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The Eyes of the Heart
Second-Place Winner of the 2011 Women of Faith Writing Contest!
Set in a small Mississippi town during the heart of the Civil Rights era, The Eyes of the Heart is a story about forgiveness, love, fear and hate. It is also a story about Edith Holden, a young woman living in the deep south who finds herself unwillingly confronted with racism, social injustice and her love for a man she is unsure she will ever have.
Set in a small Mississippi town during the heart of the Civil Rights era, The Eyes of the Heart is a story about forgiveness, love, fear and hate. It is also a story about Edith Holden, a young woman living in the deep south who finds herself unwillingly confronted with racism, social injustice and her love for a man she is unsure she will ever have.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2014
106 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Embassie Susberry
23 books90 followersI still remember the exact day I fell in love with reading. It was nighttime and raining. Mom and Dad had already sent me and my sister to bed. But I couldn't sleep. We didn't have cable (and I'm pretty sure the parents wouldn't allow it) and cartoons were over for the day. I remember turning on the light, looking across the room at my snoring sister and then at my bookcase filled with books. I wasn't a reader at the time, but my mother was. She was constantly buying me something. I walked over to the bookshelf and pulled my newest book off the shelf and just began to read. For the first time, I learned what it was to leave my room and go someplace else; to care about imaginary people so much, I had to turn the next page; to get so caught up in a story, hours flew by. And it is that exact feeling that I want so much to create in my readers. Enjoyment, entertainment, and feeling blessed.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 23, 2015
This is a story about two African-American sisters set in the Civil Rights period of the twentieth century. It follows the fortunes of Eddy (Edith) and her sister, Sylvia, from their childhoods to adulthood. It's set in the deep south, Mississippi.
The narrator, Eddy, is in love with Robert, a handsome man with a heart for social justice. She faces the heartache of feeling that she's not his first choice, and the ever-looming threat of danger his path involves. Her sister, Sylvia's story was even more compelling for me, like a modern 'Romeo and Juliet.' She's in love with Nathan, who returns her feelings, but a future together seems utterly out of the question, for he is the son of the wealthy, white land-owner whose mansion their mother cleans.
This novel brings several things to light for me.
1) Even years after the American Civil War, these poor folk had to put up with appalling treatment, keeping them on edge at the best of times, and fearing for their lives at the worst.
2) It's amazing that young people like the Holden sisters were able to grow up with a sense of dignity and self-respect, when being treated with contempt was all they'd ever known. I found it sad that the reflex of ducking for cover was natural from the time they were tiny.
Their story reminded me of reminiscences told by my mother, about what she and her sister used to get up to. They were similar ages in the same decade, and also struggled to make ends meet, but my mother and aunt had it way easier in comparison to Eddy and Sylvia, as they were white girls living in Australia. These similarities just reinforced that no young women should have had to live under the shadow of this novel's heroines.
In spite of the weighty theme, this is an easy story to read, with plenty of lighter moments. At one stage, I thought their mother, Dottie, showed remarkable patience. The girls were supposed to be helping her clean the mansion, but seemed to have a lot of time for reading, chess, play-acting and discussion with Nathan. However, I suppose that can be explained by Dottie's own high regard for the young master of the property, who was unlike any of his relatives.
Having a story told in first person from one character always has its limitations, but Eddy is an astute and wise storyteller who notices lots. I think her voice does restrict all that we can find out about Sylvia and Nathan's romance (as Eddy, of course, wouldn't have been present at every moment of their courtship) but not so much that we don't get the picture and find ourselves emotionally invested.
On the whole, this book brings a significant phase of history to life, showing what previous generations went through so current ones are able to benefit, which is what I like in a story.
The narrator, Eddy, is in love with Robert, a handsome man with a heart for social justice. She faces the heartache of feeling that she's not his first choice, and the ever-looming threat of danger his path involves. Her sister, Sylvia's story was even more compelling for me, like a modern 'Romeo and Juliet.' She's in love with Nathan, who returns her feelings, but a future together seems utterly out of the question, for he is the son of the wealthy, white land-owner whose mansion their mother cleans.
This novel brings several things to light for me.
1) Even years after the American Civil War, these poor folk had to put up with appalling treatment, keeping them on edge at the best of times, and fearing for their lives at the worst.
2) It's amazing that young people like the Holden sisters were able to grow up with a sense of dignity and self-respect, when being treated with contempt was all they'd ever known. I found it sad that the reflex of ducking for cover was natural from the time they were tiny.
Their story reminded me of reminiscences told by my mother, about what she and her sister used to get up to. They were similar ages in the same decade, and also struggled to make ends meet, but my mother and aunt had it way easier in comparison to Eddy and Sylvia, as they were white girls living in Australia. These similarities just reinforced that no young women should have had to live under the shadow of this novel's heroines.
