Sarah's Psalm

by Florence Ladd

In this searing first novel, author Florence Ladd tells the story of Sarah Stewart, a young black Harvard graduate whose growing interest in Africa and declining interest in her failing marriage lead her down a path of self-discovery, love, and the choice between loyalty and truth.It is the 1960s and AMerica is in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, to which Sarah's husband, Lincoln, is dedicated. Sarah decides to travel to Senegal to study and work with Ibrahim Mangane, a Senegalese writer and filmmaker whose passion for his work and his country intrigue her. This is a lifelong dream come true for Sarah, but not without a price. While Lincoln remains passionate about the movement at home, she longs for the beauty and mystery of Africa.This is at once a story of the emerging American Civil Rights Movement and the beginning of Afrocentrism. It is also the story of love and a woman's coming of age. Lyrical in style, Sarah's Psalm tells of one young black woman's captivation with Africa and all things African, her husbands concurrent obsession with the American Civil Rights Movement, and the rift it creates between them.

Genres: Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 2, 1996

Reviews

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has got to be on e of the best books I've read this year.
The reason I say so is that the lead character draws you into her life and her situations while still trying find out why she is connected to this family somehow.

As you read on, you learn a bit about history and something that many people never knew about.
France was rarely talked about when it came to the fate of the people of the Jewish faith and how they had a hand in their own camps as well.

When the book continues to draw you in, you literally never want to put it down no matter what.

A blend of history spliced with something that could be true was just a fascinating read.

[Marge Prohofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the journey that Sarah Stewart elected to pursue as a young black American in the 60's. I was facinated by her fascination with Senegal and her odessey to meet writer, Ibrahim Mangane. I appreciated the risks she took with her life and I also understood why. I found myself able to relate to Sarah's devotion to Ibrahim, while putting her own goals second, and her subsequent devotion to her step-son and her own son as they grew up. This book made me think about how we are all affected by where we live and how we relate to others based upon our perception of minority (color, race, religion etc.).

[SarahJayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story that drew me from beginning to end through Sarah’s journey of self-discovery. Sarahs love for Africa grew mine and her passion to help oppressed women and empower future generation’s moved me to do the same. This book was super insightful and detailed when it came to the exploration of political matters, notable figures, and pop culture through the late 1900’s.

[Carmen Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!