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Lula Mae
Lula Mae Harrison is a beloved young woman in the small segregated town of Eunice, Louisiana. She was born and raised in a Creole community that is still mending from a past which caused rifts between loved ones, who are forced to redefine their identities as a consequence of their collective history.
A rare and educated young woman of promise with a heart of gold, oppressed by untold dysfunction within her own family, Lula Mae rebels and courageously carves out a life on her own with the help of her faith and with the one whom she trusts the most.
Lula Mae seeks to find her purpose and embarks on a new life for herself in pursuit of her dreams to be a blessing to her children and family. However, Lula Mae is unknowingly being undermined every step of the way by the one closest to her heart. When confronted with the truth, Lula Mae must decide a way forward for her life, and must decide whether or not she should let go of the one nearest to her heart - and at what cost.
A rare and educated young woman of promise with a heart of gold, oppressed by untold dysfunction within her own family, Lula Mae rebels and courageously carves out a life on her own with the help of her faith and with the one whom she trusts the most.
Lula Mae seeks to find her purpose and embarks on a new life for herself in pursuit of her dreams to be a blessing to her children and family. However, Lula Mae is unknowingly being undermined every step of the way by the one closest to her heart. When confronted with the truth, Lula Mae must decide a way forward for her life, and must decide whether or not she should let go of the one nearest to her heart - and at what cost.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 4, 2017
This was an amazing true story. A very close Christian family who somehow was torn apart. Through all of the twists and turns, the ups and downs and the loss of their love ones they managed to stick together the best they could. Lula was a devoted Christian who believed in her husband who constantly let her and their children down. All I can say is that God doesn't like ugly and you reap what you sow. Kudos to the family members who shared their personal story of love, hate, compassion and most of all forgiveness. I found my self Re living a lot of my own family history. This story would make a great mini television series. So ladies it's okay to let your husband lead, just make sure he is leading you on the right path.
July 19, 2017
I don't even know where to start with this masterpiece! This book was SO good from the first page to the very last word on the last page. I really didn't know what to expect with this book. The title and the fact that it was based on a true story are what caught my attention.
This story was like watching the movie Soul Food but with a historical fiction twist. Big Ma is at the center of the family. She was a praying woman that sometimes did not practice what she preached. This story takes place in Eunice Louisiana and I could literally imagine and see everything. There is Leroy -Big Ma's son, Doc -her husband, Samantha-her daughter, Papa Top-her brother and of course Lula Mae!
This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. So many times I found myself putting this book down because one of the characters had upset me so much. All of the characters will have you feeling some type of way. You will lose sleep over this book. You will read it every chance you get. This is definitely one of my favorite stories! I highly recommend it to avid readers looking for an enjoyable read! Trust me, this is a story you don't want to miss.
This story was like watching the movie Soul Food but with a historical fiction twist. Big Ma is at the center of the family. She was a praying woman that sometimes did not practice what she preached. This story takes place in Eunice Louisiana and I could literally imagine and see everything. There is Leroy -Big Ma's son, Doc -her husband, Samantha-her daughter, Papa Top-her brother and of course Lula Mae!
This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. So many times I found myself putting this book down because one of the characters had upset me so much. All of the characters will have you feeling some type of way. You will lose sleep over this book. You will read it every chance you get. This is definitely one of my favorite stories! I highly recommend it to avid readers looking for an enjoyable read! Trust me, this is a story you don't want to miss.
May 3, 2017
Summary
What a great story. Such a close family that somehow was torn apart. This is my first time reading a true story. I am sorry for all of the deaths in the family but it somehow brought them back together.
What a great story. Such a close family that somehow was torn apart. This is my first time reading a true story. I am sorry for all of the deaths in the family but it somehow brought them back together.
January 18, 2023
What happened to the kids
What a tragic Read.. I am speechless. I do wonder did The Family get the Kids back.. Bevrick was a lunatic. I place this book up there with 'The Darkest Child' painfully good.
What a tragic Read.. I am speechless. I do wonder did The Family get the Kids back.. Bevrick was a lunatic. I place this book up there with 'The Darkest Child' painfully good.
October 14, 2017
My god this was depressing.
September 23, 2023
Jean38no
A story of a family with secrets . A story of three girls and their parents later a story of them as grown women with families of their own. A story of people in a small town where gossip ruled their life. A story of a woman beautiful on the inside and outside and the man she married . It made me laugh and cry! A very good read based on a true story.