In spite of the weighty theme, this is an easy story to read, with plenty of lighter moments. At one stage, I thought their mother, Dottie, showed remarkable patience. The girls were supposed to be helping her clean the mansion, but seemed to have a lot of time for reading, chess, play-acting and discussion with Nathan. However, I suppose that can be explained by Dottie's own high regard for the young master of the property, who was unlike any of his relatives.
Having a story told in first person from one character always has its limitations, but Eddy is an astute and wise storyteller who notices lots. I think her voice does restrict all that we can find out about Sylvia and Nathan's romance (as Eddy, of course, wouldn't have been present at every moment of their courtship) but not so much that we don't get the picture and find ourselves emotionally invested.
On the whole, this book brings a significant phase of history to life, showing what previous generations went through so current ones are able to benefit, which is what I like in a story.
November 6, 2022
This was a very good book. I gave it 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was a love story between a white man and a black lady that ends in tragically but not what you would expected.
This would been a great book club read.
It was a love story between a white man and a black lady that ends in tragically but not what you would expected.
This would been a great book club read.
September 13, 2024
Found this book when I was looking for another and I’m glad I did. Very enjoyable read.
November 2, 2024
Everything the Title Says
I chose this book based on the number of stars and the number of people who had read it. I was not by any means disappointed. Without giving out any spoilers, it affected me emotionally.
As historical fiction goes I appreciate the depth that went into as far as the civil rights movement. I am a 55-year-old woman, and am not so far removed from that period in time. My father was born in the south, raised in the north. He explained to me how he would go from Philadelphia to spend the summers in North Carolina. There was a pivotal moment in which he made the decision to stop traveling there for the summers. He didn’t return for 20 years.
I very much enjoyed the story of the relationship of the sisters, the unlikely friendship/family relationship they developed with their employer so to speak. I will read this story again. It brought tears to my eyes. I was riveted. This was an amazing story that I’m sure was a reality for more people than we know.
I chose this book based on the number of stars and the number of people who had read it. I was not by any means disappointed. Without giving out any spoilers, it affected me emotionally.
As historical fiction goes I appreciate the depth that went into as far as the civil rights movement. I am a 55-year-old woman, and am not so far removed from that period in time. My father was born in the south, raised in the north. He explained to me how he would go from Philadelphia to spend the summers in North Carolina. There was a pivotal moment in which he made the decision to stop traveling there for the summers. He didn’t return for 20 years.
I very much enjoyed the story of the relationship of the sisters, the unlikely friendship/family relationship they developed with their employer so to speak. I will read this story again. It brought tears to my eyes. I was riveted. This was an amazing story that I’m sure was a reality for more people than we know.
February 25, 2020
Forever Love Story
Great story of undying love, family loyalty, racist family history and the black race determined to survive and better their lives. Sylvia and Edith's sister love and support for one another was a truly wonderful bond through out the story.
Great story of undying love, family loyalty, racist family history and the black race determined to survive and better their lives. Sylvia and Edith's sister love and support for one another was a truly wonderful bond through out the story.
October 18, 2020
The Eyes of the Heart is an Awesome Love Story!
This book Shows us how hatred destroys Blessings, Families, Lives and Opportunities!
This book was based in the 1960's.
Even Today in 2020, Racism is Destroying our Nation and
the World that we All live in!!!!
This book Shows us how hatred destroys Blessings, Families, Lives and Opportunities!
This book was based in the 1960's.
Even Today in 2020, Racism is Destroying our Nation and
the World that we All live in!!!!
October 27, 2020
Nice Read
5 stars because the characters jumped off the screen to me.The love storyline and historical events was beautiful. Thank you for this book Embassies Susberry can't wait to see more from you.
5 stars because the characters jumped off the screen to me.The love storyline and historical events was beautiful. Thank you for this book Embassies Susberry can't wait to see more from you.
June 18, 2022
Very Good Book
Excellent story of racial tensions and struggles I the 1950’s and the 1960’s. Involves the love life of two sisters, one falling in love with a white boy. Very real characters, found it hard to believe they weren’t real people.
Excellent story of racial tensions and struggles I the 1950’s and the 1960’s. Involves the love life of two sisters, one falling in love with a white boy. Very real characters, found it hard to believe they weren’t real people.
February 22, 2018
AWESOME READ
Ironically I read this book in the month of February, dubbed Black History month. It was awesome and informative. A great taste of our history.
Ironically I read this book in the month of February, dubbed Black History month. It was awesome and informative. A great taste of our history.
November 19, 2019
Good
This book is one that brings about how people in the South treated teacher during the civil rights movement.both sides.
This book is one that brings about how people in the South treated teacher during the civil rights movement.both sides.
March 26, 2020
!ob
Love can test your loyalty in spite of perils hurdle in your way Sometimes it means leaving your fami!y .
Love can test your loyalty in spite of perils hurdle in your way Sometimes it means leaving your fami!y .
May 26, 2021
I love Eddy's character. I sympathizes with her the most. The story flows well even with the time jumps.
January 6, 2024
Beautiful story!
This is a historical fiction story that makes you feel like you want to know the characters personally. Well written, definitely a page turner!
This is a historical fiction story that makes you feel like you want to know the characters personally. Well written, definitely a page turner!
April 16, 2021
Unexpectedly good
**I really didn’t know what to expect from this book but I found myself at times captivated, then angry. Then thoroughly surprised and later in disbelief. Sad and scared and frustrated (with the characters). This is the mark of a good story.
**I really didn’t know what to expect from this book but I found myself at times captivated, then angry. Then thoroughly surprised and later in disbelief. Sad and scared and frustrated (with the characters). This is the mark of a good story.
July 22, 2015
Great Read
I was captivated by this story from page one, and not disappointed until it ended. I wanted it to continue. Having grown up during the period this country was finally beginning to face its responsibility to give blacks their rights as citizens, and having participated in the struggle, I found the characters, the setting and the history to be a true reflection of the reality of that time. The story of Eddy, Sylvia and Nathan is beautifully written. I highly recommend this novel to all readers. Great author!
I was captivated by this story from page one, and not disappointed until it ended. I wanted it to continue. Having grown up during the period this country was finally beginning to face its responsibility to give blacks their rights as citizens, and having participated in the struggle, I found the characters, the setting and the history to be a true reflection of the reality of that time. The story of Eddy, Sylvia and Nathan is beautifully written. I highly recommend this novel to all readers. Great author!
August 7, 2015
Eyes of the Heart
I was torn by rating this a three, but there were a lot of errors in this book. I don't understand how it could have been a second place book with all the errors. There were a lot of times I wanted to stop reading, but I kept on because it is a good storyline. It was interesting reading a African-American's point of view.
I was torn by rating this a three, but there were a lot of errors in this book. I don't understand how it could have been a second place book with all the errors. There were a lot of times I wanted to stop reading, but I kept on because it is a good storyline. It was interesting reading a African-American's point of view.
February 9, 2016
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. The characters were well-developed, and the story really opened my eyes to racism and the civil rights movement. It's hard to imagine supposedly civilized human beings--even claiming to be Christians!--could treat others the way many in the South did. The story is filled with deep emotion, but ultimately love and forgiveness win.
February 6, 2015
Fantastic Read
This book was fantastic it brought back so many memories when I was a child growing up I remember all the struggles that race played a part in people lives I recommend this book especially young people of all races to read this book.
This book was fantastic it brought back so many memories when I was a child growing up I remember all the struggles that race played a part in people lives I recommend this book especially young people of all races to read this book.
June 22, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I gave this book 5 stars. I enjoyed it, found it historically accurate and engaging. The characters were very interesting. I will recommend this book to family and friends.
I gave this book 5 stars. I enjoyed it, found it historically accurate and engaging. The characters were very interesting. I will recommend this book to family and friends.
December 31, 2025
Never.give up on the power of prayer
In a world of sin, racism.and lust it was refreshing to read a story about the power of love, faith and forgiveness. Embassies Susberry is a great story teller and writer! She is now my top writer for 2025
In a world of sin, racism.and lust it was refreshing to read a story about the power of love, faith and forgiveness. Embassies Susberry is a great story teller and writer! She is now my top writer for 2025
February 16, 2015
Loved this story. The writing is beautiful and the characters really came to life.
June 18, 2015
Excellent reading
I am a black man who was born in Hazelhurst Miss. I could relate to the setting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book
I am a black man who was born in Hazelhurst Miss. I could relate to the setting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book
July 1, 2015
Great Read
Would recommend to anyone.Great story.Couldn't put it down.Couldn't wait to finish to see what happened to Sylvia and Nathan. Great book.
Would recommend to anyone.Great story.Couldn't put it down.Couldn't wait to finish to see what happened to Sylvia and Nathan. Great book.
July 7, 2015
Hope to see more books by this author.
May 3, 2016
The past
It reminded me of my grandparents history. It was a good book to read and o can't wait to read some more books by the author.
It reminded me of my grandparents history. It was a good book to read and o can't wait to read some more books by the author.
Want to read
February 25, 2016kindle 267 Historic
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews