What do you think?
Almost Crimson
From a young age CeCe copes with her mother's crippling depression, their severe poverty, an absentee father, and her own insecurities. With gorgeous language, a vivid cast of characters, and an eye for poignant detail, Dasha Kelly tells the story of CeCe's struggle to break free from the grips of codependency and poverty to find confidence and success in her career and her personal life, finally becoming the strong woman she's always dreamed of being. CeCe couldn't remember when her mother became too weak to carry anything but tears. When the Sad started to come, pressing her mother to their bed, her Mama cried slick silent tears for a long, long time. Longer than a game of hopscotch. Longer than singing the alphabet in her head five times. Longer than a nap, even. The Sad made her mother cry all the time.
- GenresFictionMental Health
279 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2015
About the author
Dasha Kelly
8 books30 followersDasha Kelly is a writer, performance artist and creative change agent. She has authored award-winning poetry, essays and fiction. She is a mainstage storyteller and host with The Moth, an alum of HBO's Def Poetry Jam, Poet Laureate Emerita for both the City of Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin and a National Laureate Fellow with the American Academy of Poets. In 2024, Dasha was named a Living Legacy Honoree by the licensing agency for the legendary poet Gwendolyn Brooks.
A skilled engagement practitioner and instructor, Dasha has facilitated initiatives in Botswana, Mauritius and Beirut as an Arts Envoy for the U.S. Embassy. Her nationally-touring stage show, Makin’ Cake, serves audiences a unique conversation on race, class and equity. Her documentary film of the same title premiered this spring. Her nonprofit literary arts organization, Still Waters Collective, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Dasha’s recent releases are a poetry anthology, A Line Meant (Jaded Ibis Press), a 10th anniversary reprint of Almost Crimson (Traitmarker Books), and a new novel, Baker’s Dozen (Jaded Ibis).
A skilled engagement practitioner and instructor, Dasha has facilitated initiatives in Botswana, Mauritius and Beirut as an Arts Envoy for the U.S. Embassy. Her nationally-touring stage show, Makin’ Cake, serves audiences a unique conversation on race, class and equity. Her documentary film of the same title premiered this spring. Her nonprofit literary arts organization, Still Waters Collective, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Dasha’s recent releases are a poetry anthology, A Line Meant (Jaded Ibis Press), a 10th anniversary reprint of Almost Crimson (Traitmarker Books), and a new novel, Baker’s Dozen (Jaded Ibis).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 6, 2015
Sort of a bildungsroman, this novel follows CeCe Weathers from early childhood to her late twenties, told in a series of what could be stand alone vignettes. We transition backwards and forwards fluidly through CeCe's life, deftly relevant and never confusing. CeCe's depressed mother has never been more than a burden to her, demanding CeCe to be the adult caretaker when she is incredibly young, and resulting in stunting CeCe's social development at times. When CeCe is five, she pays the bills, but when she is 24, she is still a virgin.
This book ends happily. CeCe does not have to tell her mother to move out, rather her mother decides that for herself. This realization comes about in the last few pages of the novel, but is perhaps the most remarkable instance of growth in this coming-of-age story.
This book ends happily. CeCe does not have to tell her mother to move out, rather her mother decides that for herself. This realization comes about in the last few pages of the novel, but is perhaps the most remarkable instance of growth in this coming-of-age story.
June 24, 2019
The ending was a little weak, but a gut wrenching, beautiful book.
January 31, 2018
This is a really beautiful novel about Crimson (CeCe) and her relationship with her mother, incapacitated by severe depression since her childhood. Some of the brief chapters could stand alone as short stories, and those moments left me breathless. Other times, the "now" plot felt like it dragged a bit compared to the "past". Over all, definitely worth a look.
January 31, 2015
A NEW VIEW OF DEPRESSION
As a lover of book covers I would have walked right by this book, but if I had ignored this book based on the cover I would have missed out on an interesting read about severe depression. The author Dasha Kelly allows Crimson (CeCe) Celeste Weathers to tell the story of having to take care of her mother Carla who is suffering from dysthemia depression and their household all while having her own typical childhood issues to deal with: school, bullying, friends, rumors, etc.
The chapters waver back and forth between CeCe the child and CeCe the adult; each one needing a mother; her mother. We relive the day to day life of this child in detail down to the squeaks in the mattress she has to listen for to make sure her mother is in place to watching the neighbors to see when they pay their bills in order to pay her mother’s bills which kept the story interesting.
We get a brief but important view of Quentin Weathers, CeCe’s father. His character was underdeveloped and once we learned more about him poof he was gone. I wish he could’ve stayed around longer to help CeCe with her mother. It took quite some time for this author to reveal what caused Carla’s demise.
Once we meet CeCe’s family and the important people in her life her adult life starts sounding like an afterthought. With the insertion of several underdeveloped characters, especially Eric, the ending of the story was far too different from the beginning of the story; was almost like an afterthought and would’ve been better left for another book. The storyline stayed strong for the first three quarters and then felt like the rest was added to stretch the length of the book. I give this book a 3.
As a lover of book covers I would have walked right by this book, but if I had ignored this book based on the cover I would have missed out on an interesting read about severe depression. The author Dasha Kelly allows Crimson (CeCe) Celeste Weathers to tell the story of having to take care of her mother Carla who is suffering from dysthemia depression and their household all while having her own typical childhood issues to deal with: school, bullying, friends, rumors, etc.
The chapters waver back and forth between CeCe the child and CeCe the adult; each one needing a mother; her mother. We relive the day to day life of this child in detail down to the squeaks in the mattress she has to listen for to make sure her mother is in place to watching the neighbors to see when they pay their bills in order to pay her mother’s bills which kept the story interesting.
We get a brief but important view of Quentin Weathers, CeCe’s father. His character was underdeveloped and once we learned more about him poof he was gone. I wish he could’ve stayed around longer to help CeCe with her mother. It took quite some time for this author to reveal what caused Carla’s demise.
Once we meet CeCe’s family and the important people in her life her adult life starts sounding like an afterthought. With the insertion of several underdeveloped characters, especially Eric, the ending of the story was far too different from the beginning of the story; was almost like an afterthought and would’ve been better left for another book. The storyline stayed strong for the first three quarters and then felt like the rest was added to stretch the length of the book. I give this book a 3.
May 9, 2015
A New View of Depression
As a lover of book covers, I would have walked right by this book. If I had ignored this book based on the cover, I would have missed out on an interesting read about severe depression. Author Dasha Kelly allows Crimson (CeCe) Celeste Weathers to tell the story of having to take care of her mother Carla, who is suffering from dysthymia depression, and their household all while having her own typical childhood issues to deal with: school, bullying, friends, rumors, etc.
The chapters waver back and forth between CeCe the child and CeCe the adult; each one needing a mother; her mother. We relive the day-to-day life of this child in detail down to the squeaks in the mattress she has to listen for to make sure her mother is in place to watching the neighbors to see when they pay their bills in order to pay her mother’s bills, which kept the story interesting.
We get a brief but important view of Quentin Weathers, CeCe’s father. His character was underdeveloped and once we learned more about him, poof, he was gone. I wish he could’ve stayed around longer to help CeCe with her mother. It took quite some time for this author to reveal what caused Carla’s demise.
Once we meet CeCe’s family and the important people in her life, her adult life starts sounding like an afterthought. With the insertion of several underdeveloped characters, especially Eric, the ending of the story was far too different from the beginning of the story. It was almost like an afterthought and would’ve been better left for another book. The storyline stayed strong for the first three quarters and then it felt like the rest was added to stretch the length of the book.
Reviewed by: Rosa
As a lover of book covers, I would have walked right by this book. If I had ignored this book based on the cover, I would have missed out on an interesting read about severe depression. Author Dasha Kelly allows Crimson (CeCe) Celeste Weathers to tell the story of having to take care of her mother Carla, who is suffering from dysthymia depression, and their household all while having her own typical childhood issues to deal with: school, bullying, friends, rumors, etc.
The chapters waver back and forth between CeCe the child and CeCe the adult; each one needing a mother; her mother. We relive the day-to-day life of this child in detail down to the squeaks in the mattress she has to listen for to make sure her mother is in place to watching the neighbors to see when they pay their bills in order to pay her mother’s bills, which kept the story interesting.
We get a brief but important view of Quentin Weathers, CeCe’s father. His character was underdeveloped and once we learned more about him, poof, he was gone. I wish he could’ve stayed around longer to help CeCe with her mother. It took quite some time for this author to reveal what caused Carla’s demise.
Once we meet CeCe’s family and the important people in her life, her adult life starts sounding like an afterthought. With the insertion of several underdeveloped characters, especially Eric, the ending of the story was far too different from the beginning of the story. It was almost like an afterthought and would’ve been better left for another book. The storyline stayed strong for the first three quarters and then it felt like the rest was added to stretch the length of the book.
Reviewed by: Rosa
July 21, 2015
The cover alone wasn't enough to grab my attention. I asked one of the Curbside Splendor folks at Pitchfork this year what it was about, and of course the guy hadn't read it but gave me the basic plot- "a girl's coming-of-age tale while dealing with her depressed mother." I have a strong interest in mental health and portrayals of mental illness in literature, so this was the winning factor. It was not exactly what I expected in many good ways, but it did have some predictable moments as well. Overall, this was a fresh take on depression not only from the perspective of a child witnessing their parent suffer from the illness, but the fact that it was from the perspective of a black female is also a big deal (in my opinion anyway). Mental illness is misunderstood or taken too lightly in many black communities, thereby making it harder to find the support one needs to make it through these tough times. I appreciate Dasha Kelly writing this novel, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from her.
March 22, 2015
"Almost Crimson" is a story about the life of CeCe. It starts off with CeCe being a little girl and having to be the adult in her relationship with her mother. Her mother suffers from depression and CeCe must learn how to pay the bills, take care of her mother, etc. We watch CeCe as she grows up and learns to navigate her world with her mother always on the periphery.
I enjoyed this book. I really liked the way the author would alternate chapters between the life of CeCe and the life of her mother... to help us understand how CeCe's mother got to the place she is when we start the story. It shows how devastating depression can be if left untreated.
I would recommend this story to teenagers on up. The author writing style is enjoyable.
** I received this book as part of GoodReads Member Giveaways. The opinion is solely my own and not influenced by the giveaway. **
I enjoyed this book. I really liked the way the author would alternate chapters between the life of CeCe and the life of her mother... to help us understand how CeCe's mother got to the place she is when we start the story. It shows how devastating depression can be if left untreated.
I would recommend this story to teenagers on up. The author writing style is enjoyable.
** I received this book as part of GoodReads Member Giveaways. The opinion is solely my own and not influenced by the giveaway. **
April 15, 2015
**This is an arc received in exchange for honest review**
Almost Crimson is a coming of age story about a girl who grew up with a mother who struggled with depression. From a young age she took care of her single mother, making sure that they both survived. The story is written in present and past of CeCe and her mother.
While this story was realistic fiction and wasn’t the most cheerful of stories, it left me satisfied. The writing was good and an interesting portrayal of depression and the people who are the backbones of depressed people. I think a lot of people can relate on some level. I’m happy to have read this story and would recommend it.
Almost Crimson is a coming of age story about a girl who grew up with a mother who struggled with depression. From a young age she took care of her single mother, making sure that they both survived. The story is written in present and past of CeCe and her mother.
While this story was realistic fiction and wasn’t the most cheerful of stories, it left me satisfied. The writing was good and an interesting portrayal of depression and the people who are the backbones of depressed people. I think a lot of people can relate on some level. I’m happy to have read this story and would recommend it.
February 10, 2015
I really enjoyed the beginning of this novel, but I felt as it progressed, it was disjointed between the present-CeCe and past-CeCe narratives, and because of the two storylines, I felt like we didn't get enough time in either. There were moments that felt rushed and lacked a resolution of real resonance for CeCe's character, which I wanted since it was so skillfully set up in the beginning.
December 23, 2015
beautiful.
October 29, 2020
An eye-opening and absorbing read!
Almost Crimson details the struggles of a child who had to be the adult in the household. More than that, Kelly uses delightful and unique vocabulary to flesh out the story of social workers, teachers, friends, family, challenges and failings.
Without spoiling your read, let me encourage you to discover a new format. Yes, it is a book on paper, but the story line takes you on an adventure of timely incidents that are not necessarily chronological. Neither would I call them ranked in order of importance. Instead, I'd say they are a steady laying of foundation and hope.
Throughout this story, hope rings true. We hope Crimson (Cee-Cee) survives elementary school, we hope she continues with her education in college, we hope she finds her footing as an adult, we hope (always) that her mother will recover.
If you want to know what she needs to recover from and whether all that hope is fulfilled - read Almost Crimson. You won't regret it.
Almost Crimson details the struggles of a child who had to be the adult in the household. More than that, Kelly uses delightful and unique vocabulary to flesh out the story of social workers, teachers, friends, family, challenges and failings.
Without spoiling your read, let me encourage you to discover a new format. Yes, it is a book on paper, but the story line takes you on an adventure of timely incidents that are not necessarily chronological. Neither would I call them ranked in order of importance. Instead, I'd say they are a steady laying of foundation and hope.
Throughout this story, hope rings true. We hope Crimson (Cee-Cee) survives elementary school, we hope she continues with her education in college, we hope she finds her footing as an adult, we hope (always) that her mother will recover.
If you want to know what she needs to recover from and whether all that hope is fulfilled - read Almost Crimson. You won't regret it.
May 1, 2020
A true story of a child being parentified due to parents' mental health and absenteeism. She has to care for her mother starting at the age of 5. This also shows how all systems fail a child....family to government, passing the buck and having a child raise herself or who ever has free time to guide her. It's also how society doesn't want to deal with any of societal ills and hopes they go away on their own. Due to working in this field it's frustrating when social services are the first to get cut when it comes to the government's budget. All childhoods are not perfect but at least let a child have one, the adult world is crazy enough. A definite read.
May 18, 2021
Almost Crimson by Dasha Kelly is a moving, humane story of a black girl (CeCe) and her mother who has dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder). In a cruel role reversal, Cece sacrifices most of her young life from childhood caring for her incapacitated mother. No bad guys here, which makes the child's beginnings even more tragic. In 279 pages, the author packs in Cece's difficult childhood, black history in the Midwest, her mother and father's backstory, prejudice toward the poor - and how people in Cece's life (including her mother in the end) help her escape the emotional cage that grew around Cece because of the circumstances of her life. I just love this expansive, big-hearted book.
March 9, 2024
Beautiful writing. I would definitely read other books by this author. Difficult to read at times because characters endure so much hardship. The narrative continually shifts between past which I enjoyed.
December 9, 2020
Great story. Ending was slightly unappealing, but great book nonetheless!
July 16, 2024
This book broke my heart.
April 23, 2017
This is about a woman who had to grow up putting her mentally ill mother first, and how she's developed this codependent relationship with her. I thought it picked up at the end, but I honestly had kind of a hard time getting into it at first. Not sure if it was the mental state I was in when I was reading it, or the book. The book is by a Black woman and about Black women, for those looking to diversify their reading.
August 2, 2015
This is a lovely book. Kelly proves that it's possible to write gently, but still pack a wallop. It's impossible not to love the main character, CeCe, and not to cheer her on as she faces her life's difficulties. And more quietly, it's impossible not to cheer for her mother, Carla, who fights a lifetime of incurable depression.
It's a challenge to write a book that swings back and forth over time periods. Past, present, past, present. There are risks involved - the transitions between times need to be smooth, the possibilities of confusing the reader are everywhere, at each new scene, each new chapter. But Kelly sails through and never leaves the reader wondering where we are, or paging back to clarify what year it is. That's impressive.
While depression and its effects are this book's major theme, there are pretty hefty minor themes going on as well. Racism, bullying, incest, poverty...all there. But handled by a graceful pen.
My concerns with the book, which kept me from giving it five stars, are twofold. One is relatively minor, one more hefty. First, in the scene where the main character finally loses her virginity, the book switches into full technicolor romance-language. The lover is beyond skilled, beyond wonderful, beyond giving, and the sex is completely painless and satisfying (not to mention safe). I didn't buy it for a moment and it made me laugh in a couple places. But overall, one sex scene, no matter how fairy tale, doesn't wreck a book.
The second concern is a little more serious. But it's not a spoiler. The main character doesn't solve her own conflict. It is solved for her. In a book about empowerment and self-actualization, this was disappointing to me. It's not so easy to feel empowerment when the problem is solved for you. So that disturbed me. But again...not enough to stop admiring the book.
There's a lovely voice here and a great story to tell. Excellent work.
It's a challenge to write a book that swings back and forth over time periods. Past, present, past, present. There are risks involved - the transitions between times need to be smooth, the possibilities of confusing the reader are everywhere, at each new scene, each new chapter. But Kelly sails through and never leaves the reader wondering where we are, or paging back to clarify what year it is. That's impressive.
While depression and its effects are this book's major theme, there are pretty hefty minor themes going on as well. Racism, bullying, incest, poverty...all there. But handled by a graceful pen.
My concerns with the book, which kept me from giving it five stars, are twofold. One is relatively minor, one more hefty. First, in the scene where the main character finally loses her virginity, the book switches into full technicolor romance-language. The lover is beyond skilled, beyond wonderful, beyond giving, and the sex is completely painless and satisfying (not to mention safe). I didn't buy it for a moment and it made me laugh in a couple places. But overall, one sex scene, no matter how fairy tale, doesn't wreck a book.
The second concern is a little more serious. But it's not a spoiler. The main character doesn't solve her own conflict. It is solved for her. In a book about empowerment and self-actualization, this was disappointing to me. It's not so easy to feel empowerment when the problem is solved for you. So that disturbed me. But again...not enough to stop admiring the book.
There's a lovely voice here and a great story to tell. Excellent work.
February 12, 2015
*Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways/Curbside Splendor Publishing for this complimentary copy!*
This book follows the life of Crimson “CeCe” Weathers from childhood to her current age of about 28(?). To me this book read more like short stories; here is CeCe at 6, here is CeCe at 9, here is how she makes a friend, here is how she meets her dad, etc. The story jumps back and forth between CeCe’s past and present events while she continually cares for her mentally ill mother. I could relate to a good part of her experiences.
The book is poetically written, but I found some chapters stronger than others and often wished we hadn’t time jumped just yet. I wish more had been done with CeCe’s father. He’s dropped in for a few chapters and then we’re off to adult chapters. It was unfortunate because he was a very important person in CeCe and Carla’s lives. There was a lot of description for some of the characters, but then they didn’t have a strong role in the book overall. I found the book sad as it’s difficult to read about children having such a tough life. CeCe never really wins until the very end, but she was lucky enough to find some supportive people along the way. If nothing else, the book shines a light on the children of mentally ill parents.
This book follows the life of Crimson “CeCe” Weathers from childhood to her current age of about 28(?). To me this book read more like short stories; here is CeCe at 6, here is CeCe at 9, here is how she makes a friend, here is how she meets her dad, etc. The story jumps back and forth between CeCe’s past and present events while she continually cares for her mentally ill mother. I could relate to a good part of her experiences.
The book is poetically written, but I found some chapters stronger than others and often wished we hadn’t time jumped just yet. I wish more had been done with CeCe’s father. He’s dropped in for a few chapters and then we’re off to adult chapters. It was unfortunate because he was a very important person in CeCe and Carla’s lives. There was a lot of description for some of the characters, but then they didn’t have a strong role in the book overall. I found the book sad as it’s difficult to read about children having such a tough life. CeCe never really wins until the very end, but she was lucky enough to find some supportive people along the way. If nothing else, the book shines a light on the children of mentally ill parents.
January 8, 2017
Interesting book about a subject that's still somewhat of a taboo in the Black community: mental illness.
This is the story of Crimson Celeste (CeCe), a young Black girl who grows up in the 70s and 80s with the burden of living with her severely depressed single mother, Carla. At a very young age she learns how to manage the house, pay bills, as well as seek out sources (teachers, friends) of info on the things we take advantage of learning from our mothers (i.e., periods, sex, and boys). It's a heartbreaking story, and one that I'll ultimately never forget.
I also like the structure of this book, with the chapters going back and forth in time from Cece's childhood to the present, as if the past and the present are running parallel and unfolding at the same time. It's always a challenge to write about two different time periods without confusing the reader, but Dasha Kelly managed to do this without a hitch. Well done.
This is the story of Crimson Celeste (CeCe), a young Black girl who grows up in the 70s and 80s with the burden of living with her severely depressed single mother, Carla. At a very young age she learns how to manage the house, pay bills, as well as seek out sources (teachers, friends) of info on the things we take advantage of learning from our mothers (i.e., periods, sex, and boys). It's a heartbreaking story, and one that I'll ultimately never forget.
I also like the structure of this book, with the chapters going back and forth in time from Cece's childhood to the present, as if the past and the present are running parallel and unfolding at the same time. It's always a challenge to write about two different time periods without confusing the reader, but Dasha Kelly managed to do this without a hitch. Well done.
March 8, 2015
A welcome contribution to the cannon of mother-daughter stories. In this one the coming-of-age narrative is found in the context of a mother who suffers from severe depression and an intelligent young daughter who struggles for independence and seeks a love-returned. Sprinkled with bits of wisdom, there's as much substance as there is drama.
"Quentin looked to the sky, as if noticing it for the first time, and let out a deep breath. "Your teacher is right. When you lie, you compromise your integrity. When you compromise your integrity, you devalue your world. When you devalue your word, you undermine your character. When you undermine your character, you limit your greatness.'"
Curbside Splendor (publisher) also brought me Samantha Irby. Much love to small presses!
"Quentin looked to the sky, as if noticing it for the first time, and let out a deep breath. "Your teacher is right. When you lie, you compromise your integrity. When you compromise your integrity, you devalue your world. When you devalue your word, you undermine your character. When you undermine your character, you limit your greatness.'"
Curbside Splendor (publisher) also brought me Samantha Irby. Much love to small presses!
June 27, 2015
This story follows CeCe as she grows up with the challenge of living with her severely depressed single mother. From learning how to pay bills at age 5 to finding other sources of information for things like starting her period and going on dates, CeCe is forced to be resourceful far beyond what is normal for her age. The book is uniquely structured and switches between different periods of CeCe's life, so her adult life unfolds in parallel with her childhood. I enjoyed this one. (As a bonus, I saw the author do a reading at Brazos Bookstore, which always makes a book seem more personal to me.)
February 9, 2015
I truly enjoyed Dasha Kelly's "Almost Crimson". It is beautifully written and conveys a glimpse into a life filled with hardship of a very fractured mother / daughter relationship. It takes,a soulful look at what one person is willing to endure to ensure the safe keeping of another. Anyone who enjoys tragic coming of age stories laced with teasers of hope, will truly enjoy this book. Thanks to the Goodreads First Reads giveaway for allowing me the opportunity to read this book.
October 28, 2019
I rated this book 5 stars because this book literally moved me to tears. I didn't realize it as I was reading, but Dasha Kelly truly understands codependency and the love that binds (and tears) at the same time. The story's main characters, CeCe and her mother, met me at the subconscious level and tore my heart open. If you are struggling for your independence, this book may help you on your journey. Love.
Read
July 17, 2015LIKED IT! BLURBED IT! "Dasha Kelly writes with equal parts sweetness and sadness about being a human. She writes about girls and women, family, friendship and aching love. Almost Crimson offers a full teacup of emotions, past and present, delicately balanced on a wildly beating heart. This author, this novel–blessings to readers and storytellers alike."
August 20, 2015
Read for the Lawrence Library Personalized Recommendations Challenge
Some really lovely turns of phrase and gorgeous moments throughout - it's unsurprising to me that the author is a spoken-word artist. I wish there had been a stronger central plot line, though, and that it had done less telling and more showing. Still, a lovely novel and a quick read. 3/5 stars.
Some really lovely turns of phrase and gorgeous moments throughout - it's unsurprising to me that the author is a spoken-word artist. I wish there had been a stronger central plot line, though, and that it had done less telling and more showing. Still, a lovely novel and a quick read. 3/5 stars.
December 29, 2015
It is not often that I read a book that touches me so deeply. I got lost in the characters. Every single one of them. Almost Crimson taught me to look beyond the illness and see all the survivors. This book has made an indelible mark like "Of Mice and Men" or "Serif on the Suwanee".
October 1, 2017
"You are worth everything you've decided you're worth." Not many lines in books make me stop and reread them several times, but this did. I think everyone needs to hear this, realize this, and accept this. I got this book as a free Goodreads giveaway.
May 19, 2015
3 1/2 stars really.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews