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Leaving Gee's Bend: A Novel
SIBA Book Award Finalist | Alabama Library Association Children's Book of the Year
Ludelphia Bennett may be blind in one eye, but that doesn't mean she can't put in a good stitch. In fact, Ludelphia sews all the time, especially when things are going wrong. But when Mama gets deathly ill, it doesn't seem like even quilting will help. Mama needs medicine badly―medicine that can only be found in Camden, over forty miles away. That's when Ludelphia decides to do something drastic―leave Gee's Bend. Beyond the cotton fields of her small sharecropping community, Ludelphia discovers a world she never imagined, but there's also danger lurking for a young girl on her own.
Beyond the log cabins, orange dirt, and cotton fields of her small sharecropping community, Ludelphia discovers a world she could never have imagined. Fancy houses, cars, and even soda pop! But there's also danger lurking for a young girl on her own, and Ludelphia begins to wonder if she'll ever see Gee's Bend or her mama again. Despite the twists and turns, Ludelphia weathers each challenge in a way that would maker her mama proud, and she may even save the day for not just Mama, but her entire town.
Set in 1932 and inspired by the rich quilting traditions of Gee's Bend, Alabama, Leaving Gee's Bend is a delightful story of a young girl facing a brave new world, presented in a new paperback edition. The book was 2011 Alabama Library Association Book of the Year and a SIBA Book Award finalist. Book Page calls it "captivating, a tale that will stay with the reader forever."
Ludelphia Bennett may be blind in one eye, but that doesn't mean she can't put in a good stitch. In fact, Ludelphia sews all the time, especially when things are going wrong. But when Mama gets deathly ill, it doesn't seem like even quilting will help. Mama needs medicine badly―medicine that can only be found in Camden, over forty miles away. That's when Ludelphia decides to do something drastic―leave Gee's Bend. Beyond the cotton fields of her small sharecropping community, Ludelphia discovers a world she never imagined, but there's also danger lurking for a young girl on her own.
Beyond the log cabins, orange dirt, and cotton fields of her small sharecropping community, Ludelphia discovers a world she could never have imagined. Fancy houses, cars, and even soda pop! But there's also danger lurking for a young girl on her own, and Ludelphia begins to wonder if she'll ever see Gee's Bend or her mama again. Despite the twists and turns, Ludelphia weathers each challenge in a way that would maker her mama proud, and she may even save the day for not just Mama, but her entire town.
Set in 1932 and inspired by the rich quilting traditions of Gee's Bend, Alabama, Leaving Gee's Bend is a delightful story of a young girl facing a brave new world, presented in a new paperback edition. The book was 2011 Alabama Library Association Book of the Year and a SIBA Book Award finalist. Book Page calls it "captivating, a tale that will stay with the reader forever."
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2010
10 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
Irene Latham
34 books143 followersIrene Latham is a poet and novelist who was born the middle child and first daughter of five kids.
Irene has lived all sorts of places and traveled worldwide. Since 1984 she has called Birmingham, Alabama, home.
She thinks growing up with three brothers was great preparation for raising her three sons. She also thinks getting a sister was one of the best things that has ever happened to her.
Irene is proud to be the only leftie in her family of origin AND in her current family.
According to Irene's Dr. Seuss' MY BOOK ABOUT ME, she has wanted to be writer since she was eight years old.
She also wanted to train a horse that her sister would ride to victory in the Kentucky Derby. That hasn't happened. Yet.
Irene didn't take a single writing course in college.
Irene has lived all sorts of places and traveled worldwide. Since 1984 she has called Birmingham, Alabama, home.
She thinks growing up with three brothers was great preparation for raising her three sons. She also thinks getting a sister was one of the best things that has ever happened to her.
Irene is proud to be the only leftie in her family of origin AND in her current family.
According to Irene's Dr. Seuss' MY BOOK ABOUT ME, she has wanted to be writer since she was eight years old.
She also wanted to train a horse that her sister would ride to victory in the Kentucky Derby. That hasn't happened. Yet.
Irene didn't take a single writing course in college.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
June 3, 2010
A great main character unfortunately doesn’t make up for the contrived plot in this lukewarm debut novel that attempts to be a moving journey of familial resilience in the face of racism and other elements.
At the beginning, I thought this book was almost magical. Ludelphia is a fantastic narrator, her voice so genuine, earnest, and warm. She’s ten years old but will be loved by readers of all ages, a classic protagonist going on a seemingly straightforward journey for someone else and discovering something about herself in the process.
Unfortunately, the plot felt slow and forced all the way through. The moment Lu leaves Gee’s Bend, I had trouble that the world was ours, that this is historical fiction. The world outside Gee’s Bend was disconcertingly black-and-white: things and people were either blessed angels helping Lu, or else they were sinister, malicious, inhumane beings. Lu’s greatest human antagonist comes in the form of Mrs. Cobb, whose late husband is Lu’s family’s employer of sorts. It’s hard to get a read on Mrs. Cobb. One minute she’s almost saccharinely kind—the next, she’s one step away from joining the KKK.
I understand that, to a young girl like Ludelphia, the unknown world might seem like it consists of simple binaries, but I was really hoping for more, events and people that we can actually claim as our own history, ugly as it may be. The story plods along until we can’t see Lu’s natural charms for the eyeroll-inducing melodrama.
LEAVING GEE’S BEND has a great protagonist but is sadly lacking in plot strength. It’s no standout addition to African American historical fiction, but perhaps there may be young readers who are interested in the concept enough to lose themselves in Ludelphia’s mesmerizing narration and not notice the story’s flaws.
At the beginning, I thought this book was almost magical. Ludelphia is a fantastic narrator, her voice so genuine, earnest, and warm. She’s ten years old but will be loved by readers of all ages, a classic protagonist going on a seemingly straightforward journey for someone else and discovering something about herself in the process.
Unfortunately, the plot felt slow and forced all the way through. The moment Lu leaves Gee’s Bend, I had trouble that the world was ours, that this is historical fiction. The world outside Gee’s Bend was disconcertingly black-and-white: things and people were either blessed angels helping Lu, or else they were sinister, malicious, inhumane beings. Lu’s greatest human antagonist comes in the form of Mrs. Cobb, whose late husband is Lu’s family’s employer of sorts. It’s hard to get a read on Mrs. Cobb. One minute she’s almost saccharinely kind—the next, she’s one step away from joining the KKK.
I understand that, to a young girl like Ludelphia, the unknown world might seem like it consists of simple binaries, but I was really hoping for more, events and people that we can actually claim as our own history, ugly as it may be. The story plods along until we can’t see Lu’s natural charms for the eyeroll-inducing melodrama.
LEAVING GEE’S BEND has a great protagonist but is sadly lacking in plot strength. It’s no standout addition to African American historical fiction, but perhaps there may be young readers who are interested in the concept enough to lose themselves in Ludelphia’s mesmerizing narration and not notice the story’s flaws.
August 15, 2009
From the very first sentence, Latham draws you in with her masterful use of language, making you feel as if *she* is a 10-year-old black girl from 1930's Alabama speaking to you from the pages. To say that Leaving Gee's Bend is brilliant is an understatement, and to give it only five-stars feels lacking.
Ludelphia's story, while laced with tragedy and fear is brimming with the kind of hope only a child can posses. The lyrical words wrap around you like the threads Ludelphia stitches through the pieces of her quilt, tugging and tightening so that you feel every one of Ludelphia's heartbreaks...and every one of her triumphs!
This seems like the type of book that would have tremendous crossover appeal, and should be read by everyone from middle-graders through adults.
Ludelphia's story, while laced with tragedy and fear is brimming with the kind of hope only a child can posses. The lyrical words wrap around you like the threads Ludelphia stitches through the pieces of her quilt, tugging and tightening so that you feel every one of Ludelphia's heartbreaks...and every one of her triumphs!
This seems like the type of book that would have tremendous crossover appeal, and should be read by everyone from middle-graders through adults.
November 28, 2023
As a poor sharecroppers daughter, 10-year-old Ludelphia Bennett has only ever known Gee’s Bend. When her mother becomes very sick, Lu leaves home to seek a doctor in Camden, the next town over. During her journey, set in 1932 rural Alabama, Lu discovers a new world with motorized cars, Coca Cola, racism and danger. While away, Lu takes her quilting and collects pieces of cloth to add to her quilt which tell her story.
This book is written by Birmingham author, Irene Latham.
This book is written by Birmingham author, Irene Latham.
November 29, 2010
Leaving Gee’s Bend is a book my 9 year old chose one week at the library. I was interested in reading it since I’ve heard of the quilts of Gee’s Bend, but didn’t know much about the area itself. This juvenile fiction novel follows Ludelphia Bennett as she leaves Gee’s Bend for the city of Camden, situated across the Alabama River from Gee’s Bend.
I read quite a few young adult and juvenile novels each year and I’ve found they fall into one of two categories: 1) they are classified at books for youth because their content is appropriate for all ages and the writing is easy enough for a younger reader to enjoy or 2) the book is written in a way that doesn’t fully explore a topic, instead skimming the surface in a way that enables younger readers to follow the story. Books falling into the former category tend to be very well written and contain fully developed characters, without ever condescending to the reader. Books that fall into the latter category often leave me wanting a bit more, wondering whether a character could have been a bit more three dimensional, or whether a plot thread could have been resolved with a bit more authenticity. Leaving Gee’s Bend falls into the second of my two categories.
Ludelphia was a fairly realistic ten year old – especially a ten year from a poor family in 1930s Alabama. I felt like she alternated between acting like a child and exhibiting a more mature sense of responsibility. My own ten year old would never have attempted the steps Ludelphia did to get medical care for her mother – but my ten year old is far more sheltered and far less mature than a ten year old who feeds the family mule and helps with cooking and laundry. I found it believable that ten year old Ludelphia would decide to take a big risk for her mother, but also found it realistic that she would lose track of time and fall asleep on a riverbank. But while Ludelphia’s actions were authentic and realistic, I didn’t get a good feel for the emotions she was experiencing. And if the main character was less than completely developed, the secondary characters were even more hastily sketched.
I gave this book three stars instead of two because I did enjoy imagining life in Gee’s Bend in the early 1930s and while this book didn’t create a profound sense of time and place, it was evocative enough that I could imagine isolated Gee’s Bend and the community there. If you’re interested in life in the rural south during this time and want a quick read that will entertain, if not inform a great deal, Leaving Gee’s Bend is worth a read.
I read quite a few young adult and juvenile novels each year and I’ve found they fall into one of two categories: 1) they are classified at books for youth because their content is appropriate for all ages and the writing is easy enough for a younger reader to enjoy or 2) the book is written in a way that doesn’t fully explore a topic, instead skimming the surface in a way that enables younger readers to follow the story. Books falling into the former category tend to be very well written and contain fully developed characters, without ever condescending to the reader. Books that fall into the latter category often leave me wanting a bit more, wondering whether a character could have been a bit more three dimensional, or whether a plot thread could have been resolved with a bit more authenticity. Leaving Gee’s Bend falls into the second of my two categories.
Ludelphia was a fairly realistic ten year old – especially a ten year from a poor family in 1930s Alabama. I felt like she alternated between acting like a child and exhibiting a more mature sense of responsibility. My own ten year old would never have attempted the steps Ludelphia did to get medical care for her mother – but my ten year old is far more sheltered and far less mature than a ten year old who feeds the family mule and helps with cooking and laundry. I found it believable that ten year old Ludelphia would decide to take a big risk for her mother, but also found it realistic that she would lose track of time and fall asleep on a riverbank. But while Ludelphia’s actions were authentic and realistic, I didn’t get a good feel for the emotions she was experiencing. And if the main character was less than completely developed, the secondary characters were even more hastily sketched.
I gave this book three stars instead of two because I did enjoy imagining life in Gee’s Bend in the early 1930s and while this book didn’t create a profound sense of time and place, it was evocative enough that I could imagine isolated Gee’s Bend and the community there. If you’re interested in life in the rural south during this time and want a quick read that will entertain, if not inform a great deal, Leaving Gee’s Bend is worth a read.
August 27, 2016
I was prepared to enjoy this book. It's been getting lots of positive buzz, and I thought I would connect with it on a personal level. I've suffered chronic lung problems my whole life, and my daughter was born with one eye. It was well-written, but I found it to be implausible on many levels. Just to highlight a few:
#1: Rose would not have been born healthy. No way, no how. Not to a malnourished woman who has such an advanced pneumatic condition to be coughing blood during the delivery. Of course brain damage due to oxygen deprivation might not show up so early on... I'm no expert on that.
#2: People with monocular vision do not have depth perception, even if the sighted eye "works real good". Adults compensate due to experience. Children compensate much less; they are hesitant and extremely cautious. I had my 16 year old daughter read the chapter when Ludelphia is crossing the river, and she laughed right out loud, saying "There is no possible way..." In addition, Ludelphia would have wanted to be wearing that eye patch....even in her isolated situation. Even with a prosthetic eye, which looks completely 'normal' but doesn't move, my daughter gets strange looks and prejudiced comments. Why give a character a physical handicap and not the consequences which would naturally arise? My daughter finds this story to be rather insulting, implying that she could just rise above her physical limitations with her strength of 'spirit'. I agree with her.
#3: Feather & cotton covered, gibberish spouting 'witches'? Scaring off an educated merchant's wife? In 1932? Really?
#4: This book doesn't seem to ring true in a social/historical context.
I have a very hard time believing that a 10 year old handicapped black girl on her own would be treated as this book suggests in the rural South of 1932! Ludelphia Bennett of Alabama is the contemporary of Mildred Taylor's Cassie Logan in Mississippi. If I ever have a request for a book showcasing the Southern black experience during this time frame, "Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry" will be going out my library door, and "Leaving Gee's Bend" will be left behind.
#1: Rose would not have been born healthy. No way, no how. Not to a malnourished woman who has such an advanced pneumatic condition to be coughing blood during the delivery. Of course brain damage due to oxygen deprivation might not show up so early on... I'm no expert on that.
#2: People with monocular vision do not have depth perception, even if the sighted eye "works real good". Adults compensate due to experience. Children compensate much less; they are hesitant and extremely cautious. I had my 16 year old daughter read the chapter when Ludelphia is crossing the river, and she laughed right out loud, saying "There is no possible way..." In addition, Ludelphia would have wanted to be wearing that eye patch....even in her isolated situation. Even with a prosthetic eye, which looks completely 'normal' but doesn't move, my daughter gets strange looks and prejudiced comments. Why give a character a physical handicap and not the consequences which would naturally arise? My daughter finds this story to be rather insulting, implying that she could just rise above her physical limitations with her strength of 'spirit'. I agree with her.
#3: Feather & cotton covered, gibberish spouting 'witches'? Scaring off an educated merchant's wife? In 1932? Really?
#4: This book doesn't seem to ring true in a social/historical context.
I have a very hard time believing that a 10 year old handicapped black girl on her own would be treated as this book suggests in the rural South of 1932! Ludelphia Bennett of Alabama is the contemporary of Mildred Taylor's Cassie Logan in Mississippi. If I ever have a request for a book showcasing the Southern black experience during this time frame, "Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry" will be going out my library door, and "Leaving Gee's Bend" will be left behind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2018
Leaving gees bend was an amazing book. It had a great balance between troubles and triumphs.
This book is about a young girl living in gees bend named Ludelpgua Bennett. This book takes place in 1932, in gees bend. gees bend is a small African American farming town. the people there are poor, so when ludelpguas mother gets really sick there is no one there to help her. then ludelpgua goes out of gees bend to try and find the mom medicine she is met with many different challenges.
This book did an amazing job of displaying the emotions of the characters. This book did a really good job ant kippen me guessing what would happen next. There were parts of this book that felt repetitive form me and some parts got a bit slow but other than that it was a really good book.
I would recommend this book to anyone that like historical fiction and adventures. This book would also be good to read to the whole class as a representation of historical fiction. I really liked this book a lot and it is worth reading.
This book is about a young girl living in gees bend named Ludelpgua Bennett. This book takes place in 1932, in gees bend. gees bend is a small African American farming town. the people there are poor, so when ludelpguas mother gets really sick there is no one there to help her. then ludelpgua goes out of gees bend to try and find the mom medicine she is met with many different challenges.
This book did an amazing job of displaying the emotions of the characters. This book did a really good job ant kippen me guessing what would happen next. There were parts of this book that felt repetitive form me and some parts got a bit slow but other than that it was a really good book.
I would recommend this book to anyone that like historical fiction and adventures. This book would also be good to read to the whole class as a representation of historical fiction. I really liked this book a lot and it is worth reading.
October 30, 2010
I really wasn't sure if I'd like this novel. Gee's Bend has never really interested me, and I wasn't sure if a white adult novelist would be able to convincingly tell a story as a ten-year-old poor black child. But everyone was raving about the book, and the author is from my state, so I gave it a go. And am I ever glad that I did!
Ludelphia Bennett is such a wonderful character. She jumped into my mind and heart and took over as I raced through her story. Secondary characters were just as developed, and Gee's Bend seemed to come to life in my mind. Not only am I now interested in the history of this amazing place, I find myself with the urge to quilt...
Ludelphia Bennett is such a wonderful character. She jumped into my mind and heart and took over as I raced through her story. Secondary characters were just as developed, and Gee's Bend seemed to come to life in my mind. Not only am I now interested in the history of this amazing place, I find myself with the urge to quilt...
February 19, 2011
I first met Irene Latham and heard about her book, "Leaving Gee's Bend," at a Midsouth SCBWI Writer's Conference. Although Irene is a nice person, I honestly had no desire to read a book about people stitching quilts in the south. Boy had I misjudged her book! I thoroughly enjoyed Irene's delightful tale of Ludelphia Bennet, a poor African American girl from the 1930s, who only wanted to save her dying mother by traveling to Camden to bring Doc Nelson to her mom's bedside. I found myself quickly engaged in this book and wanting to read any chance I got. Ms. Latham also captured Ludelphia's voice as if she herself had lived this life. I would highly recommend "Leaving Gee's Bend."
December 30, 2012
I was mezmorized by Irene's story. A must read for lovers of historical fiction.
April 15, 2019
I read this book because it was mentioned in my children's literature textbook as an example of figurative language use in a book to convey meaning and emotional intensity. This book certainly does have lovely language and is written beautifully. It is from the POV of a 10 year old girl who is growing up as a sharecropper's daughter in 1932. She lives in an insular community that is separated by a large river from its nearest neighboring town. After her mother gets very sick, she takes it upon herself to make the journey to Camden for the first time and all alone. Of course nothing goes easily and she encounters friends and enemies along the way. A sharecropper's life is a hard one and they are all very poor, but it seems normal to Lu since she has never known any other way.
I thought it was interesting that Lu didn't encounter a white person until she left her village. She grew up not really knowing about segregation or people looking down on her because of her skin color.
Lu has a blind eye from an accident as a young child, but she doesn't consider herself handicapped and is happy with her lot. She loves the idea of her new little sister and the chores she has to do to help out don't bother her. She has a great attitude toward life. Her favorite thing to do is sew and work on her quilt. She is very good at it and the activity becomes almost a meditative time for her. In this book, she is working on a quilt for her mother. She gets scraps of cloth from different stages of her adventure and makes a quilt to show off her story.
I reckon the hard part is how once you're in Gee's Bend, it ain't all that easy to get out.
I thought it was interesting that Lu didn't encounter a white person until she left her village. She grew up not really knowing about segregation or people looking down on her because of her skin color.
Lu has a blind eye from an accident as a young child, but she doesn't consider herself handicapped and is happy with her lot. She loves the idea of her new little sister and the chores she has to do to help out don't bother her. She has a great attitude toward life. Her favorite thing to do is sew and work on her quilt. She is very good at it and the activity becomes almost a meditative time for her. In this book, she is working on a quilt for her mother. She gets scraps of cloth from different stages of her adventure and makes a quilt to show off her story.
Ain't nobody in the world can stop you from doing what you want to in your head. Ain't nobody can take hold of your thoughts, no matter what's happened.
July 21, 2021
Leaving Gee’s Bend is essentially two intertwined stories. It is about quilt-making, the quilts of Gee’s Bend and the stories they tell. It is also the story of a family of poor sharecroppers in 1930s rural Alabama whose daughter, Ludelphia (10) finds the strength and the bravery to seek medical help for her sick mother. The nearest doctor is in Camden, the next town over. To get there, Ludelphia will have to walk for many miles and cross the Alabama River. Even though she has never been outside of Gee’s Bend, Ludelphia sets off on a courageous journey that will introduce her to kind people, scary people and even, for the first time ever, white people. For comfort, she brings with her a piece of quilt that she is making as a surprise for her mother. Through her quilt she finds peace and she is able to tell her own story.
A beautifully written story that feels very authentic. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
NOTE: The official name of Gee’s Bend is Boykin. It is famous for its tradition of fine quilt making.
NOTE: Be sure to read the Author’s Note for additional information on actual events mentioned in this story.
For more book reviews and recommendations follow me at #EmptyNestReader #instagram #LeavingGeesBend #IreneLatham #youngadult #historicalfiction #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #AugustReads #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #ebooks #librarybooks
A beautifully written story that feels very authentic. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
NOTE: The official name of Gee’s Bend is Boykin. It is famous for its tradition of fine quilt making.
NOTE: Be sure to read the Author’s Note for additional information on actual events mentioned in this story.
For more book reviews and recommendations follow me at #EmptyNestReader #instagram #LeavingGeesBend #IreneLatham #youngadult #historicalfiction #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #AugustReads #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #ebooks #librarybooks
February 6, 2018
Irene Latham's young adult novel, 'Leaving Gee's Bend,' is exquisitely written. Set during the depression years, this book weaves fiction and historical fact in a magical way. It is one of the first books in a long time I have had difficulty putting down. For those with younger children, be advised there is a fairly graphic birth scene at the book's beginning. The main character is a ten year old girl who has the emotional strength, courage and determination to believe she can make a difference in her world. But this is also a story about quilts, the Alabama community famous for making them, and the stories these quilts tell. Strongly recommend to young adults and older adults as well. Lovely!
July 17, 2018
I’ve been interested in Gee’s Bend for quite a few years. My grandmother taught me and my sisters how to quilt about 20 years ago and I’ve always loved all things about quilting. Although I have not yet visited here, but I will one day, this story really brought this little place to life. I will say that being familiar about this place and how it is remote as well as it’s quilting history , really adds to the enjoyment of the story. I have though met several ladies in the last few years who are quilters from the area- their names were Pettway ❤️. Their love for the art of quilting and their quilts are really a special form of art.
November 1, 2019
I bought this book in a used bookstore in Birmingham, Alabama, the author‘s hometown. It is a fictionalized account of a true story that took place in the ‘30s in Gees Bend, AL - a tiny settlement on the Alabama River made famous by the quilts the women made (featured on NPR and an exhibition at the Whitney in NYC). It was a good story, simply told. I think it would make an interesting choice for a middle school lit circle because it deals with the poverty of the farmers, segregation, and the power of the individual to endure and survive.
March 26, 2020
A young adult/children's book that caught my attention because of the famed quilts of Gee's Bend, AL. This is historical fiction, as the town is real, the beautiful quilts (some displayed at the Whitney in NYC) are real, and the Red Cross actions in the 1930's are real. The story of Ludelphia, a 10 year old, one-eyed, black child who loves quilting, and her family and those she encounters in Camden, AL, where she goes to get a doctor for her ailing mother, are fiction. I loved Lu, her family, Doc Nelson and wife, etc. I'd love to see those quilts!
February 12, 2023
Leaving Gee’s Bend
I had read many years ago about the quilts made by the Ladies of Gee’s Bend and found their stories and life fascinating. This book brought back great memories of my Mother l, hand quilting in our living in Pasadena, Ca from fabric scraps leftover from my sisters and mine’s sewing outfits. Great Black History Month.
I had read many years ago about the quilts made by the Ladies of Gee’s Bend and found their stories and life fascinating. This book brought back great memories of my Mother l, hand quilting in our living in Pasadena, Ca from fabric scraps leftover from my sisters and mine’s sewing outfits. Great Black History Month.
August 19, 2018
a young adult reader’s book about the struggles of living in Gee’s Bend (which is a traveling quilt exhibit). Very easy and fun read, 230 pgs., 2010, hardback which Gabriel gave to Rita for Christmas, 2009.
March 30, 2019
Page-turning story of family loyalty and community strength. Using the real raid on Gee's Bend and Red Cross rescue, and the quilt-making history of the area, the author told the story of Ludelphia's harrowing quest to save her mother, and later her neighbors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the dialect that was consistent throughout. I thought Ludelphia was a realistic 10-year-old with desires and flaws. It was a short and sweet book with all the characters making sense in their roles. I liked that the ending was happy overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2018
Easy read, delightful story, sad too.
February 26, 2020
Loved this book....and now want to know more about the actual place and the quilts exhibits.
October 13, 2020
A must read for all! Excellent, excellent book!
August 25, 2021
While the backdrop of this story is heartbreaking, it's told in a hopeful way that makes it feel less heavy than it might have otherwise. Well worth the read!
December 17, 2021
Was ok. Reads like YA fiction. Short story.
August 11, 2022
Well told story
March 2, 2024
One of the best books ever it is a must read trust me it is a must read!
May 14, 2025
very interesting story.
April 13, 2011
When I saw this advertised in a catalog I got very excited. A novel set in Gee's Bend, I couldn't wait to read it. I wish I could say I liked it.
When I started Leaving Gee's Bend, I had high hopes. My initial thoughts the Southern dialect is good and I liked 10 yr old Ludelphia. Lu,with only one working eye but still took to quilting. I was ready to follow Lu on a great adventure. I was ready to listen as Lu talked about the quilt she was making her mother and the stories that came with each stitch.
Lu's mom is sick. She thinks the only way to save her it to get a doctor. This means crossing the river and leaving Gee's Bend for the first time. When Leaving Gee's Bend begins Lu's mom already has a hard cough. A few pages in she's too sick to get out of bed.
I thought the mom getting sick early would lead to Lu leaving Gee's Bend earlier, meaning more adventure. Lu's mom took to the bed around page 24, Lu didn't leave until page 74. That may seem like a small amount of time but nothing happened between those pages. After awhile I was like leave already, Lu. ( you know a book isn't going well when you start screaming at it)
While I was impatiently waiting for Lu to leave, I was able to put my finger on a large part of the story, that was missing for me. The author never made me feel like I was in Gee's Bend. I have no idea what Gee's Bend would look or feel like. Though I think its the author's job to place me there. Gee's Bend, Al. is famous for it's quilting. A book set there I expected it to be more visual. Leaving Gee's Bend is clearly a southern tale with passage like this
"Ain't noplace in Gee's Bend you can't get to by setting one foot after another in to that orange dirt that likes to settle right between your toes. I reckon the hard part is how once you're in Gee's Bend, it ain't all that easy to get out."
Generally Southern is not specifically Gee's Bend. When Lu finally crosses to the river she runs into Mrs. Cobb. Her husband owns much of the land over at Gee's Bend. Many of the families are sharecroppers. Mrs. Cobb is a little unhinged since her husband died.
I was very disappointed with Leaving Gee Bend. Even after Lu left nothing seemed to happen. Lu ran into Mrs. Cobb, ran away than ran into Mrs. Nelson and Doc Nelson.
The doctor tells Lu what can be done for her mom on page 142. My first thought was that's it, second thought why are there 10 chapters left?
Mrs. Cobb blames her husband's death on the people of Gee's Bend. So she plans on collecting on all Gee's Bend's debts. Lu must get home to warn everyone Mrs. Cobb is coming.
One of my biggest problems with this storyline, the author never explains how unjust sharecropping was. It shouldn't be assumed that a 10 yr old would know.
"You're right about that son. It was mighty kind of Mr. Cobb to bring us that seed." Daddy gazed at the embers in the fireplace. "But there's something you got to always remember. Mr. Cobb's the boss man, and we ain't nothing but sharecroppers. Can't be bothering him with our troubles. Wouldn't want him thinking we can't do our work."
That's from early on in the novel. I had a problem with it when I read it but I let it got since this wasn't novel about sharecropping. But once Mrs. Cobb went to collect on all debts I had to revisit it.
If I knew nothing about sharecropping, after I read that passage I would think it was just people working the someone else's land for a fair price. I have a difficult time believing that a father would not tell his family the truth about it. Let's say the father is passive and too scared to speak out. What about the 16 yr old son? It's even harder for me to believe that a son wouldn't speak out against it.
"Please, Mrs Cobb. Me and my boy here, we'll work extra hard. I promise we'll make it up to you next planting season. Just give us some time, Mrs Cobb. All we need is time. When Mrs. Cobb spoke again, her voice was all business get me every single one of them chickens. Get the tools too. The ax, the shovel the pitchfork. And whatever feed you can find in the barn. "Please, Mrs. Cobb" I knew it was my daddy, but I ain't never heard him beg before. It didn't sound nothing like him.
That has been edited, though it still in context (pg 194). While I was reading it, I was pretty much done with it when Mrs. Cobb started taking the chickens. When Lu said it sounded like her daddy was begging I was really done.
When I started Leaving Gee's Bend, I had high hopes. My initial thoughts the Southern dialect is good and I liked 10 yr old Ludelphia. Lu,with only one working eye but still took to quilting. I was ready to follow Lu on a great adventure. I was ready to listen as Lu talked about the quilt she was making her mother and the stories that came with each stitch.
Lu's mom is sick. She thinks the only way to save her it to get a doctor. This means crossing the river and leaving Gee's Bend for the first time. When Leaving Gee's Bend begins Lu's mom already has a hard cough. A few pages in she's too sick to get out of bed.
I thought the mom getting sick early would lead to Lu leaving Gee's Bend earlier, meaning more adventure. Lu's mom took to the bed around page 24, Lu didn't leave until page 74. That may seem like a small amount of time but nothing happened between those pages. After awhile I was like leave already, Lu. ( you know a book isn't going well when you start screaming at it)
While I was impatiently waiting for Lu to leave, I was able to put my finger on a large part of the story, that was missing for me. The author never made me feel like I was in Gee's Bend. I have no idea what Gee's Bend would look or feel like. Though I think its the author's job to place me there. Gee's Bend, Al. is famous for it's quilting. A book set there I expected it to be more visual. Leaving Gee's Bend is clearly a southern tale with passage like this
"Ain't noplace in Gee's Bend you can't get to by setting one foot after another in to that orange dirt that likes to settle right between your toes. I reckon the hard part is how once you're in Gee's Bend, it ain't all that easy to get out."
Generally Southern is not specifically Gee's Bend. When Lu finally crosses to the river she runs into Mrs. Cobb. Her husband owns much of the land over at Gee's Bend. Many of the families are sharecroppers. Mrs. Cobb is a little unhinged since her husband died.
I was very disappointed with Leaving Gee Bend. Even after Lu left nothing seemed to happen. Lu ran into Mrs. Cobb, ran away than ran into Mrs. Nelson and Doc Nelson.
The doctor tells Lu what can be done for her mom on page 142. My first thought was that's it, second thought why are there 10 chapters left?
Mrs. Cobb blames her husband's death on the people of Gee's Bend. So she plans on collecting on all Gee's Bend's debts. Lu must get home to warn everyone Mrs. Cobb is coming.
One of my biggest problems with this storyline, the author never explains how unjust sharecropping was. It shouldn't be assumed that a 10 yr old would know.
"You're right about that son. It was mighty kind of Mr. Cobb to bring us that seed." Daddy gazed at the embers in the fireplace. "But there's something you got to always remember. Mr. Cobb's the boss man, and we ain't nothing but sharecroppers. Can't be bothering him with our troubles. Wouldn't want him thinking we can't do our work."
That's from early on in the novel. I had a problem with it when I read it but I let it got since this wasn't novel about sharecropping. But once Mrs. Cobb went to collect on all debts I had to revisit it.
If I knew nothing about sharecropping, after I read that passage I would think it was just people working the someone else's land for a fair price. I have a difficult time believing that a father would not tell his family the truth about it. Let's say the father is passive and too scared to speak out. What about the 16 yr old son? It's even harder for me to believe that a son wouldn't speak out against it.
"Please, Mrs Cobb. Me and my boy here, we'll work extra hard. I promise we'll make it up to you next planting season. Just give us some time, Mrs Cobb. All we need is time. When Mrs. Cobb spoke again, her voice was all business get me every single one of them chickens. Get the tools too. The ax, the shovel the pitchfork. And whatever feed you can find in the barn. "Please, Mrs. Cobb" I knew it was my daddy, but I ain't never heard him beg before. It didn't sound nothing like him.
That has been edited, though it still in context (pg 194). While I was reading it, I was pretty much done with it when Mrs. Cobb started taking the chickens. When Lu said it sounded like her daddy was begging I was really done.
August 13, 2010
Latham was inspired to write this book by an exhibit she visited in New York on the quilts of Gee's Bend, a small rural community in Alabama. After the Civil War, the freed slaves, who worked as sharecroppers, founded an all-black community nearly isolated from the surrounding world. The town’s women developed a distinctive quilting style passed down through at least six generations; these quilts have been exhibited in a museum show which toured major museums around the country.
Set in 1932, the novel Leaving Gee's Bend incorporates both the inspired quilting heritage of this small community and its isolated geography to tell the story of ten-year old Ludelphia, who may have only one eye that works but still has plenty of chores to do.
Her mama's about to have a baby any minute, and is sick with a terrible cough, but the one thing that can make Mama smile no matter what is stitching quilts. Ludelphia's beginning a quilt all about her own story, intended as a special gift for her Mama. She's always got a needle and bits of cloth in her pocket, and has been sewing since she was a "little bitty girl." Her Mama says she was "born to stitch," but their family's so poor she makes use of scraps from patched up clothes.
When Mama's baby comes too soon and Mama gets even sicker, Ludelphia decides she has to go fetch a "real doctor" all the way from Camden, even though there's no money to pay him. But to get there, she has to cross the river, and she's got no time to wait for the ferryman. Crossing by herself, she winds up way downstream, where Ludelphia discovers a new world, one with fancy houses for white people with real glass panes, motor cars, delicious food, and even genuine Coca-Cola. But there's danger too, with a crazy white lady who threatens to come to Gee's Bend and take everything they've got. But Ludelphia knows she can't give up, no matter what. She's got to help Mama, and also help her neighbors in Gee's Bend.
Quilting throughout this book is a metaphor--as she pieces a quilt, Ludelphia has to figure out where to put the pieces of cloth, but also the pieces of her life. And some stories just can't go in a quilt, Ludelphia tells us--you have to keep them in your heart.
While this story is fictional, the author incorporates some real incidents in the history of Gee's Bend into her narrative, which she discusses in an Author's Note. This is a heartwarming novel with a strong female protagonist who takes charge of her own destiny, no matter how frightening.
Set in 1932, the novel Leaving Gee's Bend incorporates both the inspired quilting heritage of this small community and its isolated geography to tell the story of ten-year old Ludelphia, who may have only one eye that works but still has plenty of chores to do.
Her mama's about to have a baby any minute, and is sick with a terrible cough, but the one thing that can make Mama smile no matter what is stitching quilts. Ludelphia's beginning a quilt all about her own story, intended as a special gift for her Mama. She's always got a needle and bits of cloth in her pocket, and has been sewing since she was a "little bitty girl." Her Mama says she was "born to stitch," but their family's so poor she makes use of scraps from patched up clothes.
When Mama's baby comes too soon and Mama gets even sicker, Ludelphia decides she has to go fetch a "real doctor" all the way from Camden, even though there's no money to pay him. But to get there, she has to cross the river, and she's got no time to wait for the ferryman. Crossing by herself, she winds up way downstream, where Ludelphia discovers a new world, one with fancy houses for white people with real glass panes, motor cars, delicious food, and even genuine Coca-Cola. But there's danger too, with a crazy white lady who threatens to come to Gee's Bend and take everything they've got. But Ludelphia knows she can't give up, no matter what. She's got to help Mama, and also help her neighbors in Gee's Bend.
Quilting throughout this book is a metaphor--as she pieces a quilt, Ludelphia has to figure out where to put the pieces of cloth, but also the pieces of her life. And some stories just can't go in a quilt, Ludelphia tells us--you have to keep them in your heart.
While this story is fictional, the author incorporates some real incidents in the history of Gee's Bend into her narrative, which she discusses in an Author's Note. This is a heartwarming novel with a strong female protagonist who takes charge of her own destiny, no matter how frightening.
January 31, 2010
Reason for Reading: I love books set in 1930s Southern USA.
Summary: Ludelphia Bennett is ten years old, her family is part of a sharecropping community. Ludelphia wears a patch over one eye as she accidentally went blind in it when a tiny sliver of wood flew into it when she was younger. She has a passion for quilting and is working on a special quilt now for her Mama that will tell Ludelphia's story to her. Mama is ill with a terrible cough and large with a baby on the way but when Mama goes into labour early and the baby is born healthy after 3 previous stillborn, Mama's health turns worse. She can hardly breathe and now she's coughing up blood. Ludelphia decides she must do more for Mama and embarks on a 40 mile journey to get the nearest doctor and medicine to save Mama's life. It's a dangerous journey for one-eyed, ten year old Ludelphia, who has never been out of Gee's Bend, and never seen a white person before but she takes her quilting with her to keep her hands busy and on the way comes across scraps of cloth to add to the quilt and her story.
Comments: This is a sweet, touching story. I fell in love with Ludelphia from the first page. She is a feisty girl, full of questions, not one to accept an answer without fully understanding and agreeing with it. She has a fine heart, loving all those around her and giving all the benefit of the doubt, she has a way with animals and is the only one who can get along with the stubborn mule they own. A very enjoyable character to read about.
The book takes the reader inside the daily life of a struggling sharecropper family during the depression. How the small rows of houses form a community and everyone looks after each other. They share the good times and they weather the strife and hardship together. I read this book quickly and really enjoyed it. It is a heart touching story and one roots for Ludelphia as she works her way through each challenge ultimately not only to save Mama but to save Gee's Bend itself. The story presented here is fictional but the author has woven a real life event from Gee's Bend's history into the novel.
The only thing that I felt book needed was an illustration at the end of Ludelphia's finished quilt. It's making is so integral to the book's plot, I felt a bit let down not being able to see the finished product and search within it for some of the pieces of cloth she found along the way.
Summary: Ludelphia Bennett is ten years old, her family is part of a sharecropping community. Ludelphia wears a patch over one eye as she accidentally went blind in it when a tiny sliver of wood flew into it when she was younger. She has a passion for quilting and is working on a special quilt now for her Mama that will tell Ludelphia's story to her. Mama is ill with a terrible cough and large with a baby on the way but when Mama goes into labour early and the baby is born healthy after 3 previous stillborn, Mama's health turns worse. She can hardly breathe and now she's coughing up blood. Ludelphia decides she must do more for Mama and embarks on a 40 mile journey to get the nearest doctor and medicine to save Mama's life. It's a dangerous journey for one-eyed, ten year old Ludelphia, who has never been out of Gee's Bend, and never seen a white person before but she takes her quilting with her to keep her hands busy and on the way comes across scraps of cloth to add to the quilt and her story.
Comments: This is a sweet, touching story. I fell in love with Ludelphia from the first page. She is a feisty girl, full of questions, not one to accept an answer without fully understanding and agreeing with it. She has a fine heart, loving all those around her and giving all the benefit of the doubt, she has a way with animals and is the only one who can get along with the stubborn mule they own. A very enjoyable character to read about.
The book takes the reader inside the daily life of a struggling sharecropper family during the depression. How the small rows of houses form a community and everyone looks after each other. They share the good times and they weather the strife and hardship together. I read this book quickly and really enjoyed it. It is a heart touching story and one roots for Ludelphia as she works her way through each challenge ultimately not only to save Mama but to save Gee's Bend itself. The story presented here is fictional but the author has woven a real life event from Gee's Bend's history into the novel.
The only thing that I felt book needed was an illustration at the end of Ludelphia's finished quilt. It's making is so integral to the book's plot, I felt a bit let down not being able to see the finished product and search within it for some of the pieces of cloth she found along the way.
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