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WHY
"WHY", is an epic story, 1838 - 1863, chronicling the lives of two sisters, one white, the other black, both born in 1847, three days apart, on Virginia's wealthy Rosewood Plantation. The white sister is the child of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Billings, Master and Mistress of Rosewood, one of the richest cotton plantations in the state of Virginia. The black girl is the issue of the mating of Henry Billings, the Master of the Rosewood Plantation, and one of his female black slaves. While growing up together, one a slave the other her mistress, in the slave holding antebellum South, sharing many childhood experiences, the girls are forced to adhere to the harsh rules, and laws that separate white from black. Henry and Margaret Billings, Master and Mistress of the plantation, hire a recent college graduate, Miss Eleanor Leary, a young progressive, Irish immigrant, to tutor their children, Rebecca and her brother, Jesse. Despite her fear of breaking the laws that prohibit the teaching of slaves to read and write, Eleanor, at Rebecca's request, decides to include the black slave girl Mandy in their sessions. A whole new world is opened for Mandy. Th rough the teachings and the eyes of the white teacher, Mandy slowly, gradually, discards her insidious, lifelong feelings of racial inferiority, and self-loathing. Feelings and assumptions that Mandy had harbored and accepted from birth were now being replaced by developing feelings of racial pride and personal self-esteem. The novel examines three co-existing 19th century American Cultures. The privileged world of the South's antebellum slave holding, White Planter Society; Th e oppressed communities of the black slaves; and the noble, nomadic hunter-gatherer society of the plains Indians. The turbulent events of this time in American History, results in the two sisters finding themselves living in, and experiencing the three cultures, and one sister is forced to choose between her life-long love for her sibling, or the love that develops between her and a Comanche Warrior.
602 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2015
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 19, 2022
Marvin Blake writes in a mesmerizing style that keeps the readers’ eyes glued to the pages and their souls bonded with the characters’ life struggles. This book contains trigger warnings such as child abuse, rape, and profanity that may not be suitable for young readers. If these things don’t bother you at all, then this book is for you. Why is truly a magnificent book that could really make you ask “why?” in the lives of the black, especially to Sadie in the beginning chapters of the book.
Marvin Blake definitely had a message he wanted to tell to his readers and he did it in such a beautifully artistic way in this book. Not only is this novel a way to leisurely pass the time, but it is also actually a work of art that gives voice to the voiceless during those times of slavery and in today’s generation whenever there is inequality, awakening its readers to the truth that even though slavery no longer exists in today’s time, violence in racism still exists in the most tragic ways up to this day.
With great plot twists and well-drawn characters, this one is hard to put down. Readers will find it easy to follow the storyline that is backed by history. I couldn’t recommend this book enough.
Marvin Blake definitely had a message he wanted to tell to his readers and he did it in such a beautifully artistic way in this book. Not only is this novel a way to leisurely pass the time, but it is also actually a work of art that gives voice to the voiceless during those times of slavery and in today’s generation whenever there is inequality, awakening its readers to the truth that even though slavery no longer exists in today’s time, violence in racism still exists in the most tragic ways up to this day.
With great plot twists and well-drawn characters, this one is hard to put down. Readers will find it easy to follow the storyline that is backed by history. I couldn’t recommend this book enough.
September 19, 2022
I was actually quite intrigued by the author’s talent in storytelling in this book. You can really tell that Marvin Blake is a passionate and talented writer. The conversations in the story looked real and believable. You could really tell who is speaking in the dialogues due to these quoted conversations that depicted black Americans’ accents. In addition, his opening scene was perfectly dramatic and pulled me right into the scene and into the plot that introduced the two Massas of the Billings family. I was already breaking out into tears upon learning the tragic fate of Sadie. There’s so much going on in the book considering that it’s more than 600 pages long, and each chapter brings compelling and engrossing stories that have the power to make you sit for the whole duration of the reading. It’s a book that’s hard to put down.
Although Marvin tried to write this book as engrossing as possible, I’m sure that there are some that would take this book with their eyebrows raised. However, if you look closely at the history of slavery in America, you would truly be educated and compelled to exhort love to every human being despite their skin color.
Although Marvin tried to write this book as engrossing as possible, I’m sure that there are some that would take this book with their eyebrows raised. However, if you look closely at the history of slavery in America, you would truly be educated and compelled to exhort love to every human being despite their skin color.
September 21, 2022
Marvin Blake narrates vicious crimes that happened during American slavery back in the 1800s. The background of the novel was strongly and deeply founded on a believable setting and characters. The events that took place felt so real that feeling a bit angsty towards Billings Family became personal to me. I could only imagine the pain, agony, and betrayal felt by Sadie when she was raped by the two Massas of the Billings family. Moving on, Mandy’s exploits were very well-narrated and gave the readers a sense of connection with the protagonist, making it easy to bond and feel a kinship with the smart, and courageous young woman.
I was amazed that Marvin did not use a strong male character to depict bravery and strength. Instead, he used delicate, and remarkably attractive female main characters to embody the spirit of bravery. Marvin captivates his readers by expertly weaving a web of wisdom and excitement, a dash of heart thumps, and a couple of well-placed philosophies, then ultimately capturing their hearts with an inevitable sense of epiphanies and reality. I highly recommend this book for each of the five stars!
I was amazed that Marvin did not use a strong male character to depict bravery and strength. Instead, he used delicate, and remarkably attractive female main characters to embody the spirit of bravery. Marvin captivates his readers by expertly weaving a web of wisdom and excitement, a dash of heart thumps, and a couple of well-placed philosophies, then ultimately capturing their hearts with an inevitable sense of epiphanies and reality. I highly recommend this book for each of the five stars!
September 19, 2022
It’s been quite a long time since I read a full-length novel and Marvin Blake’s Why turned out to be the perfect remedy for my reader’s block. Marvin Blake shed some harsh and cruel experiences of black people in the 18th century during Slavery in America. The author perfectly depicted forced slavery in the American colonies and exploitation to work in the production of crops such as cotton which was owned by a very wealthy family, the Billings family.
I was actually amazed by how Marvin Blake was able to weave such a gripping narrative around this incredibly sensitive topic, effectively imparting a heavily important message of humanity out into the world. The words flowed smoothly and I was incredibly touched and validated by Mandy’s introspection, struggles and awakening after she was granted to go to school despite her skin color. This book is utterly relatable, as someone who is also struggling with prejudices, I too find myself oscillating between wanting to settle for whoever will have me or actively sitting in my own loneliness and discomfort. Highly recommended!
I was actually amazed by how Marvin Blake was able to weave such a gripping narrative around this incredibly sensitive topic, effectively imparting a heavily important message of humanity out into the world. The words flowed smoothly and I was incredibly touched and validated by Mandy’s introspection, struggles and awakening after she was granted to go to school despite her skin color. This book is utterly relatable, as someone who is also struggling with prejudices, I too find myself oscillating between wanting to settle for whoever will have me or actively sitting in my own loneliness and discomfort. Highly recommended!
September 19, 2022
What I like the most about Marvin Blake’s Why is its vibrant introduction of so many varying cultures, especially in American history during the 18th century. It has this sort of creatively framed contrast and comparison between the White lives’ privilege and Black Slavery which was shown throughout the pages of this book. I love that the author did not shy away from this controversial theme and just steadfastly went about his business, writing one of the most impactful stories I have read in a while. Why is a story wrought with pain and heartbreak but also satisfyingly filled with the important virtues of faith, forgiveness, and love?
The part of the story where Mr. Sampson helped adult Henry with his leg injury after he fell down from his horse and hit his head on a rock was an act of kindness that spoke of forgiveness and love. There’s nothing that I have for the author other than high admiration and praise. This book is relatively long, but you’ll be sad to see it come to a resolution.
The part of the story where Mr. Sampson helped adult Henry with his leg injury after he fell down from his horse and hit his head on a rock was an act of kindness that spoke of forgiveness and love. There’s nothing that I have for the author other than high admiration and praise. This book is relatively long, but you’ll be sad to see it come to a resolution.
September 20, 2022
The best thing about prose literature, especially fictional novels, is that they introduce the readers to completely different worlds one after another without having to leave the comfort of their reading area. Marvin Blake’s Why is no exception. In it, Marvin sets up a world different in both place and culture from the ones I am most familiar with, and from it, I learned so many things. The author expertly weaves in eye-catching information about various places and events in the 18th century and its culture without veering away from the main plot, keeping the readers’ attention on the story itself but having an ever-growing interest in learning more about the diversity of cultures, especially the slavery and the injustices that became part of the American History. Marvin Blake successfully captivates his readers with his expertise in the 18th-century era. Truly a mesmerizing work of art.
Read with an open mind for this book contains trigger warnings that may be disturbing to some such as rape and erotic scenes. I couldn’t recommend this book enough.
Read with an open mind for this book contains trigger warnings that may be disturbing to some such as rape and erotic scenes. I couldn’t recommend this book enough.
September 21, 2022
A beautiful action, adventure Christian novel that is sure going to have you at the edge of your seat the whole time. Because of its compelling scenes and characters, I finished this book earlier than expected. It’s a 600-plus pages book but you’ll be sad to see it come to an end. That’s how captivating the book is. It was such an enriching experience to follow the journey of a sweet, loving young lady in her quest to fight for justice and freedom. Mandy was introduced and described in such a way that immediately puts her in a special spot in the hearts of the readers, either endearing, innocent, or brave. The narrative was nothing short of magical as every chapter connected me deeper and deeper to the protagonist, looking forward to exactly what this smart, promising youth would decide to do next.
The realistic origins of this novel, coupled with the creative privileges which the author took upon himself to add culminate into this perfectly and beautifully balanced book. The storyline is extremely powerful that can truly change a person’s attitude towards racism and inequality.
The realistic origins of this novel, coupled with the creative privileges which the author took upon himself to add culminate into this perfectly and beautifully balanced book. The storyline is extremely powerful that can truly change a person’s attitude towards racism and inequality.
September 19, 2022
Though this book is long in comparison to my regular reading lists, there’s more to it than what meets the eyes. Hidden from these printed pages are powerful lessons in life that are truly life-changing. Through the lives of these beautiful protagonists, the dark reality of American history in the 18th century that shaped today’s generation was creatively recalled. Marvin Blake brings us a fascinating tale, not of idealistic romance, but of tragic reality. Why is it a novel whose foundations lie in the truth behind the horrifying culture of slavery?
Marvin Blake has done the one thing in this book that is essential to keep a fan utterly satisfied with the storyline; he has created antagonists who truly embodied ruthless personalities. The two Massas of the Billings only cared for what they wanted. His plot is good that reading these 600-plus pages felt like watching a film. Marvin did his homework on the history of his subject.
Marvin Blake has done the one thing in this book that is essential to keep a fan utterly satisfied with the storyline; he has created antagonists who truly embodied ruthless personalities. The two Massas of the Billings only cared for what they wanted. His plot is good that reading these 600-plus pages felt like watching a film. Marvin did his homework on the history of his subject.
September 20, 2022
The reader is transported to different cultures of time throughout the whole reading, including the American Revolutionary War. For readers who love a sprinkle of history and full-fledged drama and romance, this book is for you. A page-turner with both mind and muscle. Its thrills and intrigue are offered up with an equal dose of historic heft. It carries you along as it makes you reconsider the well-worn stories you thought you understood.
The two characters, Mandy and Rebecca depicted two different breeds that resembled the same beauty and I had a blast reading the story of their lives as they grew together under the same roof but with different treatments. The author’s attention to the tiniest details of the imagery makes the settings and situations amazingly easy to picture in the mind’s eye. Mandy’s exploits perfectly reflected the humanity, hope, and love that the whole narrative sets out to embody. Why is truly a must-read.
The two characters, Mandy and Rebecca depicted two different breeds that resembled the same beauty and I had a blast reading the story of their lives as they grew together under the same roof but with different treatments. The author’s attention to the tiniest details of the imagery makes the settings and situations amazingly easy to picture in the mind’s eye. Mandy’s exploits perfectly reflected the humanity, hope, and love that the whole narrative sets out to embody. Why is truly a must-read.
September 20, 2022
Captivating, suspenseful, and surprising: with eloquent prose that brings to life realistic and believable scenes of the 18th century.
From the hierarchy of the Billings starting with Dorothy and William Billings down to Margaret and Henry Billings, rose to lovely and stunningly beautiful characters, Rebecca and Mandy. From this, the novel strategically places golden nuggets of wisdom on a wide variety of topics in different parts of the story. Instead of being a simple story of love and tragedy, I felt like I was reading a compilation of life lessons. This might be the only novel in my reading list that has so many highlights with the sheer amount of wisdom this book imparts. I found myself engrossed in every page as I continued to turn it one after another. I had a blast reading this and I feel a lot wiser than before I started reading. Kudos Marvin for delivering such well-written prose.
From the hierarchy of the Billings starting with Dorothy and William Billings down to Margaret and Henry Billings, rose to lovely and stunningly beautiful characters, Rebecca and Mandy. From this, the novel strategically places golden nuggets of wisdom on a wide variety of topics in different parts of the story. Instead of being a simple story of love and tragedy, I felt like I was reading a compilation of life lessons. This might be the only novel in my reading list that has so many highlights with the sheer amount of wisdom this book imparts. I found myself engrossed in every page as I continued to turn it one after another. I had a blast reading this and I feel a lot wiser than before I started reading. Kudos Marvin for delivering such well-written prose.
September 20, 2022
This book has been an incredible adventure to read. The author has such a special way of using words that could simply be called beautiful artistic in a way that just pulls the readers right in. Right from the start, I was on board. The climactic moments and scenes of the story are further emphasized and dramatized with the magical way Marvin Blake chooses and weaves his words. He also imparts his wisdom very intelligently and there is something to be learned from every situation in the story.
The novel sets in three co-existing American Cultures of the 18th century. The White Planter Society; the Oppressed Communities of the black slaves; and the noble, nomadic hunter-gatherer society of the plains Indians. Here we see the lives of these two characters namely Rebecca and Mandy where one is forced to choose between her life-long love for her sibling or the love that develops between her and Little Beaver, the Comanche Warrior.
The novel sets in three co-existing American Cultures of the 18th century. The White Planter Society; the Oppressed Communities of the black slaves; and the noble, nomadic hunter-gatherer society of the plains Indians. Here we see the lives of these two characters namely Rebecca and Mandy where one is forced to choose between her life-long love for her sibling or the love that develops between her and Little Beaver, the Comanche Warrior.
September 21, 2022
An exciting and heart-thumping novel with many intriguing characters and a thought-provoking plot.
Slavery had been rampant during the 18th century. Here, the author perfectly depicted the fate of black people. From the rich cotton plantation of Rosewood Virginia where it was called the King cotton, the book sets its plot. Generations after generations, there was no remedy for slavery until the birth of these two lovely souls, Rebecca and Mandy. One belongs to the privileged world of the South’s antebellum slaveholding while the other belongs to the oppressed society. Marvin Blake is rich in his language in every conversation, and the description of the literary structure of the story is intricately detailed. Each chapter brings a whole new experience. Please bear in mind that this book goes back and forth in time, albeit, it is an easy read for drama/romance fix while trying to relax while still being dramatic and romantic. I highly recommend it.
Slavery had been rampant during the 18th century. Here, the author perfectly depicted the fate of black people. From the rich cotton plantation of Rosewood Virginia where it was called the King cotton, the book sets its plot. Generations after generations, there was no remedy for slavery until the birth of these two lovely souls, Rebecca and Mandy. One belongs to the privileged world of the South’s antebellum slaveholding while the other belongs to the oppressed society. Marvin Blake is rich in his language in every conversation, and the description of the literary structure of the story is intricately detailed. Each chapter brings a whole new experience. Please bear in mind that this book goes back and forth in time, albeit, it is an easy read for drama/romance fix while trying to relax while still being dramatic and romantic. I highly recommend it.
September 20, 2022
It was such great fun reading Why by Marvin Blake. The way he describes the appearance of a setting in such a detailed way creates an incredibly clear image that it feels like I’m watching a movie as I read. The dialogues and body languages of the characters depict each character’s personality very well with no hint of discrepancy. There is also the fact that Marvin had strategically placed various interesting information on different subjects that catch the eye of the reader like beautiful quotations from renowned people such as the famous quotation of Martin Luther King Jr. that goes “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
Overall, this novel by Marvin Blake is a literary work of art that is a perfect reflection of this author’s pride, passion, and talent.
Overall, this novel by Marvin Blake is a literary work of art that is a perfect reflection of this author’s pride, passion, and talent.
September 21, 2022
A book with just the right amount of drama, thrill, romance, and shocking moments that keep me captivated and entertained without being overbearing. I’ve got to admit, I was utterly impressed.
Set in three different settings, the oppression of the black community and the privilege of the white is the focal point of the story. Marvin brings us two opposite physical feature characters that represent both parties. Their bond gives us a hint that unity is possible between two different colors of people.
All in all, the author successfully changed my point of view about family and love. Why has a special place in my heart now for teaching me that, no matter who we are, we are all equal on the face of the earth? No one is greater and above the other. The story of Mandy is an inspiration to me. Without a doubt, this book is a masterpiece.
Set in three different settings, the oppression of the black community and the privilege of the white is the focal point of the story. Marvin brings us two opposite physical feature characters that represent both parties. Their bond gives us a hint that unity is possible between two different colors of people.
All in all, the author successfully changed my point of view about family and love. Why has a special place in my heart now for teaching me that, no matter who we are, we are all equal on the face of the earth? No one is greater and above the other. The story of Mandy is an inspiration to me. Without a doubt, this book is a masterpiece.
September 21, 2022
Why is it a fascinating blend of exhilarating adventure and thought-provoking scenarios? Reading Mandy’s journey through life and survival gives the readers a sense of respect and inspiration for the protagonist who, through thick and thin, grasped her life in her own hands and steered the sails of her destiny through her own valiant efforts to fight for equality and freedom. My heart really went out to this brave young woman who held nothing but love for her sister although she belonged to the family who caused them great suffering and sorrow because of their skin color.
The realistic approach of the author in recounting her main character’s tale has made Mandy the more real and tangible character. Together with Rebecca, this deep sense of connection with them enamored me in the book as I felt like I was also going through what mandy was going through.
The realistic approach of the author in recounting her main character’s tale has made Mandy the more real and tangible character. Together with Rebecca, this deep sense of connection with them enamored me in the book as I felt like I was also going through what mandy was going through.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews