Bend, Don't Break

by Julie L. Brown

Finalist for the Wishing Shelf Independent Book Award

“An absorbing, thought-provoking, emotionally engaging, and deftly scripted multi-generational historical novel.”–Midwest Book Review

“Bend, Don’t Break is a powerful, evocative novel that honors the resilience of Black women throughout history...Brown has crafted a novel that does not just recount history—it breathes life into it, making it feel immediate, urgent, and deeply personal.”—Seattle Book Review

Timely and unforgettable, Bend, Don’t Break spans two centuries of American history and is a captivating testament to women’s ambition and the unbreakable bond between Black mothers and their daughters.

Drawing strength from their ancestor, Aisha, a slave born free on the west coast of Africa, four Black women will do whatever is necessary to succeed—and will do even more to protect their daughters. Aisha’s granddaughter, Dinah, a plantation slave, fends off the advances of the master’s son and vows to prevent the same mistreatment of her daughter, Sarah. During the Harlem Renaissance, Augusta, an aspiring teacher, falls in love for the first time. Her mother, Julia, is determined to prevent her from getting hurt. Attorney Olivia and her news producer daughter, Nicole, both seek success and equality in the white man’s world of 1980s corporate life. And in the present day, Sha, a tech company chief information officer, turns amateur detective after her daughter’s assault.

Throughout the generations, these women encounter similar challenges but face them in different ways and survive and thrive through all of it, because they bend but do not break. They demonstrate that although generational trauma can be passed down like an inheritance, so, too, can healing and resilience.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

443 pages, Paperback

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

Julie L. Brown is the author of the historical fiction, Bend, Don't Break (finalist for the Wishing Shelf Independent Book Award), the alternative-history novel, No One Will Save Us (finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Award for fantasy, winner of the Independent Press Award for African American fiction), and the creator, under the pen name J. L. Brown, of the Jade Harrington series, political thrillers which include the novels, Don’t Speak, Rule of Law, and The Divide, and the short story, Few Are Chosen. Her books have been praised by Kirkus Reviews, the Midwest Book Review, and the Seattle Book Review.

She is a member of Black Women Write Seattle, Mystery Writers of America, Crime Writers of Color, and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Julie earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the Stonecoast program at the University of Southern Maine. She resides with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where she is working on her next novel.

Sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/JLBNews

You can find her on:
julielbrown.com
IG: @julielbrownwrites

Reviews

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! A story is generations; from slavery to at media icon in the present age. The hardships these women endured, and their resilience Is definitely noteworthy.
Kudos to Julia Brown for a well-written, interesting telling of the atrocities that this country allowed; and is bringing back under a the current administration.

[Julie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters. They feel like family to me. I hope this novel resonates with readers, as so many of us have faced challenges where we have bent, but did not break...and instead, thrived.

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bend, Don't Break" by Julie L. Brown is a powerful and deeply moving generational saga that spans two centuries of American history, showcasing the resilience and strength of Black women across time. The novel weaves together the stories of five generations of women, each facing unique challenges, yet all bound by an unbreakable maternal bond and a shared legacy of survival.

The book begins with Aisha, a free-born woman in Africa, and follows her descendants through slavery, the Harlem Renaissance, the 1980s, and the present day. Each woman—Dinah, Augusta, Olivia, and Sha—navigates her own struggles, from the horrors of plantation life to the subtle and overt racism of corporate America and modern society.

The characters are depicted with authenticity and nuance, making their experiences both relatable and heart-wrenching. I felt deeply connected to these women, sharing in their fears, sorrows, and triumphs. The author's ability to immerse readers in each historical period was also commended, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.

The theme of generational trauma and resilience is central to the narrative. Brown effectively illustrates how the wounds of the past can be passed down through generations, but also highlights the power of healing and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The concept of "bending, not breaking" serves as a powerful metaphor for the women's ability to endure and thrive despite adversity.

The exploration of the mother-daughter relationship is another significant strength of the book. The portrayal of maternal love and the lengths to which mothers will go to protect their children to be particularly moving. The book's ability to resonate with readers on a personal level, especially those who have experienced loss or faced similar challenges, was also highlighted.

The historical accuracy and the author's attention to detail were praised, lending credibility to the narrative and enhancing the reader's understanding of the historical context. The book's exploration of themes such as racism, sexism, and social injustice was handled with sensitivity and insight, prompting reflection and discussion.

The overall consensus is that "Bend, Don't Break" is a beautifully written and emotionally impactful novel that honors the resilience of Black women throughout history. The book's ability to evoke strong emotions, its compelling characters, and its powerful message of hope and healing make it a must-read for fans of historical fiction and generational sagas.

Rating: 4.75/5 stars. The book delivers a powerful and moving generational saga with compelling characters and a strong message of resilience.

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌿 Bend, Don’t Break by Julie L. Brown: A Literary Review

📖 Description
Bend, Don’t Break is a sweeping generational saga that intertwines the resilience of women across history like roots beneath a mighty oak. Julie L. Brown crafts a narrative where fragility and fortitude dance in delicate balance—where women bend under the weight of adversity but never snap. This historical fiction novel is a tapestry of sacrifice, survival, and silent strength, paying homage to the unsung heroines of the past.

🎨 Comprehensive Analysis

Structure & Flow
Brown employs a multi-perspective, non-linear structure that mirrors the fragmented yet interconnected lives of her characters. The pacing is deliberate, with lyrical prose that lingers on emotional crescendos. Some readers may find the shifts in time challenging, but they serve to underscore the generational echoes of resilience.

Characters
-Protagonists: Women from different eras, each carrying burdens of societal constraints, war, or personal loss. Their voices are distinct yet harmonized by shared grit.
-Antagonists: Not just individuals, but systemic oppression—patriarchy, war, and time itself.
Style

Brown’s prose is poetic but grounded, blending historical detail with intimate introspection. Her dialogue feels authentic to each era, and her imagery—particularly nature metaphors—anchors the themes.

🎯 Ideal Readers
✔ Lovers of historical fiction (fans of The Nightingale or The Four Winds)
✔ Feminist literary enthusiasts
✔ Readers who enjoy multi-generational sagas

❌ Readers Who May Not Enjoy It
✖ Those preferring fast-paced plots or action-driven narratives
✖ Readers uncomfortable with nonlinear storytelling
✖ Anyone seeking lighthearted escapism

⭐ Star Breakdown (0-5)
Plot Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Character Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Prose & Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5)
Overall: 4.4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📢 Reviewer thoughts:
-A masterclass in women’s resilience—Brown’s prose is as unyielding as her characters.
-If you loved The Poisonwood Bible, this is your next obsession.
-History isn’t just written by the victors; it’s survived by the women who bend but never break.

🙏 Acknowledgments
Thank you to Julie L. Brown and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this poignant novel in exchange for an honest review.

💡 Final Thought
In a world that too often breaks women, Bend, Don’t Break is the anthem they deserve—and the story readers will clutch to their chests long after the last page.

Why you should read it? Timeless themes, book club appeal, and a title that lingers like a mantra. 🌟

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVEW
17th December 2024
TITLE: Bend, Don’t Break
AUTHOR: Julie L. Brown

Star Rating: 5

‘An inspiring, historically based novel with a charismatic cast of strong, black, female characters.’ The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
What a wonderfully inspiring novel this is! Written by the talented Julie L. Brown, it’s the story of four black women Dinah, Julia, Olivia and Sha who do whatever they can to not only be the best they can be, but also to protect their daughters. Kicking off in the 1800s, it twists and turns its way to present day, offering readers plenty of drama along the way.
This is very much a character study. The author is a talented writer who successfully offers the reader interesting historical settings and fun to get to know characters. The charisma of the women in the story almost jumps off the page as they battle for what’s right. They not only survive, but they also thrive – or, as the title so aptly suggests, the women bend, they don’t break.
There were a number of elements to this story I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, the author works confidently with speech, using it to not only develop her plot but also her characters. Secondly, I loved the protagonists, particularly Olivia who is a very ‘feisty’ character. And thirdly, the pacing is strong, the author adept at switching between the central characters and keeping the story moving.
So, if you enjoy historically set, character-led novels, I’m happy to recommend this novel to you. I think most readers will enjoy getting to know the female characters and rooting for all of them to be safe – and successful.

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction book spanning a time line of about 1767 to some time after 1007 with ten black women characters. I relied on the chart of Aisha's Dynasty to help me keep the names and times straight. It is a riveting read.

I would have preferred to have the characters grouped into four parts instead of going from one character in one time period to another in each chapter. I am now 78 years old and it was an exercise in memory. I am probably better for it, but it made it a challenging read.

The character are vividly described and I identified with a lot of the life situations that the women went through. Don't laugh, please. Of course I have never experienced slavery but the author helps you understand the horrible situations that slaves had when alive. The idea of taking your children away from you that you never see them again, the pain of being treated as property to be sold and bred all abhorrent realities of slavery.

Later when then line of women became free, there more freedom to read, and keep your family intact but there are also problems that white women like me share, rape, sexual discrimination and sexual harassment.

I wanted to enter the story of the book to hold all the women I loved who had been wronged so cruelly. I wanted to find more creative solutions to sexual discrimination and sexual harassment. I didn't agree with the sometimes bold and risky ways of dealing those problems in this book but there is no way that I can deny that an effective way dealing with these problems need to found.

Please read and let me know what you think of this book. I am very eager to read more from Julie L. Brown.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book. Thank you

This is the first book I've read by Julie Brown, and it won't be my last. I really, really enjoyed this book. I was immediately drawn to the characters and their stories. The story is of heritage, womanhood, motherhood, and strength, spanning form the 1700's to 2007. It begins with Aisha, living happily in West Africa, until one day slavers came and ripped her family away. When they arrived in America they were separated and sold. Aisha, held firm to her strength and beliefs, and preserved. The chapters shift between her offspring, and their offspring, focusing on Dinah, Julia, Olivia and Sha and their daughters. With each chapter, you get to know these women, how they became who they are, the challenges they are facing, their daughters, their will to protect their daughters. Common to all is they know their history and that provides them inner strength to face what they to do. I really felt I knew these women, I was outraged when they were outraged. I was happy when they had success. Very inspiring.

[Pj Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story. The women in this book are amazing and strong and memorable. I like the timeline at the beginning of the book, and it is needed to keep up with the women. This spans from Aisha who is stolen from her home in Africa and brought over to America and sold into slavery, to present day Jelani. These women all face such adversity and they all find a way to somehow live through it and pass on their strength to their daughters. There are 10 women, but there is a timeline at the beginning of the book so you can flip back to it for easy reference until you learn the characters, which becomes easy due to each of their life struggles and challenges. This is such an amazing book. Thank you Julie L. Brown for the story.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 for me! I loved these characters and their stories.

I worried at the beginning that with so many different women, I would struggle to keep the storylines straight. But after reading a couple chapters from each, it was pretty easy to remember who was who.

I loved that this was following the same family of women through a couple centuries. It was an interesting way to tell the story. I also have a goal to diversify my reading this year, so I enjoyed reading about the experiences of black women through different timelines.

**ARC review. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read it early.

[Kathryn Simoes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could have read another thousand pages

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At first I thought the skipping around would distract me, and it took me a while to get used to it and remember who everyone was and how they were connected. But once I did I was enthralled. I could happily have read another thousand pages about these fascinating, wonderful, inspiring characters. Well done!!!

[Jacqueline B Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A legacy to remember

Heartbreaking, intense, and sometimes brutal. The author takes you through several generations of strong intelligent women. In the end, they all get the justice they were seeking.
I highly recommend this novel.

Goldie

[Cathy Pegau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This incredible saga of ten generations of Black women in America was all at once powerful, heartbreaking, and heart-filling. Julie L. Brown brings to life these amazing women and their stories, pulling no punches when it comes to the realities they faced.

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generations of women and what they endured and the inner strength to see them through their tragedies and triumphs. The prejudices are clearly evident in the story telling, but from both sides. I give it a 3 1/2 stars as the narration was well done.

[Ethel-Lyn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

From beginning to end, I couldn't put down. Love,sorrow, history, anger,courage; these women possessed all. Very powerful and moving story with twists and turns. Must r e ad.

[Michele Knopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent reading experience. This book grabbed my attention from page one to the very last page.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable story of 2 centuries of resilient, strong black women and their connections with their daughters.

[nx74defiant · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tales of a family of Black women. Going from Africa, slave plantation, the harlem renaissance up to the modern day. The stories of each generation and the difficulties they face are well done. The focus and time line changes with each short chapter. To start with I need to refer back to the linage at the beginning. Since the chapters where short it was hard to get invested in the characters and their stories until the later part of the book.

[Laura Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book.

[Gina Trail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave! Resilient! Determined! The lineage spans over 200 years starting with Aisha in a village in Africa. It ends with Jelani in current times in the US. Bend Don't Break is such a beautiful story capturing each woman's life and tragedies that carry on to the next generation. Each woman stayed strong and did her very best to protect her daughter. It is so well written, locking you in their time. Historical Fiction at its finest!!!!