What do you think?
Rate this book
The Privileged: A Short Story
*** A Short Story *** Helen Davis is a teenager whose genes would classify her as an African American in the southern United States during the Jim Crow era. But neither Helen, nor most of her family members, appear Black to the naked eye of most casual observers. And this winter, Helen wants to see what it's like to live on the side of the privileged.
17 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2015
11 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 2, 2019
In 1940 in the American South, there are privileges seventeen-year-old Helen Davis doesn't have, due to the "drop or two of African blood" in her veins. But most people looking at her wouldn't think she's anything but white. And this winter, Helen wants to get a taste of what it's like to be one of The Privileged, a short story by author Renata Sterling.
I enjoyed the half-hour or so it took me to read this. The story illustrates how "passing" comes with both advantages and (potentially dire) consequences for people of color whose color isn't obvious.
While I like short reads, though, it seems this one essentially led me to a dead end, with no real moral to the story or a central message past the surface of the opening line. It's apparent this isn't so much a self-contained story but rather a setup for another book. Also, the writing style is a little awkward and simplistic, with minor grammar and punctuation errors.
Nevertheless, this read is about more than just a teenager's adventure or the thrill of taking a risk. It's clear that Helen has more to learn, so if I do find a book that continues her story later, I think it'd be interesting to read.
I enjoyed the half-hour or so it took me to read this. The story illustrates how "passing" comes with both advantages and (potentially dire) consequences for people of color whose color isn't obvious.
While I like short reads, though, it seems this one essentially led me to a dead end, with no real moral to the story or a central message past the surface of the opening line. It's apparent this isn't so much a self-contained story but rather a setup for another book. Also, the writing style is a little awkward and simplistic, with minor grammar and punctuation errors.
Nevertheless, this read is about more than just a teenager's adventure or the thrill of taking a risk. It's clear that Helen has more to learn, so if I do find a book that continues her story later, I think it'd be interesting to read.
November 14, 2019
A pleasure
A great read for beginners. My nine year old daughter enjoyed this short story. Didn’t put it down. She’s eager to read what’s next.
A great read for beginners. My nine year old daughter enjoyed this short story. Didn’t put it down. She’s eager to read what’s next.
April 5, 2020
Wow, I can’t even imagine how life was back then!
June 9, 2016
A short story with settings in Alabama in the 1940's. This is the second book, following the first story by Renata Sterling- Beneath It All. The family in this book, because of their white skin and colored eyes, and blonde hair pass for white people in this time and era, however, because prejudice existed,and still exists, life gets complicated and heartbreaking.
September 18, 2015
I truly enjoyed this well-written short story. I found it to be suspenseful and satisfying despite its length. Looking forward to reading more of the author's work.
Adrienne Thompson
Author of Summertime (A Novella)
March 15, 2016
Just enough to get me hooked! Looking forward to reading the book, "All That's Hidden".
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews