyed it enough to add the sequel to my future reading list.
August 16, 2019
It isn't often that I write a review for a book but after reading the last page of this one I felt compelled. The author has a way of creating characters you can visualize as if you were standing at the corner of that porch with Ginny and Carrie. This book has it all - mystery, intrigue, murder, romance, and a great big whodunit!
March 11, 2020
Awesome
This book was very good and relatable to so many peoples lives. The author did an outstanding job illustrating the lust, dysfunction, happy and sadness one may possess with others. It was so very exciting from beginning to end with a lot of mystery in the characters and neighborhood alike.
This book was very good and relatable to so many peoples lives. The author did an outstanding job illustrating the lust, dysfunction, happy and sadness one may possess with others. It was so very exciting from beginning to end with a lot of mystery in the characters and neighborhood alike.
December 2, 2016
I absolutely loved this book! The characters felt so real I felt like I was apart of the book. The book is an easy read. You won't be able to put it down!! I cannot wait until I purchase the 2nd book. Keep the story going!! Job well done to the author!! #TeamCarrie
December 21, 2017
Awesome book worth reading. The author presented a familiar narrative in a very unique way, and I found that very refreshing.
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September 26, 2019This was an awesome read!
December 29, 2019
Great read and great characters!
June 8, 2023
3.5 Slow start - picked up pace through the middle and then ended abruptly.
April 9, 2013
Carrie Parker's world is falling apart in front of her eyes and there's nothing she can do about it. Mae Lou Parker, her mother is an unaffectionate strong woman that desires the constant presence of a man around. Shortly after burying her husband Mae Lou finds comfort in the arms of city slicker and ladies man Herman Camm. Mae Lou may have Herman's heart but not if Pearl Brown has anything to do with it. Pearl Brown, an unhappily married thirty something lounge singer is madly in love with Herman whether he likes it or not. The author paints a vivid picture of 1919 from the LeDroit Park neighborhood near Howard University to Jefferson County, Virginia. In a time where black people are known as colored like to unwind along “The Colored Broadway.” The author allows each character to tell a story that eventually weaves all three major characters together seamlessly. Throughout the story I find myself rooting for Carrie, crying over Pearl's broken heart, and hoping Mae Lou realize the snake living inside Herman Camm. As the story unfolds we learn deep dark secrets about each woman that play a major role in their individual perspective on life and love. As a special bonus the writer clues us in on the title of the novel that’s beautifully woven into the tale. With authentic characters, well developed plot, vivid descriptions of history, and the talent for allowing the characters to breathe life into each word the author has created a timeless classic. Before the story ends I found myself unable to stop reading and wanting to share such a rare gem in literature today. Ruth Watson has not only cemented her name in literature but in the hearts of many.
July 23, 2012
The book was good and I couldn't tear myself away from it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT and hope you enjoy it as I have. It's about a Virginia farming family of two boys and a girl,and their mom. They lost the father, which is hard on them, and their luck change for the worse when a trifling,sorry,no good man in the form of Herman Camm gets into the mother's life and eventually marries her. The boys hightail it outta there but Carrie is stuck and when she meets a nice young man and he asks for her hand, her mother says No, and stuff get even uglier. In the meantime, the stepfather is carrying on with a singer from the area who follows him back to Virginia from Washington D.C.,and her husband not too far behind. A very good book but I tell you, my heart went out to Carrie. It really did. I can see the harshness that many young girls had to go through behind folks not believing them when they unburdened themselves of things they had no business of taking on.
July 17, 2012
My first book for the summer to read was your book and I was absolutely thrilled when I read this book.
I grew up in North Carolina, so I know the southern culture of people in the south. When I began to read your book it took me to a place
that I was so familiar with from the south. We all have a story to tell from our life experiences, but our secrets always find away to come back to haunt us.
When, I had to stop reading this book and placed my bookmark where I stopped, I couldn't wait to get back to reading again to see what was going to happen.
I started to cry when I got to chapter 28. Something reminded me of a similar situation from my past that stirred up some emotions for me that was long forgotten.
Ruth, I really enjoyed reading Blackberry Days of Summer, I really enjoyed the characters, My favorite was Carrie.
I grew up in North Carolina, so I know the southern culture of people in the south. When I began to read your book it took me to a place
that I was so familiar with from the south. We all have a story to tell from our life experiences, but our secrets always find away to come back to haunt us.
When, I had to stop reading this book and placed my bookmark where I stopped, I couldn't wait to get back to reading again to see what was going to happen.
I started to cry when I got to chapter 28. Something reminded me of a similar situation from my past that stirred up some emotions for me that was long forgotten.
Ruth, I really enjoyed reading Blackberry Days of Summer, I really enjoyed the characters, My favorite was Carrie.
February 11, 2013
This was a good, easy book to read. It's a classic novel that shows indept how Blacks in the south lived and the nastiness behind some family members. I really like the ending..It gives you enough information to draw your own conclusion with what happened to the protagonist. The Mama was so naive about what was going on around her, the daughter was smarter than what they gave her credit for and I liked the character, Ginny, who had a good spirit and didn't try to say Carrie was lying about her being raped. Ginny is the Aunt that a lot of us wish we had, someone whom we can talk to without being judgemental :-) If you like Zane, you will like this book...I hadn't heard of this book and the only reason I picked it up was because it was in the new book section in the library and I was there picking up another book...It's well worth reading and it had me on my seat the entire time...
July 8, 2014
Ruth was a friend on Facebook before I realized she is an author, and a talented one at that. Blackberry Days of Summer weaves the tale of three women: traditional Mae Lou, her ambitious daughter Carrie, and Pearl, the night club singer. Parts of the story were reminiscent of The Color Purple especially where racism and sexism seemed to be inevitabilities for black women in the rural south and discovering delayed letters from a loved one. The murder mystery at the end was glossed over but the outcome worked well. The descriptions of the good food cooked by Mae Lou, Carrie and Pearl's mother had my mouth watering before long. Gotta go - I'm hungry!
September 4, 2012
The characters are interesting and the storyline is well-developed. I read this novel as a member of a book club. The author, Ruth Watson, “Skyped” into our meeting/discussion, which created a unique literary experience. Rarely, does a reader have the opportunity to learn an author’s intentions or their writing process. Ms. Watson is definitely an author who cares about her readers.
August 28, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the storytelling of the author. The characters were believable. I love how the author kept us wondering what would happen next, right down to the who did it at the end. I found the book to be riveting & a real page turner. Quite an easy & enjoyable read!
November 12, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. At times I laughed and cried. This is one of those books that once you pick it up you won't be able to put down. I am looking forward to seeing what the Author has in store for the future because she certainly came out the gate with a I'm in the house now bang.
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August 4, 2013I really liked this book. The lead up to the Muder of Mr Camm had we hooked, however it almost felt like the author got tired at the end because it ended so abruptly? I wanted to know what happened to all of the charecters and find out who dunnit? Peal, Willie, Ginny, Simon.....?
September 8, 2012
Postwar WWI, three women in the deep south find themselves involved with the same man. Only trouble can follow for Mae Lou, Carrie and Pearl.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews