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Meet Me At 10: A bittersweet story about love crossing boundaries.
“Captivating from the first page, a bittersweet story about love crossing boundaries.”
It’s 1958 and Shona Jackson, a twenty-something tomboy, is on the run from the neighborhood in Louisiana where her dark secret has been exposed.
Arriving in Alabama, Shona convinces the kind Jeffrey Ellis, wealthy co-owner of Ellis and Bruce Machinery, to give her a job and heads to the site with hopes of becoming invisible while she saves up the money to continue her journey to safety. There, she strikes up a bond with Cuban, who is on a similar path to her, but is racially abused on a daily basis by the workforce and by Jeffrey Ellis’s brutal business partner, Larry Bruce. Shona also meets Elbie, the elderly tool room supervisor, who has been covertly keeping a diary of all the horrific acts that have been carried out over the last five years by Bruce and his associates.
As Elbie helps Shona and Cuban settle into their jobs, they are introduced to Chloe Bruce, Larry’s daughter, resulting in their complex worlds becoming inextricably linked, with devastating consequences for all those involved.
Will Elbie’s diary end up in the wrong hands?
Will Cuban achieve his dream of making it to New York?
Will Shona’s past finally catch up with her?
A compelling and heart-breaking story of secrets too dangerous to confess to, at a time of cruel, unforgiving and relentless intolerance to difference.
“A heart-wrenching and gripping read.”
“A moving yet disturbing story…you won’t put this book down!”
It’s 1958 and Shona Jackson, a twenty-something tomboy, is on the run from the neighborhood in Louisiana where her dark secret has been exposed.
Arriving in Alabama, Shona convinces the kind Jeffrey Ellis, wealthy co-owner of Ellis and Bruce Machinery, to give her a job and heads to the site with hopes of becoming invisible while she saves up the money to continue her journey to safety. There, she strikes up a bond with Cuban, who is on a similar path to her, but is racially abused on a daily basis by the workforce and by Jeffrey Ellis’s brutal business partner, Larry Bruce. Shona also meets Elbie, the elderly tool room supervisor, who has been covertly keeping a diary of all the horrific acts that have been carried out over the last five years by Bruce and his associates.
As Elbie helps Shona and Cuban settle into their jobs, they are introduced to Chloe Bruce, Larry’s daughter, resulting in their complex worlds becoming inextricably linked, with devastating consequences for all those involved.
Will Elbie’s diary end up in the wrong hands?
Will Cuban achieve his dream of making it to New York?
Will Shona’s past finally catch up with her?
A compelling and heart-breaking story of secrets too dangerous to confess to, at a time of cruel, unforgiving and relentless intolerance to difference.
“A heart-wrenching and gripping read.”
“A moving yet disturbing story…you won’t put this book down!”
- GenresLesbian
486 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2017
24 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Vicky Jones
1 book21 followersVicky Jones was born in Essex. She is an author and singer-songwriter, with numerous examples of her work on iTunes and YouTube. At 20 years old she entered the Royal Navy and, after leaving, realised she was drifting through life. Feeling a loss of direction, she wrote a bucket list of 300 things to achieve before she was 40, an adventure which took her travelling, helped her to face her fears and encouraged her to go after her dreams. At the time of printing, she is now two-thirds of the way through her bucket list.
One thing on her bucket list was to write a song for a cause. An anti-bullying track called ‘House of Cards' is now on iTunes to download whereby 100% of proceeds go to charity.
Writing a novel was also on her bucket list and through a chance writing competition at her local writing group, the idea for ‘Meet Me At 10’ was born. Vicky hopes she can change hearts and minds with the gritty themes the book explores. She will also be donating 20% of the profits to charity.
Vicky is an avid traveller, stemming from her days spent exploring the world with the Royal Navy and has visited around 50 countries so far. She has also recently graduated from the Open University after studying part time for her degree in Psychology and Criminology - another bucket list tick! She is currently writing about her bucket list adventures alongside planning and writing more fiction novels and children’s books.
She now lives in Cheshire, splitting her time between there and visiting her family and friends back in Essex.
One thing on her bucket list was to write a song for a cause. An anti-bullying track called ‘House of Cards' is now on iTunes to download whereby 100% of proceeds go to charity.
Writing a novel was also on her bucket list and through a chance writing competition at her local writing group, the idea for ‘Meet Me At 10’ was born. Vicky hopes she can change hearts and minds with the gritty themes the book explores. She will also be donating 20% of the profits to charity.
Vicky is an avid traveller, stemming from her days spent exploring the world with the Royal Navy and has visited around 50 countries so far. She has also recently graduated from the Open University after studying part time for her degree in Psychology and Criminology - another bucket list tick! She is currently writing about her bucket list adventures alongside planning and writing more fiction novels and children’s books.
She now lives in Cheshire, splitting her time between there and visiting her family and friends back in Essex.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 18, 2018
This book was the January's Sapphic Book Club read hosted by sapphicliterature.
If you're looking for an enjoyable read, this is not it.
The story takes place in the 50s, so strong rasicm was too be expected. But most of it was just incredibly disgusting.
Racism, sexism, homophobia, mention of convertion therapy/torture, graphic descriptions of violence, murder and rape.
The story around all of this is alright.
The one MC deals with the aftermath of people she trusts constantly betraying her and trying to make her feel sick because of her feelings. The other one is a good person from a rich backround who tries to make things better for the mistreated workers in her fathers company, but is used in other people's games for power and money without her consent.
There're interesting issues written within and at least there's a happy end. But although it's not the first book I read that's set in that kind of time and environment, for me personally, it was all too much in this one.
If you're looking for an enjoyable read, this is not it.
The story takes place in the 50s, so strong rasicm was too be expected. But most of it was just incredibly disgusting.
Racism, sexism, homophobia, mention of convertion therapy/torture, graphic descriptions of violence, murder and rape.
The story around all of this is alright.
The one MC deals with the aftermath of people she trusts constantly betraying her and trying to make her feel sick because of her feelings. The other one is a good person from a rich backround who tries to make things better for the mistreated workers in her fathers company, but is used in other people's games for power and money without her consent.
There're interesting issues written within and at least there's a happy end. But although it's not the first book I read that's set in that kind of time and environment, for me personally, it was all too much in this one.
January 17, 2018
This book was January's Sapphic Book Club read hosted by @sapphicliterature
Now I am a lover of period novels, I'm a sucker for them. Especially when they center around ladies loving ladies because it just makes for drama galore. And for 3/4 of this book I was enjoying myself. It was a nice, quick read but the last act of this book kinda spoiled it for me.
*****Spoilers/triggers ahead now******
For anyone who needs to know, there is a rape scene in this book. And to be honest, plot-wise I know why it was in there. "Correctional Rape" was and still is a serious problem with LGBT+ persons and it would definitely occur in a situation like in the novel. But for other people it might be too real although I will say the parts before the rape are more graphic than the rape itself.
Despite my personal taste on the rape scene, what I feel was truly a bit much was Kyle. This boy okay, this boy. He went from being this guy who's fronting for the town to hiring this unofficial death squad. And I was like okay, it's the South in the 50s, black people being murdered and no reaction it's possible. But, there's no way that the murder of a white man would have slide. But sure enough this sweet guy we're introduced to is shot about three chapters down and I'm just like "Is Kyle gonna kill the whole damn town because of Chloe?"
And then this whole faking Shona's death thing. I give the author kudos for not doing what a lot of pulp fiction books did and killed off the main sapphic character. But how she wrote it could have been done better. Like I didn't even believe it until the last page when they were speaking.
********
But I do have to say that I did enjoy the book overall. So even if the ending might be a bit rocky, I still say it's a lovely and touching story.
Now I am a lover of period novels, I'm a sucker for them. Especially when they center around ladies loving ladies because it just makes for drama galore. And for 3/4 of this book I was enjoying myself. It was a nice, quick read but the last act of this book kinda spoiled it for me.
*****Spoilers/triggers ahead now******
For anyone who needs to know, there is a rape scene in this book. And to be honest, plot-wise I know why it was in there. "Correctional Rape" was and still is a serious problem with LGBT+ persons and it would definitely occur in a situation like in the novel. But for other people it might be too real although I will say the parts before the rape are more graphic than the rape itself.
Despite my personal taste on the rape scene, what I feel was truly a bit much was Kyle. This boy okay, this boy. He went from being this guy who's fronting for the town to hiring this unofficial death squad. And I was like okay, it's the South in the 50s, black people being murdered and no reaction it's possible. But, there's no way that the murder of a white man would have slide. But sure enough this sweet guy we're introduced to is shot about three chapters down and I'm just like "Is Kyle gonna kill the whole damn town because of Chloe?"
And then this whole faking Shona's death thing. I give the author kudos for not doing what a lot of pulp fiction books did and killed off the main sapphic character. But how she wrote it could have been done better. Like I didn't even believe it until the last page when they were speaking.
********
But I do have to say that I did enjoy the book overall. So even if the ending might be a bit rocky, I still say it's a lovely and touching story.
January 18, 2018
CW for rape, murder, racism, homophobia, conversion therapy, sexism... just, everything
This book was January's Sapphic Book Club read hosted by @sapphicliterature.
So I want to start by saying a book can portray racism without being racist. But! If your book is filled with constant graphic depictions of black people being murdered, and the only role people of color play in your story is to further your white characters arc by being mistreated by the villians and praising the protagonists for not being complete murderous racist monsters, and your only central character of color falls into both of these tropes... you may have a problem. Cuban is made out by the blurb to be a main character, but he mostly just comforts the main character, helps her through her plot, praises the love interest for being such a sweet rich white girl for not agreeing with the constant racial violence, and then (SPOILER) gets murdered by the KKK in a graphic scene just like basically every other scene with a black character. I don't know how the author managed to make racism against black people in the USA all about how it affected white people, but, uh, that happened? The depictions of conversion therapy and torture and sexual assualt were also needlessly graphic and long and frequent, but at least they directly impacted the protagonists story (sometimes; the assualt at the beginning never ties into anything or gets mentioned again), and since the author appears to be a white (possibly queer?) woman who might have some personal issues with those topics that made them decide to write that but that's something that definitely cannot be said about the racism.
November 25, 2017
It took me a while to read this book, nor because it was hard to read. Life just kept slowing me down.
I found this book to be engaging, full of excitement and kept you wanting more. I was sad and had some great aww moments. I was finding my self full of crazy emotions as i held my breath in places. This is a must read.For a first book, this is definitely an amazing start to a great
writing careers for Vicky Jones and Clair Hackney
I received this book in advance to give my honest review.
So honestly, everyone should go buy a copy today
I found this book to be engaging, full of excitement and kept you wanting more. I was sad and had some great aww moments. I was finding my self full of crazy emotions as i held my breath in places. This is a must read.For a first book, this is definitely an amazing start to a great
writing careers for Vicky Jones and Clair Hackney
I received this book in advance to give my honest review.
So honestly, everyone should go buy a copy today
November 13, 2017
I read this book in one day because I had to know what happened.The authors do a wonderful job of taking on social issues of the late 1950's, that are relevant even now, including a woman trying to earn her keep in a dominantly male workforce, the abuse suffered by a black man in the same all white company, and forbidden love between two people of the same sex. The reader’s heart will break as they become invested in the extremely likable characters, and stand with them as they endure torture at the hands of the more powerful. I applaud the authors for their directness regarding the issues and for showing that there is hope, even in a fallen world.
December 2, 2019
5 Stars
Meet Me at 10: A bittersweet story about love crossing boundaries by Vicky Jones and Claire Hackney is an historical fiction novel set in 1958 in a small southern town. This is a story of hardship, intolerances, prejudices, racism, violence, secrets, betrayal, manipulation, abuse, social issues, friendship, and love. It is emotive, confronting, harrowing, disturbing, very moving, and unputdownable!
It is a complex, well woven tale that had my emotions all tied up in knots. I really felt for the characters and what they had endured, and what they were still facing. There are heavy and dark elements to the story, which made me want to turn away- but at the same time I had to keep reading to find out what happened.
The characters are all really well crafted- fully developed individuals with their own personalities. Shona, Chloe, and Cuban soon had me invested in them and the outcome of the story. Even the secondary characters were fully developed. There are some truly detestable characters depicted in the story- truly horrible people- the authors character development was so on point that they had me completely loathing them (as we are meant to).
This is definitely an emotionally charged story- with a lot heart wrenching details. There are very graphic scenes of violence, abuse, and other ‘trigger’ subjects. It is definitely not for the feint of heart. So, consider yourself warned.
The story is well constructed, complex, and multilayered- and the authors have managed to choreograph all these elements into quite a compelling read. I won’t go into the storyline here, as I don’t want to spoil anything for you. Just consider my warning on triggers before you dive in.
The heart wants what the heart wants.
Thank you, Vicky Jones and Claire Hackney!
Meet Me at 10: A bittersweet story about love crossing boundaries by Vicky Jones and Claire Hackney is an historical fiction novel set in 1958 in a small southern town. This is a story of hardship, intolerances, prejudices, racism, violence, secrets, betrayal, manipulation, abuse, social issues, friendship, and love. It is emotive, confronting, harrowing, disturbing, very moving, and unputdownable!
It is a complex, well woven tale that had my emotions all tied up in knots. I really felt for the characters and what they had endured, and what they were still facing. There are heavy and dark elements to the story, which made me want to turn away- but at the same time I had to keep reading to find out what happened.
The characters are all really well crafted- fully developed individuals with their own personalities. Shona, Chloe, and Cuban soon had me invested in them and the outcome of the story. Even the secondary characters were fully developed. There are some truly detestable characters depicted in the story- truly horrible people- the authors character development was so on point that they had me completely loathing them (as we are meant to).
This is definitely an emotionally charged story- with a lot heart wrenching details. There are very graphic scenes of violence, abuse, and other ‘trigger’ subjects. It is definitely not for the feint of heart. So, consider yourself warned.
The story is well constructed, complex, and multilayered- and the authors have managed to choreograph all these elements into quite a compelling read. I won’t go into the storyline here, as I don’t want to spoil anything for you. Just consider my warning on triggers before you dive in.
The heart wants what the heart wants.
Thank you, Vicky Jones and Claire Hackney!
December 12, 2017
I received a signed paperback from the authors and to both of them I say thank you. The only thing I knew for sure about this book was that I loved the cover and the title. So going into this story blind I must say I was shocked, saddened , yet so interested in the outcome that I kept on reading. Taking place in the 1950's the story takes on many social issues like blacks in the work force, women working, very bad cops, and love between a woman and a woman. This was a difficult story for me to read as many of the characters were disgusting and cruel and the subject matter was uncomfortable. It was not easy for me to rate fairly as it was completely out my normal reading comfort zone! I'm going with a 3 because I just don't know!!
January 6, 2018
Emotionally Charged Southern Drawl
An action-packed and emotionally charged debut novel that takes the reader into the racially divided world of a small town in a Southern State of the USA. In a man's world, heroines Shona and Chloe find friendship as they search for meaning and love, building up to a bittersweet date... recommended for lovers as of romance and social observation.
An action-packed and emotionally charged debut novel that takes the reader into the racially divided world of a small town in a Southern State of the USA. In a man's world, heroines Shona and Chloe find friendship as they search for meaning and love, building up to a bittersweet date... recommended for lovers as of romance and social observation.
April 21, 2019
I have just finished Meet Me at Ten by Vicky Jones and Claire Hackney. A really gripping story,the emotions it roused were many, but upper most was anger, disbelief, sorrow and frustration. A book I can recommend.
November 29, 2017
It is a page turner and will grab your attention from page 1. The book exposes some sad and real social issues from the 50's back in the south but well written given you a roller coaster of emotions that will keep you wanting to read more and more. Highly recommended!!!
February 14, 2018
I was given this book to read and review. I have given it 5 stars as I thought it was a brilliant read with very convincing characters.Although the story touched on issues such as homophobia and rape what I found the most harrowing to read was about racism at its worst in Southern America in the 1950s.
Beautifully written -great debut novel from the authors.
Beautifully written -great debut novel from the authors.
May 22, 2018
There should be a trigger warning for rape! (Described explicit)
I liked the setting and it has some tough topics as expectet in the 50s.
Sadly its a lot back and forth between the two MC´s and for me a lot of the characters are way to naive or stupid. Even when somebody wronged them they seem to forget it or disregard it and can´t see behind the front. Some things got diregarded way to fast and on the other side some reactions are way over the top.
Most of the side characters are really likeable.
It could have been more.
I liked the setting and it has some tough topics as expectet in the 50s.
Sadly its a lot back and forth between the two MC´s and for me a lot of the characters are way to naive or stupid. Even when somebody wronged them they seem to forget it or disregard it and can´t see behind the front. Some things got diregarded way to fast and on the other side some reactions are way over the top.
Most of the side characters are really likeable.
It could have been more.
May 4, 2018
I saw a few reviews for this book in the negative and it made me want to read it more. You can't judge a book by the cover and I have my own opinions so here they are. This is a historical drama/love story. It is historically factual and well written even though some of the subject matter I can imagine was very difficult to research. To try and convey these events with care and attention is not an easy task. It was done with the utmost respect. This book is a story within a story. Friendships that cross the barriers of social etiquette and status. Falling in love with someone knowing what could happen if found out would have deadly consequences. Both authors produced a story that shows nothing can change the love in your heart no matter those that try to forcefully change you. Love conquers all and dreams can come true and real friendships will last a lifetime. Would I recommend this book? Absolutely 100% the subject matter can be difficult to read but it was necessary as these events unfortunately happened and still today there is racism homophobia and so called cure therapy. It's a great book that was researched brilliant and it will capture you from the word go. I would recommend having a box of tissues or two at hand because it is an emotional rollercoaster.
July 24, 2018
MEET ME AT 10, by Vicky Jones and Claire Hackney, is set in 1958 in a small town in the deep South, a community rife with prejudice and run by some "good ol' boys" who will do anything to accomplish their goals. In this setting, impoverished Shona Jackson, on the run from past tragedy, seeks a job as a mechanic and the freedom to be who she really is; Chloe Bruce, daughter of "the boss," comes from money and education but is equally victimized by the rules and regulations of her family and local society. When the two look into each other's eyes, they both know they have found "home," but building a relationship is fraught with both difficulties and danger. For me personally, this is a rewarding read, filled with angst, complex plot, intriguing central and supporting characters, and heart-stopping intensity as the forces of good and evil come to a climax. For a debut novel, it is an outstanding success, including careful editing and proofreading. Could not put it down!
February 5, 2018
I was lucky to receive a free paperback copy of this book from the author, via Facebook.
Great story ... tackles some really difficult subjects, and prejudices. Not easy reading at times, but I was fighting for the main character from the first chapter, and desperately wanted everything to work out …
Great story ... tackles some really difficult subjects, and prejudices. Not easy reading at times, but I was fighting for the main character from the first chapter, and desperately wanted everything to work out …
November 16, 2017
I loved this book! So good! Would definitely read more from these authors! Such a great love story, but definitely a sad journey to get to where they ended up.
July 4, 2018
I purchased a signed copy of 'Meet Me at 10' directly through Claire. I read this book three times in a week and a half because it captured my heart so much. I went on an emotional rollercoaster with this one but in the best way. I laughed, cried, and found myself heart broken. I fell in love with some characters and I resented others. The research aspect for portraying how life was back in the 1950's was executed perfectly and was very eye opening in the vile treatment based off of skin color and sexual orientation. It flowed perfectly and was well written. The fact that this is a debut novel for Vicky Jones and Claire Hackney is nothing short of astonishing. I cannot recommend this book enough!! It will captivate you from beginning to end and if you're anything like me you wont want to put it down. Fantastic job ladies! I cant wait to read more of your incredible work.
December 25, 2017
At first I had a hard time reading this book, being French, my standard English is not accustomed to the contraction of sentences and words, but all this has returned to normal after a few pages. For a first book I'm still impressed me who does not like books with young characters (but apparently that's what sells best) this book in the 50s, is refreshing, the characters well described and "alive". Very good first book, which should appeal to all generations ......
March 21, 2018
A very powerful story. This book is a difficult read, set in a time where people were so so badly mistreated by the colour of their skin or their sexual orientation. Similar to The Help in the theme and era. This book consumed me. Every time I had to put it down the characters stayed with me and I could not wait to pick it back up again as I was rooting for these characters and had to know the outcome. This is a heartbreaking story that had me shedding tears but one I would highly recommend.
November 8, 2017
There are places in this novel that will make you want to cry. I got the idea that it would be considered taboo for Shona Jackson to strike up a friendship with the boss's daughter. I didn't like how the police also discriminated against people of colour; and I enjoyed reading about the jovial atmosphere at the Cell Block where Cuban, Chloe and Shona were. It appeared as if there was pressure on both ends of society; though I was happy to see that there was some level of acceptance in places/people. I'm hoping that there's going to be a sequel to this book. I got an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2019
What a great story. The opening scenes let me as a reader know that this was going to be a book that told the truth about the ugly side of human nature. Shona is running away from Louisiana it is 1958, and the writers of this book have not held back on the language and bigoted views of the time. As Shona arrives in Alabama, there is hope here as she meets a couple who take her in and she makes friends with a man called Cuban. Cuban and Shona begin working together, where they meet Chloe, the boss's daughter. She seems like the only person who can save Cuban and Shona from various situations they find themselves in. There is romance which despite being faced with boundaries, the couple in question are strong enough to cross. There is violence, murder and sadness. I enjoyed the way the authors have twisted the plot, this foreshadowed the ending superbly. Great to read something so different, the characters are diverse and believable, the prose is brave and well written. When you get to the 'Meet Me At 10' bit, you'll be rooting for Shona and Chloe.
February 18, 2018
Brilliant
I loved this book it really opens your eyes to the way people are treat differently, I felt so many emotions in one book it was incredible. Its definitely worth a read xxx
I loved this book it really opens your eyes to the way people are treat differently, I felt so many emotions in one book it was incredible. Its definitely worth a read xxx
March 15, 2018
I loved this this book. The characters and storyline were well written and gripped me from the very first page. I would definitely recommend this book.
June 16, 2018
This novel kept me on the edge of my proverbial seat. The characters are full of personality, and the book accurately portrays 1950's southern American culture. Be prepared for the good, the bad, and the absolute worst. Some parts might be triggering.
I'm not surprised at how vicious and hateful white racists were in those days. What did surprise me was the level of openness others had toward gays and lesbians. Without them, we wouldn't be where we are today as a culture. Vicky and Claire do a fantastic job of depicting just how horrifying situations had to become before peace and freedom could flourish. The novel's settings change frequently, and as things become more ominous, hope for understanding and unity is still alive in the story.
This was the first fiction book I've read in several years. For some reason, I ignored fiction with the assumption that non-fiction was generally more interesting to me. Now that I've read this debut novel, I have put more fiction books in my Kindle to-be-read pile!
I'm not surprised at how vicious and hateful white racists were in those days. What did surprise me was the level of openness others had toward gays and lesbians. Without them, we wouldn't be where we are today as a culture. Vicky and Claire do a fantastic job of depicting just how horrifying situations had to become before peace and freedom could flourish. The novel's settings change frequently, and as things become more ominous, hope for understanding and unity is still alive in the story.
This was the first fiction book I've read in several years. For some reason, I ignored fiction with the assumption that non-fiction was generally more interesting to me. Now that I've read this debut novel, I have put more fiction books in my Kindle to-be-read pile!
April 21, 2019
Realised I never rated this on Goodreads from 2017.
I was fortunate to be asked to review this by the authors and received a copy.
What an incredible book it is. Encompassing strong characters who stick to their principles and overpower racism, discrimination and violence.
Uncomfortable yet compelling part of history that we must not forget and some of which still remains in a modern society.
I can't wait for the prequel and sequel
Thankyou for an incredible journey and good luck for future ventures.
I was fortunate to be asked to review this by the authors and received a copy.
What an incredible book it is. Encompassing strong characters who stick to their principles and overpower racism, discrimination and violence.
Uncomfortable yet compelling part of history that we must not forget and some of which still remains in a modern society.
I can't wait for the prequel and sequel
Thankyou for an incredible journey and good luck for future ventures.
April 18, 2018
Worth the read
The subject matter was challenging. Infuriating. But the ending is worth it.
Don’t read if you want soft, fluffy romance. But if you want something different. Raw. Rough. Then I recommend this book.
The subject matter was challenging. Infuriating. But the ending is worth it.
Don’t read if you want soft, fluffy romance. But if you want something different. Raw. Rough. Then I recommend this book.
January 29, 2019
Literally took me a year and one day to finish this book. I gave up on it into the first few chapters, too heart breaking and harsh of my taste. Picked it up two days ago and I’m glad I finished it. This book will make you feel sad, angry, and smile. Wish one of the main characters didn’t die, but I truly enjoyed this book. There is moral to the story but I will the readers figure it out. Highly recommend this book. Absolutely a beautiful storyline.
June 21, 2021
I was gifted an Audible version of this book from Story Origin. This is my voluntary review.
Shona is running from abuse in the 50's deep south. It deals with racial and sexual orientation prejudice, poverty and women issues. A very tough book to read. Will have you thinking long after finishing it. A wonderful read.
The narrator was ok. She performed the characters very well. I felt she read too slow as I am busy and would have liked the book to move along faster. Altho, I suppose it was appropriate for the slow moving deep south in the 50's.
Shona is running from abuse in the 50's deep south. It deals with racial and sexual orientation prejudice, poverty and women issues. A very tough book to read. Will have you thinking long after finishing it. A wonderful read.
The narrator was ok. She performed the characters very well. I felt she read too slow as I am busy and would have liked the book to move along faster. Altho, I suppose it was appropriate for the slow moving deep south in the 50's.
January 6, 2018
Very thought provoking novel and well worth a read and enjoyable after finding the book a little slow to get into. I tried to see past the sensitive issues as this was not really my genre but seeing good reviews, I thought I was worth a try especially the main character Shona, a closeted Lesbian (understandably yes after what she went through, them trying to cure the gay out of her) Sadly the things that have happened with racial issues in the 50s did happen and it broke my heart know how ignorant and prejudice the guys were. I really admired Chloe, her strength and pride along with Shona dealing with everything she disagreed with how the her fathers company mistreating the employee Cuban because he was Black. I do have to say that there was an overuse of the unpleasant “N” word.
November 9, 2017
I received an advanced ebook for free for review. The opening scene in this 1950s Alabama book starts with an attempted rape of the main character Shona who is hitchhiking to escape from something. The failed attempt causes the truck driver to shoot at her with no success. Shona is a very angry character, with rights to be, with pretty foul language that bullies her way into a mechanics job. There she meets Elbie, an elderly widower and Cuban, a black man that has the same thing happen to him twice, but not before another rape scene similar to the first. This book took me out of the story too often with cliches that were out of place and language that was unnecessary to get a point across. Shona' s running from her lesbianism since the age of 13 in the 1950s south also failed to seem believable. It just didn't work for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews