Wake of the Wind

by J. California Cooper

From the beloved and highly successful author of "Family" and "In Search of Satisfaction" comes a dramatic and thought-provoking new novel of one African-American family's triumph in the face of the hardships and challenges of the post-Civil War South.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, African American, Book Club, 19th Century, Drama, Adult Fiction

373 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

J. California Cooper first found acclaim as a playwright. The author of seventeen plays, she was named Black Playwright of the Year in 1978. It was through her work in the theater that she caught the attention of acclaimed poet and novelist Alice Walker. Encouraged by Walker to turn her popular storytelling skills to fiction, Cooper wrote her first collection of short stories, A Piece of Mine, in 1984. Called "rich in wisdom and insight" and "a book that's worth reading," A Piece of Mine introduced Cooper's trademark style: her intimate and energetic narration, sympathetic yet sometimes troubled characters, and the profound moral messages that underlie seemingly simple stories. Two more story collections followed on the heels of A Piece of Mine. In 1986 came Homemade Love, winner of an American Book Award, and, in 1987, Some Soul to Keep.

Reviews

[Mariah Roze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for the Goodreads' book club Diversity in All Forms. If you are interested in the discussion, here is the link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

The Wake of the Wind was about the challenges that generations of African Americans have had to overcome during slavery and post slavery. When the slaves were set free after the Civil war, the main characters Mor and Lifee and their extended family-who were other slaves who were also looking for a safe place and a new life- set out in search of a place they could call home. They faced many death threats, scares and even their house was set on fire. However, through all this they were still able to succeed. They grew their own crops, had children, and they learned how to read and write. This book captures the tragic and heart-breaking stories of right after the Civil war. A time period that is never written about: after slavery was abolished and the struggles that African-Americans faced.

This book filled me with so many emotions. It was so real and true, which broke my heart. This book shows how amazing it is, for how far we've come… but we still have a long way to go as a nation and world for equal rights. I am so glad my book club decided to have J. California Cooper be our author pick for the next couple months. I look forward to all the new information that I will learn and all the eye-opening details and experiences that I have never been aware of before. I suggest this book to everyone.

[ij · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't understand the final move to Virginia. Virginia certainly was not safe haven to blacks.

[La Tonya Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touches to the very fiber of what makes a true family. It is made of love, kindness, generosity, hard work, persistence, patience, and honesty. At ever turn when it appears the oppressor was pushing them down, the family stood tall and came out ahead. The family of people who truly cared for one another stuck together and came out on top. True Black women such as Iifee, Mead, and Abby know how to make the bad times good. A gathering of people makes a family not necessarily a blood line. Taking in the weary and helping everyone build his/her talent makes a family. This was an enjoyable book with hard lessons to learn. The love Mo and Iifee shared was a remarkably love that only few can understand both mentally, spiritually, and physically. My favorite passage is when Iifee requested "Peace" and stated she would share her peace with Luzy and Abbysinia. Family is not within the land because the land was taken over and over again. Family is in the heart. Excellent Book.

[JACQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel brought a deep understanding & allowed clear appreciation of 'our' ancestors & their triumphs through the horrific adversities of the American South. I wanted to cheer, mourn & defend while reading this book, & when it ended I wanted to let all of it just soak into my mind. Excellent, excellent writing. I'll recommend to literally everyone.

[Tisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, LOVE this one! She can't do no wrong far as I'm concerned, but this one really sticks out.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly one of the best books I've ever read. The characters are so beautifully written, I felt like I knew Lifee and Mor. It's a book that doesn't leave your head when you put it down. It is thought provoking, heartbreaking and inspirational. Loved it!

I just re-read this and was sad to find I didn't love it quite as much. I still think Cooper is an excellent story teller and I still really cared about these characters, but it just wasn't as well written as I remember. I'm leaving the ratings alone because it reflects how I felt when I first read it years ago. I still recommend it strongly, but I will say it is repetitive in parts and I had a harder time just accepting that Lifee would be that enlightened and strong.

[Norlisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my FAVORITE book. this is one of the greatest love stories of all time. It's about learning to love, growing love through tough times, teaching love and a love that endures.

[BernieMck · Rating 4 out of 5]

J California Cooper is one of my favorite authors. The book mainly takes place in the period after the enslaved were set free. After learning of their freedom, a group of former slaves gather together, travel, survive and through their smarts somewhat thrive. I love how they banded together in love, to make it through the many pitfalls that were set for them by the man.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really liked this book and would have given it 5 stars if not for the misinformation on what the Bible says (or supposedly doesn't say) about hell at the end. A character in the story claims the Bible says nothing about fire or suffering in hell but that when we die we seem to go to nothingness. I hope that people who read this will not take the word of this book, but instead will check out Matthew 13:30, Mark 9:48, Revelation 14:10, and Revelation 20:14-15 and many other passages.
Other than that, the characters in this book offered encouragement,tenacity and even humor in very difficult times. I truly enjoyed it.

[Cherisse H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

while stories based during slavery always pull at my heart strings, I really enjoyed the love between Lifee and Mor. both characters were quite endearing. I found myself rooting for them, and admiring them individually and as a collective all the way through the book. great storytelling.

[Carla Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read and re-read this book several times, and still, to this very day, often think about the choices that the two main characters (Lifee and Mordecai) had to make in order to thrive. There are so many lessons to be learned.

This is by far, one of my all time favorites by J. California Cooper.
Thank you, J. California Cooper for bringing Lifee and Mordecai to life!

[Artis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would love to see this made into a movie. Feel in love with Lifee and Mor. Also made me appreciate and respect all of our ancestors for surviving horrific times.

[Raven 🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

*♾/5. woahhhh. I honestly thought I was gonna despise this book. I decided to go into it open-minded and am so glad I did. this one is definitely a new favorite. can't wait to come back to it 🤎🥰.

[gaudeo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a story about a tenacious, resilient couple, former slaves, and their family-by-choice in the years after slavery, as they seek a safe place to settle and make homes of their own. Besides the grittiness, faith, and abiding hope of these people, what impresses this reader most is the resistance, resentment, and utter cruelty of a majority Southern whites during Reconstruction. I appreciate what this author achieved, even if I didn't appreciate her writing style, particularly the frequent use of incomplete sentences and the unnecessary repetition of detail.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most memorable book I have ever read. It has been over five years since reading this text and still I am enamored with its depth and beauty. A tale of strength, courage, and hope that no one should miss. Please, if you've read it, review it -- there are only a disheartening 12 ratings for this magnificent work.

[Anna Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a ton of books by this author when I had mono in high school, but didn't read this book until college when it was required reading. It's an epic tale of survival, blood bonds, and true love from the perspective of black staves before and after emancipation. The ending was so beautiful it brought me to tears.

[Deborah Shaheed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story chronicles the epic life of a family of newly freed slaves during the period of reconstructions. Cooper does a fantastic job of incorporating what many freed slaves had to deal with following their emancipation. It shows how the struggle for freedom did not end at emancipation and how a new, sinister ways to reenslaves blacks was a constant threat.

[Collett Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passionate, heart warming and wrenching, this story chronicles the lives of a newly made African American family right during the age of Reconstruction. J. California Cooper writes with sage like honesty, with lessons to learn about love, life and family on every page.

[Ekuwa]

Reading again for a book club

[Lulu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written.

[Shell (booksbythecup) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"And the wind never will blow all life away, you just got to find a way to live in the wake of that wind.  Cause it leaves a wake,  full of trash flying around everywhere." - The Wake of the Wind, J. California Cooper

There are few who can craft and create as J. California Cooper does.  Her work should be savored while you learn a bit about life.  Ms. Cooper's story telling and writing evoke feelings and emotions that stir in me a sense of belonging, history, nostalgia and pride.

The Wake of the Wind transports me back to Reconstruction in the South after the Civil War.  Lifee and Mor could very well be distant relatives, making a life for themselves when freedom finally arrives.  My life with Lifee and Mor over the last several weeks, their family, feels like my family. 

In this journey, I've been anxious and afraid.  Alone and on the verge of giving up, but never forgetting  how hope and endurance work together.  I felt relief when Lifee and Mor left slavery and walked into freedom.  But I was scared too because there were  many people who didn't want to see these black people getting too much.  I cried when Mema was welcomed into the family because can a woman EVER hope for HAPPINESS after what she'd been through?

Lifee, always planning and thinking about securing a better future for her family, Mor and her children, the apple of her eye.  Lifee, wife, seamstress, intelligent ; teaching others to read and write, encouraging the women in her life to use their minds.  A woman who can take pride in her work, in her education, to save for the future.

As freedom doesn't mean being treated fairly or as equals during this period in history, survival in  freedom (and in life) requires shrewdness and insight.  Lifee and Mor have that.

Hardship didn't harden Lifee and Mor's hearts.  It kept them vigilant in their determination.  Their freedom meant opening their hearts to others in need, in need of family, healing, and love.  We watch this family grow and expand to help each other improve--to forge the path for the generations after them.

In less than 400 pages, I've had a lesson in history, family history.  Mema and Ben, Abby and her girls, Mor and Lifee with their kids. This family is my family. As Aman and Able, twin boys, born to Mor and Lifee, soak in EVERY thing their parents instilled in them and I watch them grow.  I'm so proud of my family.

The Wake of the Wind champions the fortitude of the human spirit, the heritage of black people in America and, celebrates love.  What I loved about this book, it wasn't the oversold many times told story of slavery and oppression.  This is a story built on love, family, kindness, hope and endurance.  Even in the face of hardships, this family continues to grow, in character and in love.  They are cautious but don't become like the people who envy them.  They keep growing and striving to become better so they can help others do the same.

The family I reaped as the years pass and I before long, I know I'd have to say goodbye for at the end.
 
I am not sure I will ever be able to read Ms Cooper without thinking of my beloved friend and BIG sister who introduced me to her work.  Another one I'd love to discuss with her.

[Mic C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book is very long but enjoyable enough. I dont think i enjoyed it as much as I could have because I kept waiting for the ball to drop on them and it never did. Not that I hoped it did but given the time period I was expecting it and it never happened. During brief slavery period a few things happened but not much, by the end of the book I had entirely forgotten Lifee was even from New Orleans. It wasnt until she ran into that old friend and even then i couldnt even remember the brief back story given about Lifee. which also just reminded me and the end of the book in one paragraph, she only only mentions Kola's blood running through but it was from a child of Lifee so I was confused by why the other Suwaibu?? wasnt mentioned. Its in times like these where I believe the story was too long. So long, so many different people that by the time youve come to a certain part, the old stuff is long forgotten.

But back to the ball not dropping. I mean the first real problem they had they got out ahead of it and left, even in all their time there and during the move nothing happened to them, just implied stuff that COULD happen but never did. While this makes for a pleasant story, Im no historian but it hard to imagine ANY black family remaining unarmed from the "white people" While one of Abby's daughters and family got killed we got that second hand and as they werent main characters it was hard to feel anything and just basically a shake my head. When their second problem finally came with the house burning down again there was no real problem because all had already been worked out by their sons so while it was sad, it was like no biggie we just move. I cant imagine life being that simple for form ex enslaved back then.

I was also curious as to how Mor and Lifee ended up POORER than when they started. When the house burned down, they stated they didnt have money to buy anything else. why not? they had money before from the farm and all the savings. was it because they kept taking in more and more strangers? what about money from the farm and her business? Everyone was just so perfect in the story and perfect the whole time so its hard for me to imagine Mor and Lifee being so perfect and with sense and always saving for the next thing to end up "not having enough money for our own" seems like despite taking care of people they would have still put that first. I wonder what would have happened if they hadnt had Able and Aman with a place for them to move to already but again that goes back to everyone in this family being perfect, those by blood and those not.

It wasnt a bit amusing if you think about the circumstances and that nothing happened but not enough. As this was a long book, pretty easy read, I would put this on a christmas break reading list. The time period of the story demands something warm, cozy and introspective,snuggled by a fire or warm in bed while its cool outside. its a dark period to recommend this for light summer reading

[MidnightAce Book Bar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book Bar Gave This One 🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME……

In The Wake of the Wind, J. California Cooper gives us a thought-provoking story that captures the tragedies and struggles African-Americans endured pre and post slavery.  She leaves you with a deep appreciation what our ancestors sacrificed for us to be afforded certain things.

You will fall in love with all these characters; the journey of our main characters Lifee and Mordecai and their family was NOT an easy one.  The fact that they were self-sufficient, resourceful and educated made them more of a threat.  Even with the ending of the civil war and documenting the end of slavery, they lived in constant fear of being lynched, burned (dead or alive) or forced back into slavery by way of prison camps.  I still found myself celebrating their bravery, stewardship and love of humanity spite of their lot in life.

By the end of this book, you realize that we are still experiencing some of these same things just painted on a different canvas.  A memorable quote:

“DON’T Y’ALL FORGET US”
                                              ~~Lifee and Mor

I am compelled to remember their journey and the lessons left in the wake of the wind.  All the supporting characters brought a special piece to the story making it more complete.

Do yourself a favor and grab this page turner, you will be happy you did!

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an emotional roller coaster - this book could have easily been 500+ multigenerational familial epic but we have a precisely written story filled with characters you really grow to feel so much for.

I was pleasantly reminded of Jubilee and The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois while reading The Wake of the Wind.

Jubilee has the most obvious similarities with The Wake of the Wind as the plot follows newly freed, former slaves struggling to build a better life for themselves in the Reconstruction era. There is also the pointed critique of the behemoth of American Southern literature, Gone With the Wind. Yet the poetic nature of the prose and the linking of distant ancestors to the 'present' day characters reminded me of The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois. Honestly, it is as if Jubilee and 'Love Songs' were put in a blender - The Wake of the Wind would be the result.

[Bamboozlepig · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some parts weren't too bad and the overall idea was a good one. But it bogged down in long-winded preachiness and arch moralizations. Some parts really dragged, yet towards the end where it would've been interesting to see how Lifee and Mor's children succeeded in life, it sped up and really felt like Cooper got tired of her characters.

It also could've benefitted from some serious editing. I found plenty of mistakes like missing words or scrambled sentences. One section switched tenses from past to present tense, then back to past tense two paragraphs later. There was even an insertion of first person narration in the book, despite it being told in third person. A lot of it was repetitive and a bit bland, especially the bits about how they got the farm up and running. There were also too many characters who had threads woven into the story. Those threads were eventually discarded and the characters brought back at the end as a weak wrap-up.

[Ruthiella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is definitely a dig at Gone with the Wind. Only this book deals exclusively with the lives of certain Black Americans after Emancipation. Lifee and Mordecai are perhaps an unlikely pair, but together they make the best of an unfair world which is not designed to assist them in any way. Lifee has to stay one step ahead of the forces that would keep them enslaved in all but name. The book starts on the west coast of Africa (which made me think a little of Homegoing) and then moves to pre-war Texas, then after Emancipation, to Georgia and finally to Virginia.

I really enjoyed this story of perseverance and found family. The writing wasn’t anything special and occasionally the story telling was uneven. Overall, however, it was a strong family saga with indelible characters and an interesting narrative. I will definitely try to read more from Cooper.

[BetweentheCoversLiterary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book I loved it from beginning to end and couldn’t put it down it was so good. I loved Lifee from the start I just knew she was so smart and that she was the right woman to lead her friends and family. I was so happy when Mor let Lifee penetrate the hardness of his heart because he deserved love and had been through so much. I was so proud of their family they had been through so many unimaginable circumstances but persevered to make sure not only their dreams came true but their children and grandchildren. I was a little apprehensive about reading this book at first but so glad I did.. This was my first time reading this author recommended by a friend and I can’t wait to read more of her books.

[Tracie Momie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins as slavery is about to be abolished and Mor & Lifee are forced to marry but they end up staying together from Emancipation through Reconstruction. Although Lifee is the heroine of the story, Mor is a formidable character. He is the epitome of a man: strong, sincere, faithful, loving, a protector, provider and friend. The way he cared for Lifee from the beginning and loved her until the end moved me throughout the story. I'm not usually a fan of period pieces especially those dealing with slavery but Ms. Cooper crafts this story in such a beautiful way that although slavery is their circumstance, it doesn't define them nor does it break their spirit. The story is transformed into a love story about surviving against the odds and building a life & legacy together!

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you say when you've read something that affects you so much?
I just can't find a bad thing to say.
I cried, I laughed, I found myself embracing my southern accent quite a bit more.
I took a photo of the script when Mor was thinking to himself about Lifee and sent it to my husband, as he had uttered those same words to me, in love.
And in the end, they got the ending I hope for.
So well written it truly did feel like a spirit come back to share the story of this family and their endurance and love and goodness.
Should be required reading for all high schoolers.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read! And the best book about African Americans and their struggles I’ve found.

Set in the south during the last half of the 19th century, Wake of the Wind follows Lifee and Mor from slavery to freedom. Along their road of life they welcome others to become part of their “fambly.” I grew to love every character, felt their fear and joy, and was sad to come to the end of the book. A book about people of color that white people should read.