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Payback
Award-winning author Penny Mickelbury takes readers on a beautiful and complicated journey through Harlem in 1953. This captivating story is passionate and alive, teeming with the contradictory joy and pain of Black life in America.
World War II ended less than 10 years ago, and the Korean War less than one. But no one has recovered from wartime privations, especially the Colored soldiers who fought a ruthless enemy on foreign lands, expecting to return home with all the rights and privileges of American citizenship.
But those rights and privileges remain few and far between, and Mickelbury’s cast of characters find themselves reflecting on the Harlem they call they are educated and unschooled; wealthy and desperately poor; committed to improving circumstances for Negroes and abjectly hopeless. They create a family of and for themselves—women, men, children, gays, and the proudly self-named. They commit themselves to helping create a world to benefit their people based on hard work, artistic expression, and faith in their community.
They have learned to live in the larger world by two guiding Each One Teaches One, and Harm to One is Harm to All—because in this neighborhood, payback will always be swift and painful.
World War II ended less than 10 years ago, and the Korean War less than one. But no one has recovered from wartime privations, especially the Colored soldiers who fought a ruthless enemy on foreign lands, expecting to return home with all the rights and privileges of American citizenship.
But those rights and privileges remain few and far between, and Mickelbury’s cast of characters find themselves reflecting on the Harlem they call they are educated and unschooled; wealthy and desperately poor; committed to improving circumstances for Negroes and abjectly hopeless. They create a family of and for themselves—women, men, children, gays, and the proudly self-named. They commit themselves to helping create a world to benefit their people based on hard work, artistic expression, and faith in their community.
They have learned to live in the larger world by two guiding Each One Teaches One, and Harm to One is Harm to All—because in this neighborhood, payback will always be swift and painful.
436 pages, Paperback
Published February 18, 2025
16 people want to read
About the author
Penny Mickelbury
30 books60 followersMickelbury is a former newspaper, radio and television reporter based primarily in Washington, D.C. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, she lives in Los Angeles. The novelist and former journalist also is an accomplished playwright whose work has won awards. Two of her Mimi Patterson/Gianna Maglione novels are Lammy finalists. She is the recipient of the Audre Lorde Estate Grant, and she had a residency at the Hedgebrook Women Writers colony.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 20, 2025
4 Stars
The author made it possible to drop the reader in 1950’s Harlem and explore the neighbourhood and the political climate permeating the African community. The experience was vivid, eye opening and at the same time entertaining. A very enjoyable read. I can’t help but want to be part of the neighbourhood and friends with the characters in the book.
The author made it possible to drop the reader in 1950’s Harlem and explore the neighbourhood and the political climate permeating the African community. The experience was vivid, eye opening and at the same time entertaining. A very enjoyable read. I can’t help but want to be part of the neighbourhood and friends with the characters in the book.
June 12, 2025
Payback is the story of queer life in 1950s Harlem. I am always lovestruck by any book that will accurately and beautifully tell Harlem's story. The opening scene to this book sets an amazing scene for an emotional roller coaster. It grabs a hold of you and does not let go. From here, we are taken to a different but similar scene that introduces our cast of characters:
Bobbi - a wealthy womanizer with a heart of gold that plays as the Harlem Guru ; also seems to be the fixer of the group
Bobby - the newcomer that has to adapt to life without his boyfriend as well as a new city
Jack - Bobbi's best friend that has endured a traumatic attack and has to learn to readapt her life
Grace - the lovely doctor that seems to fix everything and cure everyone but cannot accept her own beauty
Myrtle & Thelma - two nurses that help Grace be successful
Eileen & Joyce - Grace dearest friends
Harlem is and has always been a wild place to live. It is known as the Negro Mecca. Payback shows the highlights as well as the pitfalls of living in Harlem. Black people have the opportunity to thrive as there is a very strong sense of community. Everyone is supportive of "their people" and wants to see them thrive. Yet, there is always someone that allows jealousy to overtake them and will do anything to get what the next person has. The theme of payback shows up many times in various ways. It is a domino effect. Someone does something to someone whether intentional or accidental. Then, the next person wants revenge for the first thing which leads to someone wanting more revenge for the second thing. Despite this, Payback is a great novel about community and friendship. I love the way Harlem is portrayed and would recommend this to everyone!
The only thing I did not like about this book was the lazy naming of characters. There was Girl Bobbie and Boy Bobby plus a Billie appears. Then, there is Denny (Ennyday), Benny (Ennybay), and Jenny (Ennyjay) because of course. Let's not forget Jack Jackson and William Williams. While I know there are way more people with these legit names, it just seems lazy for the author to use them.
Bobbi - a wealthy womanizer with a heart of gold that plays as the Harlem Guru ; also seems to be the fixer of the group
Bobby - the newcomer that has to adapt to life without his boyfriend as well as a new city
Jack - Bobbi's best friend that has endured a traumatic attack and has to learn to readapt her life
Grace - the lovely doctor that seems to fix everything and cure everyone but cannot accept her own beauty
Myrtle & Thelma - two nurses that help Grace be successful
Eileen & Joyce - Grace dearest friends
Harlem is and has always been a wild place to live. It is known as the Negro Mecca. Payback shows the highlights as well as the pitfalls of living in Harlem. Black people have the opportunity to thrive as there is a very strong sense of community. Everyone is supportive of "their people" and wants to see them thrive. Yet, there is always someone that allows jealousy to overtake them and will do anything to get what the next person has. The theme of payback shows up many times in various ways. It is a domino effect. Someone does something to someone whether intentional or accidental. Then, the next person wants revenge for the first thing which leads to someone wanting more revenge for the second thing. Despite this, Payback is a great novel about community and friendship. I love the way Harlem is portrayed and would recommend this to everyone!
The only thing I did not like about this book was the lazy naming of characters. There was Girl Bobbie and Boy Bobby plus a Billie appears. Then, there is Denny (Ennyday), Benny (Ennybay), and Jenny (Ennyjay) because of course. Let's not forget Jack Jackson and William Williams. While I know there are way more people with these legit names, it just seems lazy for the author to use them.
February 21, 2025
It’s clear meticulous research went into the planning and preparation of this novel. The customs, language, people, and events are portrayed with remarkable authenticity, drawing readers into the richly woven tapestry of the era. Each character is fleshed out with depth, showcasing their motivations and struggles in a way that feels genuine and relatable. The dialogue resonates with the cadence of the time, making the scenes vibrant and dynamic. Small details are scripted with care; the life and times of these characters are easy to visualize, making the storytelling rich and immersive.
Though various voices tell this story, Bobbie Hilliard is the soprano leading the diverse and storied chorus. She is a courageous, intelligent, and fiercely loyal woman. Being queer and Black in 1953 makes her journey challenging, but she has it better than most. Using her wit, money, and connections, she builds a support network to carve out a better life for herself and those around her. Through her, readers witness the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to survive in a society that often seeks to silence individuals like her. Her relationships are beautifully complex and filled with moments of joy and heartache. As she forges connections with others, she learns the power of vulnerability and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Dr. Grace Hannon serves as Bobbie’s love interest in this meticulously told tale. Though paired with a woman who has a magnetic and powerful presence, Grace is scripted as a remarkable woman in her own right. Because Mickelbury stays true to the history, I strongly suspect that Grace’s character is influenced by the likes of Dr. May Edward Chinn and Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens, two well-known Harlem physicians during the 50’s. Much like these two Black female doctors, Grace, a board-certified gynecologist, dedicates her practice to providing care to the underserved Black women of Harlem. This background provides the storytelling with compelling, grounded context, enriching the reader’s experience. Grace’s character highlights the intersection of race, gender, and healthcare in a time when both were fraught with challenges. Though marginalized and pushed aside, Grace ultimately reminds readers of the importance of banning together to support one another, showcasing how it can lift a community in troubled times.
Mickelbury strengthens the story world by seamlessly integrating influential figures and landmark events into it, providing the storytelling with contextual depth. She smoothly inserts Stephanie St. Clair, Mary Lou Williams, Billy Strayhorn, and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. into the dialogue, giving the narrative validity and relevance. The interplay between historical accuracy and creative storytelling captivates, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of the human experience in Harlem post-Korean War. The result is a vivid story world, one that reflects the social tensions as well as the artistic talent of the era. By weaving these real-life figures into the storytelling, Mickelbury not only enriches the narrative but also honors the legacy of those who shaped Harlem’s cultural and political landscape, making the story dynamic and moving.
Entangled in all of the history and hardship lies a beautiful and tender love story. Bobbie and Grace’s story brings a softness to the narrative, providing light during a chaotic, troubled time. While trying to carve out a future in a world that seems determined to stifle Black and queer independence, their love makes everything more bearable. As their paths intertwine, they find solace in each other’s company, but the shadows of their struggles loom large. The pain of her family’s murder leaves Bobbie vulnerable and untrusting, while Grace’s relentless desire to serve the underserved leaves little room for anything else. As they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and ambition, they are forced to confront their demons. Together, they embark on a path of justice and freedom for their community, proving that even in the darkest times, hope and resilience can always emerge from love.
Final remarks…
Penny Mickelbury is a storyteller of the highest order. Her latest novel Payback is set in 1953 Harlem, and it is sure to gather much acclaim from the critics. Just as she demonstrated in The Two Wings Saga, she has an impressive ability to blend fact and fiction, immersing readers in a period that’s filled with vibrant characters, rich culture, and troubling politics. In Payback, she meticulously weaves together the struggles and triumphs of the community, highlighting the resilience, ingenuity, and talent of its residents. Using her distinctive style and voice, she skillfully gives the narrative thematic depth and relevance. Her fresh perspective resonates with contemporary readers; they don’t just enjoy an engaging, thought-provoking tale, they receive a rich, impressionable history lesson.
Strengths…
Well-written
Immersive story world
Charismatic, diverse characters
Well-paced, engrossing
Vibrantly told
Top-notch historical fiction
Though various voices tell this story, Bobbie Hilliard is the soprano leading the diverse and storied chorus. She is a courageous, intelligent, and fiercely loyal woman. Being queer and Black in 1953 makes her journey challenging, but she has it better than most. Using her wit, money, and connections, she builds a support network to carve out a better life for herself and those around her. Through her, readers witness the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to survive in a society that often seeks to silence individuals like her. Her relationships are beautifully complex and filled with moments of joy and heartache. As she forges connections with others, she learns the power of vulnerability and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Dr. Grace Hannon serves as Bobbie’s love interest in this meticulously told tale. Though paired with a woman who has a magnetic and powerful presence, Grace is scripted as a remarkable woman in her own right. Because Mickelbury stays true to the history, I strongly suspect that Grace’s character is influenced by the likes of Dr. May Edward Chinn and Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens, two well-known Harlem physicians during the 50’s. Much like these two Black female doctors, Grace, a board-certified gynecologist, dedicates her practice to providing care to the underserved Black women of Harlem. This background provides the storytelling with compelling, grounded context, enriching the reader’s experience. Grace’s character highlights the intersection of race, gender, and healthcare in a time when both were fraught with challenges. Though marginalized and pushed aside, Grace ultimately reminds readers of the importance of banning together to support one another, showcasing how it can lift a community in troubled times.
Mickelbury strengthens the story world by seamlessly integrating influential figures and landmark events into it, providing the storytelling with contextual depth. She smoothly inserts Stephanie St. Clair, Mary Lou Williams, Billy Strayhorn, and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. into the dialogue, giving the narrative validity and relevance. The interplay between historical accuracy and creative storytelling captivates, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of the human experience in Harlem post-Korean War. The result is a vivid story world, one that reflects the social tensions as well as the artistic talent of the era. By weaving these real-life figures into the storytelling, Mickelbury not only enriches the narrative but also honors the legacy of those who shaped Harlem’s cultural and political landscape, making the story dynamic and moving.
Entangled in all of the history and hardship lies a beautiful and tender love story. Bobbie and Grace’s story brings a softness to the narrative, providing light during a chaotic, troubled time. While trying to carve out a future in a world that seems determined to stifle Black and queer independence, their love makes everything more bearable. As their paths intertwine, they find solace in each other’s company, but the shadows of their struggles loom large. The pain of her family’s murder leaves Bobbie vulnerable and untrusting, while Grace’s relentless desire to serve the underserved leaves little room for anything else. As they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and ambition, they are forced to confront their demons. Together, they embark on a path of justice and freedom for their community, proving that even in the darkest times, hope and resilience can always emerge from love.
Final remarks…
Penny Mickelbury is a storyteller of the highest order. Her latest novel Payback is set in 1953 Harlem, and it is sure to gather much acclaim from the critics. Just as she demonstrated in The Two Wings Saga, she has an impressive ability to blend fact and fiction, immersing readers in a period that’s filled with vibrant characters, rich culture, and troubling politics. In Payback, she meticulously weaves together the struggles and triumphs of the community, highlighting the resilience, ingenuity, and talent of its residents. Using her distinctive style and voice, she skillfully gives the narrative thematic depth and relevance. Her fresh perspective resonates with contemporary readers; they don’t just enjoy an engaging, thought-provoking tale, they receive a rich, impressionable history lesson.
Strengths…
Well-written
Immersive story world
Charismatic, diverse characters
Well-paced, engrossing
Vibrantly told
Top-notch historical fiction
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews