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The Reading Lessons
Mississippi 1920: Nine year old servant, Hadley Crump, finds himself drawn into a secret world when he is invited to join wealthy Lucinda Browning’s dirty book club. No one suspects that the bi-racial son of the cook is anything more to Lucinda than a charitable obligation, but behind closed doors, O! she doth teach the torches to burn bright. What begins as a breathless investigation into the more juicy parts of literature quickly becomes a consuming and life-long habit for two people who would not otherwise be left alone together. As lynchings erupt across the South and the serving staff is slowly cut to make way for new mechanical household conveniences, Hadley begins to understand how dangerous and precarious his situation is.
The Reading Lessons follows the lives of two people born into a world that is unforgiving as a Hangman’s knot. Divided by skin color and joined by books, Hadley and Lucinda are forced to come together in the only place that will allow it, a land of printed words and dark secrets.
The Reading Lessons follows the lives of two people born into a world that is unforgiving as a Hangman’s knot. Divided by skin color and joined by books, Hadley and Lucinda are forced to come together in the only place that will allow it, a land of printed words and dark secrets.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2014
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831 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 6, 2014
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway within the Historical Fictionistas group. I would like to personally thank the author for delivering such a thought provoking historical novel!
Carole Lanham weaved a beautiful (and at times very-not-so-beautiful) story about the unique relationship between two unlikely paired characters. Hadley is a black servant boy in Lucinda's household. At a very young age Lucinda begins giving Hadley reading lessons, even though he can already read very well, in what else... secret, dirty books. The dirtier, the better! Throughout the decades, their finished book pile grows just as big as all the dirty secrets they keep. Their relationship is unexpected, tense, emotional, and juicy!
This novel explores many cultural and social themes- and does them all rather well.
Overall, a recommended 4-star read!
Carole Lanham weaved a beautiful (and at times very-not-so-beautiful) story about the unique relationship between two unlikely paired characters. Hadley is a black servant boy in Lucinda's household. At a very young age Lucinda begins giving Hadley reading lessons, even though he can already read very well, in what else... secret, dirty books. The dirtier, the better! Throughout the decades, their finished book pile grows just as big as all the dirty secrets they keep. Their relationship is unexpected, tense, emotional, and juicy!
This novel explores many cultural and social themes- and does them all rather well.
Overall, a recommended 4-star read!
May 7, 2014
I'm not sure how to fully describe how much I loved this book. It's one of those amazing books that you get so sucked into reading that you just can't wait to get home to and you stay up ridiculously past your bedtime for because you just can't tear yourself away. It also helped me be able to ignore my chronic pain for a little while.
This book is a beautiful, tragic, hateful, loving, bittersweet story of a girl of privilege in the 1920s named Lucinda and her family's servant named Hadley, and the life they lead dealing with their feelings for each other when they're forbidden to be together by society in the deep south. It wasn't only that people would frown upon it, but also that Hadley faced a horrible death if it was even suspected.
I especially liked that Hadley was "light skinned" and could pass for white sometimes. That brought the extra emotion into play that he didn't fit in with either blacks or whites.
I hated these characters at times and that made me love them all the more at other times. I haven't read a book in a long time that had characters that were so developed and that felt so real. I honestly felt like I got to glimpse in on a real piece of history, and that is a priceless gift to me. Go get this book and read it right now!
This book is a beautiful, tragic, hateful, loving, bittersweet story of a girl of privilege in the 1920s named Lucinda and her family's servant named Hadley, and the life they lead dealing with their feelings for each other when they're forbidden to be together by society in the deep south. It wasn't only that people would frown upon it, but also that Hadley faced a horrible death if it was even suspected.
I especially liked that Hadley was "light skinned" and could pass for white sometimes. That brought the extra emotion into play that he didn't fit in with either blacks or whites.
I hated these characters at times and that made me love them all the more at other times. I haven't read a book in a long time that had characters that were so developed and that felt so real. I honestly felt like I got to glimpse in on a real piece of history, and that is a priceless gift to me. Go get this book and read it right now!
April 14, 2014
With a brush laden heavy with American nostalgia, Lanham paints a distinctly vivid portrait of the precarious relationship that develops between a 1920’s era wealthy white woman and her biracial gardener over the course of their growing up together in the same household as well as their shared love of risqué literature. The colors of the language expertly detail the progression of their connection; from the innocent curiosities of youth, to the emotional desperations of adolescence, to the all too often heart wrenching sacrifices that accompany their adulthood. From the tragic/comic lead of Hadley to the delightfully despicable Lucinda; Lanham’s characters are intense yet very real and wholly relatable. This is truly a gem!
March 10, 2014
I was given this book in ARC form. The receipt of the book did not influence my attitudes about that book. Everything portrayed here comes from MY evaluation of this book.
So let's get to what I like about this book:
Characters: Are you kidding me? There are more interesting characters in this book then you could read about in a dirty book club. Hadley Crump, Lucinda's gardener and all-around handyman is such a great guy and at times it feels like his entire life has been manipulated for him. It's powerful that the man is ruled by both the right thing to do and his emotions, all at the same time. Hadley Crump is a great main character with a ton of dimension. At times, I want to smack him upside his head, at times, I want to put my arms around his shoulder and tell him that everything was going to be alright.
Lucinda. What do you say about her? I was pissed at her a lot in this book which as it should have been. She is a pain-in-the-ass most of the book, but she is a REAL pain-the-ass that I believed all the way through. These two characters are the strength of this book. However the other side characters, like Dickie, Nina, Meg, and Flora lend a humanity to the story of Hadley Crump that makes it all very sad. Great characters is what brought me through this literary fiction book, which as I said is supposedly not my genre...supposedly.
Themes: The Reading Lessons is rife with themes: love vs. lust, racism vs. acceptance, loyalty vs. rebellion, and the best part was that they all happened organically, through the showing of story and not through the lecturing of someone on a soapbox. The storytelling was the thing, and the themes were just behind all the story-telling, making their point without any of the fanfare that typically follows literary fiction.
Historical significance: The history behind these periods of time lent to the authenticity of the novel. Thew author obviously did her homework because she used phrases I had never heard before that were obviously colloquial and regional language from these different time periods. I felt like I was in those times back in the 20's up to the 70's . Such a great examination of those eras of history.
Twisty-Turnys: This book didn't end the way I thought it would...not at all. As I approached the halfway mark, this book became about something that I was absolutely mesmerized by and the ending broke my heart and lended a poignancy to the whole story that was magnificent!
Altogether, I would definitely recommend this book to those who do not mind some sex, some sexiness, and some tough heartfelt feelings in a book. This is Literary fiction at it's best. Congratulations Carole Lanham, you proved again that I don't have a particular genre that I like to read. I'll read anything that is good! Five stars! *****
So let's get to what I like about this book:
Characters: Are you kidding me? There are more interesting characters in this book then you could read about in a dirty book club. Hadley Crump, Lucinda's gardener and all-around handyman is such a great guy and at times it feels like his entire life has been manipulated for him. It's powerful that the man is ruled by both the right thing to do and his emotions, all at the same time. Hadley Crump is a great main character with a ton of dimension. At times, I want to smack him upside his head, at times, I want to put my arms around his shoulder and tell him that everything was going to be alright.
Lucinda. What do you say about her? I was pissed at her a lot in this book which as it should have been. She is a pain-in-the-ass most of the book, but she is a REAL pain-the-ass that I believed all the way through. These two characters are the strength of this book. However the other side characters, like Dickie, Nina, Meg, and Flora lend a humanity to the story of Hadley Crump that makes it all very sad. Great characters is what brought me through this literary fiction book, which as I said is supposedly not my genre...supposedly.
Themes: The Reading Lessons is rife with themes: love vs. lust, racism vs. acceptance, loyalty vs. rebellion, and the best part was that they all happened organically, through the showing of story and not through the lecturing of someone on a soapbox. The storytelling was the thing, and the themes were just behind all the story-telling, making their point without any of the fanfare that typically follows literary fiction.
Historical significance: The history behind these periods of time lent to the authenticity of the novel. Thew author obviously did her homework because she used phrases I had never heard before that were obviously colloquial and regional language from these different time periods. I felt like I was in those times back in the 20's up to the 70's . Such a great examination of those eras of history.
Twisty-Turnys: This book didn't end the way I thought it would...not at all. As I approached the halfway mark, this book became about something that I was absolutely mesmerized by and the ending broke my heart and lended a poignancy to the whole story that was magnificent!
Altogether, I would definitely recommend this book to those who do not mind some sex, some sexiness, and some tough heartfelt feelings in a book. This is Literary fiction at it's best. Congratulations Carole Lanham, you proved again that I don't have a particular genre that I like to read. I'll read anything that is good! Five stars! *****
March 4, 2014
I obviously loved the short story from which this came, which is in The Whisper Jar, Carole's book of short stories. And I was not surprised to hear that Hadley had taken such a hold on her imagination that he needed his own book. I'm so, so glad he did.
The Reading Lessons is poignant, emotionally charged; for a longish novel that covers such a massive period of time, it manages to keep the reader on the edge of fear and heartache with astounding consistency. Sustaining this kind of emotion is so, so difficult, and Carole Lanham is incredible at it.
There's so much to comment on here, I'm not even sure where to begin, so I'm just going to point out some of my favorite elements:
-The previously mentioned "on edge" sensation. Both from the general heartbreak standpoint--the relationship between Hadley and Lucinda seems destined for it right from the beginning--and from various external factors that constantly push and pull at both that central relationship and the characters themselves. The specter of segregation always looms large in that scheme--oftentimes larger than even they seem to recognize, and I couldn't get a peaceful moment away from that book for worrying something utterly unspeakable would happen to Hadley because of it.
-The literary references. A beautiful, unbroken, totally relevant stream of them issues forth from the narrative, following the development of the central relationship AND the world around them. As with all else, Carole gives us something to cling to, something that props it up as a central theme, and we get... yeah. Great Expectations. It's too perfect and awful for words just how right the comparison is.
-The characterization. All of the people in this book are alive and breathing, and I desperately wanted to know what happened to them--even the ones I wanted to punch in the neck.
I can't recommend this one enough. It's a painful, wonderful read. I don't mind admitting I finished it crying into a glass of wine in a bubble bath, either. I NEEDED THAT WINE AND BUBBLE BATH.
The Reading Lessons is poignant, emotionally charged; for a longish novel that covers such a massive period of time, it manages to keep the reader on the edge of fear and heartache with astounding consistency. Sustaining this kind of emotion is so, so difficult, and Carole Lanham is incredible at it.
There's so much to comment on here, I'm not even sure where to begin, so I'm just going to point out some of my favorite elements:
-The previously mentioned "on edge" sensation. Both from the general heartbreak standpoint--the relationship between Hadley and Lucinda seems destined for it right from the beginning--and from various external factors that constantly push and pull at both that central relationship and the characters themselves. The specter of segregation always looms large in that scheme--oftentimes larger than even they seem to recognize, and I couldn't get a peaceful moment away from that book for worrying something utterly unspeakable would happen to Hadley because of it.
-The literary references. A beautiful, unbroken, totally relevant stream of them issues forth from the narrative, following the development of the central relationship AND the world around them. As with all else, Carole gives us something to cling to, something that props it up as a central theme, and we get... yeah. Great Expectations. It's too perfect and awful for words just how right the comparison is.
-The characterization. All of the people in this book are alive and breathing, and I desperately wanted to know what happened to them--even the ones I wanted to punch in the neck.
I can't recommend this one enough. It's a painful, wonderful read. I don't mind admitting I finished it crying into a glass of wine in a bubble bath, either. I NEEDED THAT WINE AND BUBBLE BATH.
February 11, 2014
Carole Lanham’s The Reading Lessons is a seamless blend of historical literary fiction and romance. She pulls you in with the opening sentence and the narrative never lets go. It’s impossible not to feel for Hadley Crump, a biracial boy living in Mississippi in the 1920s, who falls in love with the daughter of the white man his mother works for. Lucinda has a hot temper and manipulates Hadley to keep him in her life, but, though she denies it, it’s obvious from her more tender moments she loves Crump. The story is a bittersweet, honest portrayal of forbidden love in a time when interracial marriage could literally mean death. I fell in love with the characters and raged at Lucinda right along with Hadley when she pulled his strings, but was touched by her gentleness and devotion to him, too. You won’t forget this book. It will stay with you long after you’ve read the final page. I’m not too proud to admit the conclusion made me tear up.
From Mama’s superstitions, to Hadley’s struggle to desperately break Lucinda’s hold on him, to Dickie Worther’s dissatisfaction with a life he was born into, these characters are vibrant, realistically written, and they come alive on the page. The Reading Lessons is a deftly crafted tale of how society’s social mores often hold us back, how social classes divide us, and how when that’s briefly stripped away in secret meetings, two people can have a taste of what they truly want. I highly recommend this book!
From Mama’s superstitions, to Hadley’s struggle to desperately break Lucinda’s hold on him, to Dickie Worther’s dissatisfaction with a life he was born into, these characters are vibrant, realistically written, and they come alive on the page. The Reading Lessons is a deftly crafted tale of how society’s social mores often hold us back, how social classes divide us, and how when that’s briefly stripped away in secret meetings, two people can have a taste of what they truly want. I highly recommend this book!
February 19, 2014
Life as a bi-racial boy in the 1920's must have been hard, but what would been harder is falling in love and not being able to be with the one you wanted. Hadley Crump is only nine when he and his mother begin servant jobs with the Brownings. Hadley falls in love with the Browning's daughter, Lucinda.
It all begins when the children start a secret reading club where they read books their parents wouldn't approve of. As they grow, Hadley's feelings for Lucinda deepen but Lucinda's feeling for him seem to not be the same. Lucinda willingly does what is expected and marries into a wealthy family. When moving out of her parent's home, she keeps Hadley as her new servant. Hadley tries to break away from Lucinda's grip as it is too hard to live under the same roof knowing his love is loving another. But no matter how hard Hadley tries to start a new life, he always finds his way back to Lucinda.
This was a very touching love story. I loved Hadley Crump, he was a wonderful character. Even though Lucinda was a spoiled rich brat and at times I wanted to ring her neck, she was a great character too.
It all begins when the children start a secret reading club where they read books their parents wouldn't approve of. As they grow, Hadley's feelings for Lucinda deepen but Lucinda's feeling for him seem to not be the same. Lucinda willingly does what is expected and marries into a wealthy family. When moving out of her parent's home, she keeps Hadley as her new servant. Hadley tries to break away from Lucinda's grip as it is too hard to live under the same roof knowing his love is loving another. But no matter how hard Hadley tries to start a new life, he always finds his way back to Lucinda.
This was a very touching love story. I loved Hadley Crump, he was a wonderful character. Even though Lucinda was a spoiled rich brat and at times I wanted to ring her neck, she was a great character too.
September 6, 2014
I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
I was initially drawn to this book from the title alone! Reading? Yes please! For some reason I thought this was about a reading club, but not quite. The story takes place "back in the day" when blacks were no longer slaves, but were still looked down upon and typically servants. We meet a young black (well partly black) boy named Hadley. His mother works for a rich family who has a daughter his age. Miss Lucinda. Miss Lucinda is quite the piece of work, but she takes a shining to Hadley which alters the course of his life forever.
I read about half of this book while on a trip and it was fantastic for that. The story really drew me in and kept my attention for a 3 hour plane ride. You definitely root for Hadley and hope he finds the happiness that he deserves. There are definitely ups and downs. The book also suddenly jumps ahead several years....and then again several years after this. It spans a lifetime and the characters definitely suck you in.
I was initially drawn to this book from the title alone! Reading? Yes please! For some reason I thought this was about a reading club, but not quite. The story takes place "back in the day" when blacks were no longer slaves, but were still looked down upon and typically servants. We meet a young black (well partly black) boy named Hadley. His mother works for a rich family who has a daughter his age. Miss Lucinda. Miss Lucinda is quite the piece of work, but she takes a shining to Hadley which alters the course of his life forever.
I read about half of this book while on a trip and it was fantastic for that. The story really drew me in and kept my attention for a 3 hour plane ride. You definitely root for Hadley and hope he finds the happiness that he deserves. There are definitely ups and downs. The book also suddenly jumps ahead several years....and then again several years after this. It spans a lifetime and the characters definitely suck you in.
September 8, 2014
Wow. For me, historical fiction is all about strong characters, and this book is full of them. I wanted to be angry and disappointed with Hadley Crump, but I liked him. His efforts to do the right thing gave me hope and his struggle with passionate lust made me shake my head in despair. Lucinda left me in the same boat. I wanted to hate her spoiled rich girl persona, but her vulnerable moments made her a complicated character. The ending made her a beloved one. The very intimate personal story, set in the larger picture of racism in from the 1920s on, will take you on a roller coaster as you unravel which emotions are real, which faked, which important and longlasting.
September 22, 2014
This is one of those books that is a great read but can be disturbing as well. Fairly well written, with well developed, brilliant characters that the reader can easily become attached to. Children that are wise beyond their years and a setting during a time that is always interesting to read. Hard for the injustices and basic lack of civil rights but also fascinating for the history perspective.
This book has some humor, romance, historical fiction and served as a portable time machine - I recommend.
This book has some humor, romance, historical fiction and served as a portable time machine - I recommend.
January 9, 2014
I enjoy Carole Lanham's short fiction, but frankly I prefer novels, and I knew this one was coming down the pike. So I snapped it up the moment it became available. I suggest you do the same! This is a great story. I was lucky enough to attend a signing the author took part in about a month or so ago, and I bought an advanced reading copy. But I wanted the eBook version too. I'll read again, more slowly this time, so I can savor Lanham's rich prose.
March 23, 2014
Awesome! Just enjoyed reading this great book by Carole Lanham! Two great characters drawn to each other and the story that develops as you read it, will make your imagination go through mind provoking thoughts of a forbidden relationship. Totally unique story and spell binding!
July 16, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and would have given it five stars. However, I was very let down that Hadley never got over Lucinda. I wanted the author to develop his character more and allow him to overcome his weaknesses and be truly happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2016
Se le avesse raccontato che leggeva libri proibiti insieme a Lucinda, sua madre lo avrebbe costretto a mettere un chiodo nel barattolo degli sbagli. E ogni sbaglio, ogni chiodo che andava a posarsi sul fondo di quel vasetto, era un passo che lo portava più vicino alla morte.
July 5, 2014
Fabulous novel on forbidden love and hidden secrets!
May 7, 2014
Ok. I knew this was going to be a 5 star review before I was halfway finished with this book, but how can I describe “The Reading Lessons”? I don’t think the book synopsis really captures its magnificence (which is I word I haven’t used to describe a book for a long time). Let’s see, if books were peaches (which I love), this is that one peach that you bite into and it’s just perfectly ripe. Most peaches are good, but every once in a while you bite into one which is just so sweet and juicy, you don’t want chew the piece you just bit off in your mouth and swallow it down real fast. You move it around in your mouth, savoring the flavor. That was “The Reading Lessons” for me.
It’s a story about the life of Hadley Crump, who is the son of one of the servants at the Browning House in the 1920’s. The young daughter of the Browning’s, Lucinda, takes a shine to Hadley. She starts a secret reading club with only him, known as Readers of Violent Indefensible Lust & Evil, or V.I.L.E. for short. V.I.L.E. specializes in reading indelicate books, and noting the particularly racy passages on strips of paper. Since Hadley and Lucinda they are of different social status, as well as skin color, they can never be together during that era even though they want to be. Formally that is. Yet Lucinda takes Hadley on a twisted journey through literature and desperate unfulfilled desire.
“The Reading Lessons” follows this relationship to its conclusion. It is both a charming and poignant story, a real page turner, and an effortless read. Some books you have to labor through, with boring plot building passages that may be necessary but wane your interest. Not so here, I found every single chapter of this book delightful to read, even through the complicated and difficult issues that occur, mainly because of the era. Hadley and Lucinda’s tale is not necessarily one of happiness, yet it’s not one of sadness either. It’s more like an addiction. Even though you know something you are doing might be bad for you or wrong, you try to quit. You go sober for a while, you quit smoking, you quit drinking, but yet it’s always on your mind. And most often you fall back to it, because you want it regardless.
The character development in this book is tip top. Hadley, Lucinda, Hadley’s mother, Flora – I can picture them all. The setting too, with Hadley’s love of gardening and the special care he puts into growing flowers, is vivid at times. This book has my absolute highest recommendation. Read it.
It’s a story about the life of Hadley Crump, who is the son of one of the servants at the Browning House in the 1920’s. The young daughter of the Browning’s, Lucinda, takes a shine to Hadley. She starts a secret reading club with only him, known as Readers of Violent Indefensible Lust & Evil, or V.I.L.E. for short. V.I.L.E. specializes in reading indelicate books, and noting the particularly racy passages on strips of paper. Since Hadley and Lucinda they are of different social status, as well as skin color, they can never be together during that era even though they want to be. Formally that is. Yet Lucinda takes Hadley on a twisted journey through literature and desperate unfulfilled desire.
“The Reading Lessons” follows this relationship to its conclusion. It is both a charming and poignant story, a real page turner, and an effortless read. Some books you have to labor through, with boring plot building passages that may be necessary but wane your interest. Not so here, I found every single chapter of this book delightful to read, even through the complicated and difficult issues that occur, mainly because of the era. Hadley and Lucinda’s tale is not necessarily one of happiness, yet it’s not one of sadness either. It’s more like an addiction. Even though you know something you are doing might be bad for you or wrong, you try to quit. You go sober for a while, you quit smoking, you quit drinking, but yet it’s always on your mind. And most often you fall back to it, because you want it regardless.
The character development in this book is tip top. Hadley, Lucinda, Hadley’s mother, Flora – I can picture them all. The setting too, with Hadley’s love of gardening and the special care he puts into growing flowers, is vivid at times. This book has my absolute highest recommendation. Read it.
June 5, 2014
This is certainly one of those books that takes you to a different time in US history and makes you see the way life was for people back then. Especially blacks. It’s refreshing for me to see a story that reminds me of the time of my grandfather. He used to tell stories in much of the same way, which made me reflect on the similarities in the end.
Though I wasn’t entirely positive on what to expect, this isn’t a sweet romance. It’s not going to give you warm fuzzies and though it ends on a sigh worthy note, it doesn’t have a very happy ending.
What it does have is two children who grew up and old together, bonded by an equal share of love and a lot of references to Poe. It has vivid and colorful language that paints pictures as you read. It has powerful characters that draw you in and hold your hand as they lead you through the story. There are points that make you sigh and points that make you gasp. And just when you thought all the effort of these two characters was finally going to have a reward, the story ends, beautiful and sad.
I’m positive this is going to be a story that will stick with me for some time as I have never felt the injustice and the longing of a character as much as I had for Hadley Crump. I never became so invested into a character’s story and emotion as I had. Of course, it’s easy to do. Hadley was a very likable character, and you couldn’t find fault in his reasons for any of his actions.
Despite being a half-black/half-white boy growing up in the south during the 1920’s, Hadley was a hard working gentleman who, despite his efforts, lived his life doing things as right as he possibly could. One of the things he saw was right for him was Lucinda. From the moment he first laid eyes on her, there was something between them that couldn’t be explained by mere words. And it’s with that, the reading lessons started, and their rocky and somewhat questionable relationship began.
I truly love what this story has done to me and how much I wanted the characters to be able to give freely and openly. I nearly cried at the end. This is such a beautifully written story. I have a hard time not recommending it to anyone who loves to read, regardless of favorite genre.
This review will appear on my site and Amazon.
Though I wasn’t entirely positive on what to expect, this isn’t a sweet romance. It’s not going to give you warm fuzzies and though it ends on a sigh worthy note, it doesn’t have a very happy ending.
What it does have is two children who grew up and old together, bonded by an equal share of love and a lot of references to Poe. It has vivid and colorful language that paints pictures as you read. It has powerful characters that draw you in and hold your hand as they lead you through the story. There are points that make you sigh and points that make you gasp. And just when you thought all the effort of these two characters was finally going to have a reward, the story ends, beautiful and sad.
I’m positive this is going to be a story that will stick with me for some time as I have never felt the injustice and the longing of a character as much as I had for Hadley Crump. I never became so invested into a character’s story and emotion as I had. Of course, it’s easy to do. Hadley was a very likable character, and you couldn’t find fault in his reasons for any of his actions.
Despite being a half-black/half-white boy growing up in the south during the 1920’s, Hadley was a hard working gentleman who, despite his efforts, lived his life doing things as right as he possibly could. One of the things he saw was right for him was Lucinda. From the moment he first laid eyes on her, there was something between them that couldn’t be explained by mere words. And it’s with that, the reading lessons started, and their rocky and somewhat questionable relationship began.
I truly love what this story has done to me and how much I wanted the characters to be able to give freely and openly. I nearly cried at the end. This is such a beautifully written story. I have a hard time not recommending it to anyone who loves to read, regardless of favorite genre.
This review will appear on my site and Amazon.
June 6, 2014
The Reading Lessons is a novel about the lifelong relationship between Hadley, a mixed race boy whose mother starting working for the wealthy Southern family, the Brownings. The boy was also given work around the house as he grew up. Mr. Browning’s daughter Lucinda, who is a round the same age as Hadley, broke her leg and was not happy being stuck in the house. Lucinda took an interest in Hadley and began asking for him to be sent to her for reading lessons. Hadley had already been taught to read but went along with the lessons because he was infatuated with Lucinda. What the two read were banned books that they would read out loud to each other.
As they grew older they continued their reading and Hadley grew to love Lucinda. Even after Lucinda married someone else, she had Hadley move into her home to work for her, and they continued their reading. They had a contentious relationship, but could never seem to live without each other. Hadley was an exceptional gardener and he grew some of the most beautiful flowers in the neighborhood. All of the flowers he planted had a specific meaning, mostly relating to Lucinda.
The Reading Lessons began as a short story in Lanham’s collection The Whisper Jar (2012 Morrigan Books), which I recommend you read, as well. The novel is a beautifully written story about two people from very different worlds who fell in love but could never be together because of societal norms. They are forever bonded through their love of books even after they grow up and Hadley realizes how potentially dangerous his situation is. Lucinda is seductive and erotic; a spoiled rich girl who wants what she wants. Hadley is a young man torn between Lucinda and the want of a real life away from the drama he has become used to.
Hadley and Lucinda’s story weaves through the troubled history of the American South, stressing the dangers of their forbidden relationship. The Reading Lessons is passionate and heartbreaking. These are two well-rounded characters that will take you through a range of emotions, making them quite unforgettable. I highly recommend The Reading Lessons.
As they grew older they continued their reading and Hadley grew to love Lucinda. Even after Lucinda married someone else, she had Hadley move into her home to work for her, and they continued their reading. They had a contentious relationship, but could never seem to live without each other. Hadley was an exceptional gardener and he grew some of the most beautiful flowers in the neighborhood. All of the flowers he planted had a specific meaning, mostly relating to Lucinda.
The Reading Lessons began as a short story in Lanham’s collection The Whisper Jar (2012 Morrigan Books), which I recommend you read, as well. The novel is a beautifully written story about two people from very different worlds who fell in love but could never be together because of societal norms. They are forever bonded through their love of books even after they grow up and Hadley realizes how potentially dangerous his situation is. Lucinda is seductive and erotic; a spoiled rich girl who wants what she wants. Hadley is a young man torn between Lucinda and the want of a real life away from the drama he has become used to.
Hadley and Lucinda’s story weaves through the troubled history of the American South, stressing the dangers of their forbidden relationship. The Reading Lessons is passionate and heartbreaking. These are two well-rounded characters that will take you through a range of emotions, making them quite unforgettable. I highly recommend The Reading Lessons.
July 13, 2014
Hadley Crump,finds himself drawn into a secret world when he is invited to join wealthy Lucinda Browning’s dirty book club." I was intrigued enough by author, Carole Lanham's, description of her novel to read it not quite knowing what to expect from the story line. The notion of a forbidden interracial love affair by a couple drawn together in the 1920s by their mutual love of reading was sufficient reason for me to purchase this book. I anticipated a typical love story of the era. A young southern white female seduces African American male via his love of literature. He acts upon his physical attraction; a force more powerful than his love of books. Romantic that I am, I expected that love and some heavy passion would conquer all!
Boy was I wrong! This novel uniquely explores the underpinnings of this taboo relationship; one that is mired in physical pain, lies, fear yet a seeming understanding and acceptance of these irregularities by Hadley and Lucinda. I believe readers will be challenged to fully understand the psychological dynamics of the Hadley/Lucinda relationship making this a must read!
Boy was I wrong! This novel uniquely explores the underpinnings of this taboo relationship; one that is mired in physical pain, lies, fear yet a seeming understanding and acceptance of these irregularities by Hadley and Lucinda. I believe readers will be challenged to fully understand the psychological dynamics of the Hadley/Lucinda relationship making this a must read!
June 13, 2014
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Carole!
The first few pages were rather disjointed and I almost put the book away unread. I was THISCLOSE to doing it...but something made me keep going.
Boy, am I glad I did! The writing is sly, at times heartfelt, sometimes maudlin, and there are many hidden gems along the way. The plot is fairly simple: boy meets girl, boy becomes gently obsessed with girl, girl is evil and strings him along. At times I wanted to shake Hadley and say "Forget her! She's a jerk!" but of course, he didn't listen to anyone else, so my advice would be falling on deaf ears.
Follow Hadley along as he grows older and tries to forget his obsession, with results you won't see coming. When I think of how I almost missed this little golden story it made me think to give more books another chance.
I would definitely read more by this author. These characters will stay with me a long time.
The first few pages were rather disjointed and I almost put the book away unread. I was THISCLOSE to doing it...but something made me keep going.
Boy, am I glad I did! The writing is sly, at times heartfelt, sometimes maudlin, and there are many hidden gems along the way. The plot is fairly simple: boy meets girl, boy becomes gently obsessed with girl, girl is evil and strings him along. At times I wanted to shake Hadley and say "Forget her! She's a jerk!" but of course, he didn't listen to anyone else, so my advice would be falling on deaf ears.
Follow Hadley along as he grows older and tries to forget his obsession, with results you won't see coming. When I think of how I almost missed this little golden story it made me think to give more books another chance.
I would definitely read more by this author. These characters will stay with me a long time.
June 3, 2014
I received this book free from the author through LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review. Carole Lanham is a very talented writer. The best book I’ve read in a long time. This book begins in 1920s Mississippi and tells the life story of a relationship between a wealthy white girl and an intelligent biracial boy who could pass for white and is the son of an employee of the family. They read books together and love flowers. As they mature he becomes the gardener, driver, and all round handyman and their relationship develops into more than friendship. The story is beautifully written and at times tragic, bittersweet, and gut wrenching. I loved the way the author used flowers throughout the book. A great ending even though it was tragic and sad. I wished so many things could have ended differently. This is a wonderful, well-written book that is full of emotion, a must read.
January 21, 2014
This story has a great voice that's very natural and full of character. I loved Hadley Crump, the protagonist, because he somehow remains sweet, no matter what tragedies or hardships come his way. He's a man who finds himself constantly stuck in the middle in life. His mother is black and his father is white and he has a hard time fitting in comfortably in either world. When he falls in love with a rich white girl named Lucinda, he finds himself caught between Lucinda and her husband. I was constantly in fear for him. Hadley and Lucinda's relationship forms around reading and they share a lifelong love of books. The story spans about sixty years and I really was sad to read the last page. When I closed the book, I felt like I was losing close friends. This was a wonderful book. I think I'm going to have to have to read it again!
May 22, 2014
Reviewing a book is probably not the best time to be at a loss for words.
When all is said and done -- this is beautifully told. The editing (spelling, grammar at times) can be a battle, but if you squint a little bit, you can chalk it up to the charm of the times.
I've rarely come across a couple, whether in tale or real life, where they are inseparable in my mind. Their character, their souls, are so well-fit, it is hard to imagine them 'not them'. Hadley and Lucinda. Lucinda and Hadley. So many times, though, my heart broke for Hadley. So many times I've championed for Lucinda. I've been scared for them both - their hearts, their happiness - sometimes even at the same time.
I am so conflicted. Even now, having just read the last words not even an hour ago.
When all is said and done -- this is beautifully told. The editing (spelling, grammar at times) can be a battle, but if you squint a little bit, you can chalk it up to the charm of the times.
I've rarely come across a couple, whether in tale or real life, where they are inseparable in my mind. Their character, their souls, are so well-fit, it is hard to imagine them 'not them'. Hadley and Lucinda. Lucinda and Hadley. So many times, though, my heart broke for Hadley. So many times I've championed for Lucinda. I've been scared for them both - their hearts, their happiness - sometimes even at the same time.
I am so conflicted. Even now, having just read the last words not even an hour ago.
September 6, 2016
I loved this! It is a wonderfully evocative tale, detailing the relationship between Lucinda and Hadley, a relationship where neither can do without the other - or perhaps it was Lucinda who could not be without Hadley - but that they could never be together, because of the attitudes and reactions of society.
When they meet, as children, Lucinda gradually draws Hadley into her secret book club, almost using him as an experiment, to try out various things they read about, almost leading to Hadley's death at one point. Reading about the two of them circling around each other, almost punishing each other for the fact they couldn't be together, was heartbreaking.
When they meet, as children, Lucinda gradually draws Hadley into her secret book club, almost using him as an experiment, to try out various things they read about, almost leading to Hadley's death at one point. Reading about the two of them circling around each other, almost punishing each other for the fact they couldn't be together, was heartbreaking.
June 27, 2014
The Reading Lessons is a delightful story that transported me in the Twenties in the United States, at a fairly problematic epoch quite sensitive from the sociological point of view.
I really liked how the author has managed to build the main character, Lucinda, a lady that somehow embodies the characteristics of the historical age she lives but also so modern and avant-garde.
The themes of love and racism are described with the decision, which I also appreciated during its more "obscure" phase.
Too bad it was too short!
The Reading Lessons is a book that could become a classic, and I wish it to Ms Lanham as she and Lucinda deserve it.
I really liked how the author has managed to build the main character, Lucinda, a lady that somehow embodies the characteristics of the historical age she lives but also so modern and avant-garde.
The themes of love and racism are described with the decision, which I also appreciated during its more "obscure" phase.
Too bad it was too short!
The Reading Lessons is a book that could become a classic, and I wish it to Ms Lanham as she and Lucinda deserve it.
June 21, 2014
A great book which threads together many themes into a viable whole: a curious relationship at its centre; some juicy moments; and the historical background of racial strife and bigotry. Such elements make for a great read for a book in this genre; we can believe in the characters, and the situation they find themselves in, both inter-personal and social. An author in control of her subject. Check it out.
October 6, 2014
What a compelling read!
The Reading Lessons is a vivid portrait of a dangerous relationship in 1920`s America between a wealthy white woman and her biracial gardener. Without going into detail which might spoil the book, I'll only say that the love story is not what you may be thinking it is. If has far more depth then that. This book is a page turner with such vibrant, realistic characters that you can`t stop yourself from being swept up into the story.
The Reading Lessons is a vivid portrait of a dangerous relationship in 1920`s America between a wealthy white woman and her biracial gardener. Without going into detail which might spoil the book, I'll only say that the love story is not what you may be thinking it is. If has far more depth then that. This book is a page turner with such vibrant, realistic characters that you can`t stop yourself from being swept up into the story.
March 20, 2014
Review by Thomas Sullivan: Tastefully erotic, packed with meaning, and sung with lyric perfection, THE READING LESSONS will make your imagination dance through the riveting perils of a forbidden relationship. Carole Lanham’s debut novel is a complete feast. – Thomas Sullivan Pulitzer Prize Nominee and Author of DUST OF EDEN
June 29, 2014
the beginning of the reading lessons was very beguiling to me, while the middle grew tediously repetitious. When Nina enters the picture it once again became very enjoyable to read. When Meg enters the picture it kicks up a notch. With an unexpected ending, I found it very readable with a very creative plot! looking forward to more from this author.
won this in goodreads giveaway
thank you
won this in goodreads giveaway
thank you
June 22, 2014
I think I was not in the frame of mind for this book- but I am looking forward to my book discussion on it. it was read during a stressful time and I felt like it was just another thing on the to-do list. My future discussion with my ladies will help me digest it better.
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