A story of a family with secrets . A story of three girls and their parents later a story of them as grown women with families of their own. A story of people in a small town where gossip ruled their life. A story of a woman beautiful on the inside and outside and the man she married . It made me laugh and cry! A very good read based on a true story.
November 1, 2016
Based on a true story, the author of this book did an excellent job with bringing the characters and the southern charm of Louisiana to life. The story definitely provides many twist and turns that make you laugh and cry, but it also teaches several valuable lessons about family, integrity, and friendship. I found this book to be a "such is life" focused book, but found myself so very sad for all of the individuals involved. Although the era and the time of this book was several decades ago, there are so many broken families because someone does not conform to what the family "norm" should be (and everyone else follows)....without spoiling the book, it is a must read from beginning to end.
September 11, 2020
Lula Mae
These were all kinds of crazy heartbroken folks. If it's based upon a true story as stated, then I really see the generations of mental, physical & sexual abuse as the key to the families mental issues. And also their obsession with fire & brimstone religious belief & practices. What a depressing ending to some of the family members lives. Not Brevick Frank, who deserved everything that happened to him.
9/10/2020.
These were all kinds of crazy heartbroken folks. If it's based upon a true story as stated, then I really see the generations of mental, physical & sexual abuse as the key to the families mental issues. And also their obsession with fire & brimstone religious belief & practices. What a depressing ending to some of the family members lives. Not Brevick Frank, who deserved everything that happened to him.
9/10/2020.
June 13, 2017
Good Book
I wish there were more photographs at the end of the book of the people mentioned in the story. Besides that, the story was great! Bervick got what he deserved in the end; although I would have liked Ms. Colt 45 to have put him out of his misery!
I wish there were more photographs at the end of the book of the people mentioned in the story. Besides that, the story was great! Bervick got what he deserved in the end; although I would have liked Ms. Colt 45 to have put him out of his misery!
January 23, 2023
Lula Mae
What a beautiful yet sad and heartbreaking story. I loved this book. Lula Mae's story and personality sucks you in from page one. My heart ached for Lula, her siblings Lillie Mae and Mary Lee to have the life they so rightfully deserved. Poor Lula. Just tragedy after tragedy. Now let's get to the other people...Leroy Harrison...he was a bum. Had nothing going for himself other than he was attractive. Not 1 redeemable quality if you ask me. Cordelia Butts...baby if I could've jumped through these pages I would have. I did not like Cordelia one bit! Poor Beatrice Harrison. I loved her and so wanted her to win and get her happiness. Big Ma, I really wanted to like Big Ma. But I didn't. To me she wasn't this good, virtuous woman of God that she claimed to be. She was low-key evil, mean spirited, spiteful and held grudges. I loved aunt Samantha Harrison. She was LIFE baby! And lived her life how she saw fit. Much to the chagrin of her holy rollin, church going, bible thumping mama. I did like Papa Top (Oscar Guy), Lula's grandfather. And I somewhat liked her grandma Emma. Somewhat. I think they could've done more for Lula, Lillie and Mary but I understand that was a different time and I guess they were separated since he still lived in Eunice and she in Texas so it would be been hard for them to parent children in 2 different states back then. I hated Doc Harrison, Lula's paternal grandfather. He was an awful man. Downright awful! Now Bervick. I hated Bervick. If I even run across someone with the name Bervick idk what I might do. Bervick was a zealot, an idiot, a bum, a loser, a lunatic, ungodly, a deadbeat dad and on top of all that he was illiterate. Bervick was a low down dirty dog of a boy bc he was no man. He frustrated me so bad. I had to take time away from the book bc of his antics. I'm just so shocked at the fact that this is a true story. I read this book for no other reason than the characters were from Eunice Louisiana which is not far from me and where a lot of my family is from and still lives there now. So I figured I might know someone in the book. But I honestly hope I don't bc these ppl really made me mad. Great book. Great story. A few grammatical errors here and there but nothing major. And my gawd!!!!! Where dem kids at? Now I'm bout to cry again.
🛑⚠️TRIGGER WARNING🛑⚠️
This book deals with very strong and sensitive topics such as: child abuse, molestation, incest, mental illness, domestic violence & rootwork
What a beautiful yet sad and heartbreaking story. I loved this book. Lula Mae's story and personality sucks you in from page one. My heart ached for Lula, her siblings Lillie Mae and Mary Lee to have the life they so rightfully deserved. Poor Lula. Just tragedy after tragedy. Now let's get to the other people...Leroy Harrison...he was a bum. Had nothing going for himself other than he was attractive. Not 1 redeemable quality if you ask me. Cordelia Butts...baby if I could've jumped through these pages I would have. I did not like Cordelia one bit! Poor Beatrice Harrison. I loved her and so wanted her to win and get her happiness. Big Ma, I really wanted to like Big Ma. But I didn't. To me she wasn't this good, virtuous woman of God that she claimed to be. She was low-key evil, mean spirited, spiteful and held grudges. I loved aunt Samantha Harrison. She was LIFE baby! And lived her life how she saw fit. Much to the chagrin of her holy rollin, church going, bible thumping mama. I did like Papa Top (Oscar Guy), Lula's grandfather. And I somewhat liked her grandma Emma. Somewhat. I think they could've done more for Lula, Lillie and Mary but I understand that was a different time and I guess they were separated since he still lived in Eunice and she in Texas so it would be been hard for them to parent children in 2 different states back then. I hated Doc Harrison, Lula's paternal grandfather. He was an awful man. Downright awful! Now Bervick. I hated Bervick. If I even run across someone with the name Bervick idk what I might do. Bervick was a zealot, an idiot, a bum, a loser, a lunatic, ungodly, a deadbeat dad and on top of all that he was illiterate. Bervick was a low down dirty dog of a boy bc he was no man. He frustrated me so bad. I had to take time away from the book bc of his antics. I'm just so shocked at the fact that this is a true story. I read this book for no other reason than the characters were from Eunice Louisiana which is not far from me and where a lot of my family is from and still lives there now. So I figured I might know someone in the book. But I honestly hope I don't bc these ppl really made me mad. Great book. Great story. A few grammatical errors here and there but nothing major. And my gawd!!!!! Where dem kids at? Now I'm bout to cry again.
🛑⚠️TRIGGER WARNING🛑⚠️
This book deals with very strong and sensitive topics such as: child abuse, molestation, incest, mental illness, domestic violence & rootwork
August 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much. The ending was nothing what I expected it to be but definitely recommend this book. The devotion Lula had to her family her husband is …… just leave me speechless 😶
April 26, 2021
Even with the caveat “Based Upon A True Story”, this turned out to be (for me) a heart wrenching story. I wanted so many characters to win! But they didn’t. I wanted retribution for other characters, and not enough of them got it. It hurts me to know that these were (for the most part) REAL people who suffered incredible heartbreak and loss. This book had me crying for people I’ve never met, and praying for those they left behind...
September 14, 2024
“Lula Mae” by Bianca Cuie is a soul-stirring, emotionally charged novel that immerses you in the devastating and resilient journey of its protagonist, Lula Mae. Cuie masterfully tells the story of a woman who endures unimaginable hardship and heartache, yet fights to reclaim her life from the darkness of her past.
One of the most compelling aspects of the story is Lula Mae’s toxic and abusive relationship with her husband, a deeply disturbing man whose actions are both vile and unthinkable. He is a deranged, manipulative individual who put Lula Mae through unspeakable torment, leaving her broken in ways that seem impossible to heal. Cuie spares no detail in portraying his cruelty—he is a haunting figure who symbolizes the depths of human depravity. The emotional toll his behavior takes on Lula Mae is profound, and as a reader, you can't help but feel both anger and heartbreak at the horrors she endures at his hands. This portrayal adds a layer of rawness to the narrative that makes her eventual journey toward healing all the more powerful.
Amidst this darkness, Big Ma, Lula Mae’s grandmother, emerges as a source of strength and wisdom. Big Ma is tough, resilient, and weathered by her own trials, yet she provides the stability and tough love that Lula Mae desperately needs. She is the moral anchor of the novel, offering Lula a perspective shaped by years of surviving hardship. Big Ma’s relationship with Lula Mae is both tender and complex, as she tries to guide her granddaughter through the storm of abuse and emotional turmoil while also dealing with her own pain. Her words are often harsh but necessary, pushing Lula Mae to face the truth about her life and the choices she needs to make in order to survive.
The dynamic between these characters is intense and emotionally gripping. Lula Mae’s struggle to break free from the emotional and physical prison her husband created is heartbreaking, but it is also incredibly inspiring. Cuie shows the raw reality of how difficult it is to escape such situations, portraying Lula Mae’s inner battles with fear, shame, and guilt. The novel also delves into the generational trauma that Big Ma hints at, offering a nuanced exploration of how cycles of abuse can ripple through families.
Cuie’s writing is unflinching yet deeply compassionate, portraying Lula Mae’s story with honesty and grace. The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects like domestic violence, manipulation, and emotional scars, but it also highlights the strength of the human spirit. Watching Lula Mae find her voice, her strength, and ultimately her freedom is an emotional journey that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to reclaim their life from the ashes of trauma.
This book is not just a story of survival—it is a story of resilience, the search for peace, and the difficult, messy process of healing. Cuie delivers an unforgettable novel filled with characters who are complex, raw, and heartbreakingly real. This is a must-read for anyone who appreciates deep, emotional storytelling that tackles the darkest aspects of life but ultimately finds hope on the other side.
One of the most compelling aspects of the story is Lula Mae’s toxic and abusive relationship with her husband, a deeply disturbing man whose actions are both vile and unthinkable. He is a deranged, manipulative individual who put Lula Mae through unspeakable torment, leaving her broken in ways that seem impossible to heal. Cuie spares no detail in portraying his cruelty—he is a haunting figure who symbolizes the depths of human depravity. The emotional toll his behavior takes on Lula Mae is profound, and as a reader, you can't help but feel both anger and heartbreak at the horrors she endures at his hands. This portrayal adds a layer of rawness to the narrative that makes her eventual journey toward healing all the more powerful.
Amidst this darkness, Big Ma, Lula Mae’s grandmother, emerges as a source of strength and wisdom. Big Ma is tough, resilient, and weathered by her own trials, yet she provides the stability and tough love that Lula Mae desperately needs. She is the moral anchor of the novel, offering Lula a perspective shaped by years of surviving hardship. Big Ma’s relationship with Lula Mae is both tender and complex, as she tries to guide her granddaughter through the storm of abuse and emotional turmoil while also dealing with her own pain. Her words are often harsh but necessary, pushing Lula Mae to face the truth about her life and the choices she needs to make in order to survive.
The dynamic between these characters is intense and emotionally gripping. Lula Mae’s struggle to break free from the emotional and physical prison her husband created is heartbreaking, but it is also incredibly inspiring. Cuie shows the raw reality of how difficult it is to escape such situations, portraying Lula Mae’s inner battles with fear, shame, and guilt. The novel also delves into the generational trauma that Big Ma hints at, offering a nuanced exploration of how cycles of abuse can ripple through families.
Cuie’s writing is unflinching yet deeply compassionate, portraying Lula Mae’s story with honesty and grace. The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects like domestic violence, manipulation, and emotional scars, but it also highlights the strength of the human spirit. Watching Lula Mae find her voice, her strength, and ultimately her freedom is an emotional journey that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to reclaim their life from the ashes of trauma.
This book is not just a story of survival—it is a story of resilience, the search for peace, and the difficult, messy process of healing. Cuie delivers an unforgettable novel filled with characters who are complex, raw, and heartbreakingly real. This is a must-read for anyone who appreciates deep, emotional storytelling that tackles the darkest aspects of life but ultimately finds hope on the other side.
April 20, 2021
Lula Mae got off to a bit of a slow start, I felt, but after the first few chapters I didn't want to put it down. Bianca Cuie is a great story-teller; the characters are engaging and 'real', the action maintains a good pace in an engaging and unpredictable plot.
Because the story takes place during the Jim Crow era, I had anticipated it would contain a number of racist incidents. And yes, there is racism- but for the most part the book is about misogynism, religious fanaticism, and mental illness and how those contribute to delusion, poverty and abuse within the Black community in Eunice, Louisiana. Through the characters' stories, Cuie makes it clear that these are attributable at least in part to violence and white oppression that they suffered as children. Cuie attributes the 'distance' with which many Black men treat their families as a survival mechanism learned from decades of slavery, during which they knew they could be torn apart by their enslavers.
But the main story is about victimization within families, including physical, sexual and psychological abuse. It is also about blind adherence to 'religious' values and norms, stubbornness, forgiveness, optimism and hope. Surprisingly, at the end it is also about the need for and value of active bystanders.
It is hard to assess how much of this book is true. Other reviewers have noted it is a true story, but it is also listed as a novel. The characters - at least most of them- actually did exist, but I do wish the author had included notes sharing how much was factual and how much she created.
The book is self-published, and could have benefitted greatly from some professional editing. There are a lot of grammatical errors (not in conversation, but in the text), incorrect word usage, and a couple of trite phrases that could have been rewritten. However, this it not to diminish Cuie's skill as a storyteller. She is very good, and I think it will stay with me.
Because the story takes place during the Jim Crow era, I had anticipated it would contain a number of racist incidents. And yes, there is racism- but for the most part the book is about misogynism, religious fanaticism, and mental illness and how those contribute to delusion, poverty and abuse within the Black community in Eunice, Louisiana. Through the characters' stories, Cuie makes it clear that these are attributable at least in part to violence and white oppression that they suffered as children. Cuie attributes the 'distance' with which many Black men treat their families as a survival mechanism learned from decades of slavery, during which they knew they could be torn apart by their enslavers.
But the main story is about victimization within families, including physical, sexual and psychological abuse. It is also about blind adherence to 'religious' values and norms, stubbornness, forgiveness, optimism and hope. Surprisingly, at the end it is also about the need for and value of active bystanders.
It is hard to assess how much of this book is true. Other reviewers have noted it is a true story, but it is also listed as a novel. The characters - at least most of them- actually did exist, but I do wish the author had included notes sharing how much was factual and how much she created.
The book is self-published, and could have benefitted greatly from some professional editing. There are a lot of grammatical errors (not in conversation, but in the text), incorrect word usage, and a couple of trite phrases that could have been rewritten. However, this it not to diminish Cuie's skill as a storyteller. She is very good, and I think it will stay with me.
April 7, 2017
Why hasn't this been made into a movie?
I am chilled and heartbroken having just finished this book. It's totally believable and yet senseless when you compare it to life today. Doc's behavior was the root of Lula Mae's undoing. And Big Ma knew and was helpless, though she did what she could. In those times, families protected their loved ones from public shaming, even when they were wrong. I would hope that in today's society, this would not be, but it still goes on. I was so looking forward to Lula Mae achieving her goals and was saddened at the end. I want to say so much about this book but I can't, without spoling it for others. When I saw the pictures at the end, I suddenly remembered this book is based on a true story and then the tears flowed. I would say this book is excellent, but how can that be when it's true? Expertly written, so much so that I was actually there, it felt like. Heartfelt. Highly recommended. Needed to be told. I hope it was cathartic for the writer and those left who lived it.
I am chilled and heartbroken having just finished this book. It's totally believable and yet senseless when you compare it to life today. Doc's behavior was the root of Lula Mae's undoing. And Big Ma knew and was helpless, though she did what she could. In those times, families protected their loved ones from public shaming, even when they were wrong. I would hope that in today's society, this would not be, but it still goes on. I was so looking forward to Lula Mae achieving her goals and was saddened at the end. I want to say so much about this book but I can't, without spoling it for others. When I saw the pictures at the end, I suddenly remembered this book is based on a true story and then the tears flowed. I would say this book is excellent, but how can that be when it's true? Expertly written, so much so that I was actually there, it felt like. Heartfelt. Highly recommended. Needed to be told. I hope it was cathartic for the writer and those left who lived it.
July 29, 2020
This saga of the generational struggles of an African American Family in the South is not new...we have read this numerous times before, however the prose in "Lula Mae" are both lyrical and haunting.
I really enjoyed the pace of the book and how the story evolved and birthed new characters. Some of the contents are raw and unnerving, but necessary to convey some of the physical and psychological behaviors of the characters. For this reader, some of the more graphic "scenes" do last more pages than necessary, but could have been a cathartic release for the author.
Everyone who knows me; knows how much I enjoy a good ole' metaphor and whether intentional or unintentional, Lula Mae has many!!
Enjoyable read that will tug at your heartstrings and take you on an emotional journey.
I really enjoyed the pace of the book and how the story evolved and birthed new characters. Some of the contents are raw and unnerving, but necessary to convey some of the physical and psychological behaviors of the characters. For this reader, some of the more graphic "scenes" do last more pages than necessary, but could have been a cathartic release for the author.
Everyone who knows me; knows how much I enjoy a good ole' metaphor and whether intentional or unintentional, Lula Mae has many!!
Enjoyable read that will tug at your heartstrings and take you on an emotional journey.
January 21, 2017
This book was amazing!
This book was a great read. Once you start to read it the story comes to life. I hope there is a sequel so that we can find out what happened to Lula's children.
This book was a great read. Once you start to read it the story comes to life. I hope there is a sequel so that we can find out what happened to Lula's children.
October 29, 2022
Truly no justice in this world
This is an excellent book, so many twists and turns. It shows how one action can cause ripple effects that devastate so many lives. I felt the hopelessness and even intense dislike for many of the characters. It was so easy to say this could have been done differently but recognized that this was the way in the past.
The author captured religious fanaticism well and I could relate to many of the things said. Often hearing them myself growing up. The funny thing is you see that same nonsense today and realize the more things change the more they stay the same.
I agree with the comment that having enslaved parents makes you emotionally distant as a father. However, I often wonder when black men would get it right with regard to family. Too much time has passed and we are so far removed from slavery that we could do better. The story shows that no one is mature enough to examine their life and make a course correction. They were content to continue on the path to their emotional imprisonment.
Nobody’s life is perfect but there must come a time when according to Maya Angelou that when you know better, you do better. I wasn’t happy about the ending but it was realistic, life is very rarely about happy endings and the wicked get off to easily and the only way to survive is to keep a healthy perspective albeit sometimes it’s a false sense of security.
This is an excellent book, so many twists and turns. It shows how one action can cause ripple effects that devastate so many lives. I felt the hopelessness and even intense dislike for many of the characters. It was so easy to say this could have been done differently but recognized that this was the way in the past.
The author captured religious fanaticism well and I could relate to many of the things said. Often hearing them myself growing up. The funny thing is you see that same nonsense today and realize the more things change the more they stay the same.
I agree with the comment that having enslaved parents makes you emotionally distant as a father. However, I often wonder when black men would get it right with regard to family. Too much time has passed and we are so far removed from slavery that we could do better. The story shows that no one is mature enough to examine their life and make a course correction. They were content to continue on the path to their emotional imprisonment.
Nobody’s life is perfect but there must come a time when according to Maya Angelou that when you know better, you do better. I wasn’t happy about the ending but it was realistic, life is very rarely about happy endings and the wicked get off to easily and the only way to survive is to keep a healthy perspective albeit sometimes it’s a false sense of security.
May 16, 2024
Lula Mae……my gosh! What an epic tale of a brave, yet ignorant woman. I do not mean ignorant in a derogatory way. This incredible novel was almost too hard to continue through at times. I found myself, on more than one occasion, having to walk away, only to pick back up later, after giving myself a chance to let some of the evils in the life of this woman, fade for awhile.
I honestly did not know this story was based on a real woman until I got to the end and saw photos of some of the characters. (Reading on Kindle on a whim). That’s when my heart broke. As you read this book, you too will probably ask yourself if there could really be that much dysfunction in one family. I was certainly hoping it was fiction.
One thing that I didn’t like is that there was no more discussion about Lula’s children or her mother. I would like to know how each of their lives turned out. But the irony of how Lula’s husband was being treated toward the end of the novel was so very satisfying.
I feel as if I’ve written a very broken review of this book. All I can write to make it more cohesive is to recommend that you read it. Do not quit when it gets to be too much. It is brilliant.
I honestly did not know this story was based on a real woman until I got to the end and saw photos of some of the characters. (Reading on Kindle on a whim). That’s when my heart broke. As you read this book, you too will probably ask yourself if there could really be that much dysfunction in one family. I was certainly hoping it was fiction.
One thing that I didn’t like is that there was no more discussion about Lula’s children or her mother. I would like to know how each of their lives turned out. But the irony of how Lula’s husband was being treated toward the end of the novel was so very satisfying.
I feel as if I’ve written a very broken review of this book. All I can write to make it more cohesive is to recommend that you read it. Do not quit when it gets to be too much. It is brilliant.
October 25, 2020
Excellent Book
I read this book in two days. Very touching. The whole mess with the family started with the preachers wife and her jealously. She was afraid her preacher husband was attracted to Beatrice and wanted her out of the way so she introduce Cordelia to Leroy and she fell in love with a married man. Cordelia went to a witch to put a curse on Beatrice so that she can take him away. Beatrice went crazy due the curse. She was eventually sent to a mental institution. Big Ma was the matriarch of her family and deeply religious. She made her share of mistakes but in the end love and forgiveness won in her life. Like lives a hard life. Her grandfather abused her and sister Lillie both physically and sexually. They both married very young to escape that environment. Those marriages proved toxic. Berwick was a religious crazy lunatic. He took the bible out of context and was very controlling. In the the end punishment came his way.I hated that Lula Mae died because of Berwick foolishness. This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I had to go finish it.
I read this book in two days. Very touching. The whole mess with the family started with the preachers wife and her jealously. She was afraid her preacher husband was attracted to Beatrice and wanted her out of the way so she introduce Cordelia to Leroy and she fell in love with a married man. Cordelia went to a witch to put a curse on Beatrice so that she can take him away. Beatrice went crazy due the curse. She was eventually sent to a mental institution. Big Ma was the matriarch of her family and deeply religious. She made her share of mistakes but in the end love and forgiveness won in her life. Like lives a hard life. Her grandfather abused her and sister Lillie both physically and sexually. They both married very young to escape that environment. Those marriages proved toxic. Berwick was a religious crazy lunatic. He took the bible out of context and was very controlling. In the the end punishment came his way.I hated that Lula Mae died because of Berwick foolishness. This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I had to go finish it.
May 5, 2024
Let me say this, this book is someone else’s truth. It is not the whole truth. This is based on my family. My great grandfather, Leroy. Who married my great grandmother, Ida Mae Harrison (the lady in the red lipstick). Bervick and the other siblings, came after my grandma and her siblings. It’s not a story on my great grandma taking Leroy away. He was with them both. Then settled and married my great grandma. Bervick, who lived with my grandma (his half sister) until he passed a couple years ago was very close to his sister. He did have mental health problems. His sister Deborah, who lived with my grandma as well, and one of my aunts also passed away a couple years ago. It’s a lot to take in. But I just wanted to throw out a couple of truths.
July 29, 2024
This was a great about a southern family with strong Christian beliefs. Along the way, the family is torn apart by tragedy after tragedy, and they can’t see to find their way back. Lula Mae is the middle child of the family and for most of the book she is fearful of “hell and brimstone” if she fails to be a virtuous Christian wife. This causes her to be blind to the truths about her husband before its too late.
I was drawn into this story from the first page. The fact that it was a true story really pulled at my heart. I wanted Lula Mae to win because I felt she deserved it. The way her family treated her, wasn’t abnormal in a tight Christian community but it was still hard to read. I wished the author would have told the reader what happened to Lula Mae’s children. Other than that, I felt this was a great read and I wish the author had more work.
I was drawn into this story from the first page. The fact that it was a true story really pulled at my heart. I wanted Lula Mae to win because I felt she deserved it. The way her family treated her, wasn’t abnormal in a tight Christian community but it was still hard to read. I wished the author would have told the reader what happened to Lula Mae’s children. Other than that, I felt this was a great read and I wish the author had more work.
November 30, 2024
Very good book!
I loved Lula Mae character. The town of Eunice was a nice community. Wow a lot of bad things happened in some of the characters (i.e Doc, Joe) childhood. I enjoyed reading how Lula Mae was great at cooking, doing hair and very devoted to her children and husband. I didn't care for Lula Mae's husband because I feel he was CRAZY. I wish that Lula Mae could have realized that earlier. The story did have a sad ending in which I didn't expect. Realizing now that it was based off a true story, it really hurts my heart. I recommend this book to anyone. Now I do feel that the book could have been better proofread, there were many errors. However, I still loved the book!!!
I loved Lula Mae character. The town of Eunice was a nice community. Wow a lot of bad things happened in some of the characters (i.e Doc, Joe) childhood. I enjoyed reading how Lula Mae was great at cooking, doing hair and very devoted to her children and husband. I didn't care for Lula Mae's husband because I feel he was CRAZY. I wish that Lula Mae could have realized that earlier. The story did have a sad ending in which I didn't expect. Realizing now that it was based off a true story, it really hurts my heart. I recommend this book to anyone. Now I do feel that the book could have been better proofread, there were many errors. However, I still loved the book!!!
January 3, 2021
This novel was absolutely mind blowing. Deep southern town of Eunice Louisiana has deep dark secrets. Big Ma tries her best to protect yet defend the unthinkable acts her husband has taken part in throughout the years. First assaulting their daughter Samantha and years later assaulting two of his granddaughters. Because of this Lula Mae and her sister Lillie marry abusive men to escape their grandfather’s wrath. There is a chain of very disturbing behavior and actions throughout this book. The ending was very hard for me, because I was cheering this character on and hoping for the best. Lula Mae deserved so much better
March 16, 2023
This was a great read! So very sad the misconceptions believed about Christianity and God and the Bible. Lula Mae and her entire family suffered in many ways due to misunderstood interpretations of the Bible, and that in turn led to the oppression of the women in the family. And then we have to also look at the men in this family. The abuses that they suffered at the hands of family members as well as the racism of the white people in their communities. At the end it was great to see actual pictures of the these very real people that endured what they had to endure. I'd love to know more about what happened to the family after all that transpired to the end of this book.
May 25, 2024
Since I can't give half stars, I had to give it a 4 rather than 5 because of the many, many typos, misspellings and incorrect tenses. Believe me, I'm no English or Grammer whiz by any means, but I did find this very distracting. I lived in Louisiana and have spent time in all of the towns mentioned, so I'm very familiar and fine with the dialect. This was simply a lack of proofreading. Having said that, I loved the story. If someone had taken the time to clean it up, it would have been a 5 star review for sure. In spite of all of that, I'm glad I read it and would recommend it. Just be patient. You can't help but fall in love with Lula Mae.
November 18, 2019
Wow!!
I could not put this book down! Excellent read. I fell in love with Lula Mae and her entire family. I was so upset with some of their choices that determined the outcome of their lives. I felt at times they chose to do nothing until it was too late. The ending was a surprise, I was rooting for Lula....did not see that coming. This book will make you laugh, cry and down right angry. This book stayed with me long after the last page. This was a masterpiece! Oprah needs to get her hands on this one. This should be a movie!
I could not put this book down! Excellent read. I fell in love with Lula Mae and her entire family. I was so upset with some of their choices that determined the outcome of their lives. I felt at times they chose to do nothing until it was too late. The ending was a surprise, I was rooting for Lula....did not see that coming. This book will make you laugh, cry and down right angry. This book stayed with me long after the last page. This was a masterpiece! Oprah needs to get her hands on this one. This should be a movie!
June 14, 2023
If I could rate this book 100/100, I would. There are not enough words to describe how beautiful this book was. Not only was it based off a true story, but the writer Ms. Bianca Cuie described each part of the book so vividly that you felt you were a character in the book. I read this book with my mother and we have been trying to find the author but it has been to no avail! There is so much I want to say to her so I’ll do it here.
Ms. Cuie, thank you for sharing your story with the world. It is easily one of the BEST books I have ever read.
Thank you!
Ms. Cuie, thank you for sharing your story with the world. It is easily one of the BEST books I have ever read.
Thank you!
October 2, 2017
Wow
What more can I say outside of wow? I want to cry, yell and scream. I'm so hurt and heartbroken over what this family went through. It's sad to say that if we look into many of our histories they are probably very similar. Id like to know if her children ever made it out of foster care. I'm laying down tonight praying for all the little girls and boys without a voice of their own.
What more can I say outside of wow? I want to cry, yell and scream. I'm so hurt and heartbroken over what this family went through. It's sad to say that if we look into many of our histories they are probably very similar. Id like to know if her children ever made it out of foster care. I'm laying down tonight praying for all the little girls and boys without a voice of their own.
May 17, 2018
Heart-wrenching
This was a sad and heart-wrenching story. Lula Mae endured so much during her life personally. She tried to make a good life for her family, but with a husband like Bevrick Frank, she couldn't get ahead for nothing. She saw his true self a little too late. Ultimately, he was her biggest problem and downfall. She was a good woman, wife, and mother to the wrong man.
This was a sad and heart-wrenching story. Lula Mae endured so much during her life personally. She tried to make a good life for her family, but with a husband like Bevrick Frank, she couldn't get ahead for nothing. She saw his true self a little too late. Ultimately, he was her biggest problem and downfall. She was a good woman, wife, and mother to the wrong man.
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