Les Suprêmes chantent le blues

The Supremes #2

by Edward Kelsey Moore

Quarante ans après avoir quitté la petite ville de Plainview dans l’Indiana en faisant le serment de ne plus jamais y remettre les pieds, un chanteur de blues dans la débine revient sur les lieux à contrecoeur afin de s’y produire à l’occasion de l’improbable mariage d’un vieil ami. Tandis qu’elles assistent à sa prestation incroyablement émouvante, Odette, Clarice et Barbara Jean, dites “Les Suprêmes”, n’ont pas la moindre idée de la profonde mutation que l’arrivée d’un tel personnage, venu d’un lointain passé, va provoquer en elles et autour d’elles. Après le triomphe de son premier roman, Les Suprêmes (best-seller dans la liste du New York Times qui a enthousiasmé les lecteurs du monde entier), Edward K. Moore revient avec une histoire de pères et de fils, de péchés de jadis et d’acceptations à venir, qu’incarnent de nouveau, sous le signe d’une irrésistible drôlerie, des personnages aussi puissants qu’attachants.

Genres: Fiction, Humor, African American, Historical Fiction, Music, Contemporary, Friendship

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Edward Kelsey Moore is a professional cellist and author from Chicago. During his high school years, and onward into college, Edward Kelsey Moore experimented with writing short stories. As he finished his education he set writing aside and focused on building a career in music. Many years later, as a member of a string quartet, Edward was hired to perform at a reception for the winners of a local writing contest. As he played background music Edward considered: "I could have sent in a story..." It was an inspiring event and within a few weeks Edward Kelsey Moore began writing again. His short fiction has been published in many literary magazines including: Indiana Review, African American Review, and Inkwell. His short story Grandma and the Elusive Fifth Crucifix was selected as an audience favorite from the Stories on Stage series produced by WBEZ in Chicago. It was broadcast locally, and over National Public Radio. The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat is Edward Kelsey Moore's debut novel.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an absolute joy of a book to read, set in the close knit community of Plainview, Indiana, where everyone knows everyone and there is plenty of gossip. A trio of black grandmothers in their sixties, who have known each other a long time, are the Supremes. They have seen each other through the ups and downs that life has thrown at them, always there for each other when needed. It begins with the wedding of the unlikely couple of Miss Beatrice, the hell, fire and damnation mother of Clarice, to Forrest, the owner of the Slippers Nightclub, once seen as a racy establishment. Playing the Happy Heartache Blues at the wedding is bluesman El Walker, a man whose return to Plainview lays him low after a traumatic history that resulted in leaving his beloved son and wife, Ruthie, behind.

The Supremes are facing difficult and stressful times as they sing the Happy Heartache Blues. Clarice is living on her own after a series of infidelities by Richmond, her husband, although they are still seeing other regularly. She has at long last achieved some success in her lifelong dream to be a singer, but is falling apart over her upcoming concert in the Park in Chicago. Richmond is serving as her physical stressbuster but this is not without its complications. Odette is happily married to a state trooper, James, was born up a Sycamore tree, attracts every cat in the area, and can see the ghosts of dead people, most particularly her mother who is often in the company of Eleanor Roosevelt. She has had to face serious health issues, supported the troubled young Terry Robinson when his family threw him out and tries to support James when he falls apart. Barbara Jean's life has gone well in terms of money but she is plagued by the horrors of her childhood with her promiscuous mother, Loretta. She finds that the company of El helps her come to terms with this background as she comes to understand her mother better.

This is a novel that has so much warmth and humour in it. The Supremes have faced the slings and arrows that life throws, but their friendship is the bedrock which allows them to survive them. El Walker, a talented blues guitarist, hits rock bottom but finds himself succumbing to the support offered by Barbara Jean. The real strengths of this novel are the characters, from Veronica, with her extravagant line in fashion and faith in Miss Minnie's fortunetelling to the absolutely gorgeous, fabulous, and stunning Audrey Crawford. A lovely book that made me laugh out loud and which I highly recommend. Thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel to The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat revisits three women - Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean - who grew up as best friends in Plainview, Indiana. Affectionately called 'The Supremes', the trio of African-American women, now in their sixties, have supported each through life's ups and downs for decades.

I strongly suggest that interested readers start with the first book.

*****

Odette and her husband James are happily married empty nesters, whose children and grandchildren live in Chicago.



Odette, who was born in a sycamore tree, is a fearless woman who sees - and speaks with - ghosts....most often her mother and Eleanor Roosevelt. James is a State Trooper with a long facial scar from the time his drug-addict father cut him with a razor blade before deserting the family. James fell in love with Odette when they were in grade school, and the story behind this is marvelous!💖

Clarice is a concert pianist, living separately from her husband Richmond, who was a notorious womanizer. The couple still see each other, especially when Clarice needs some loving.



Clarice is happy with the arrangement, but Richmond wants to reconcile - and is trying to prove that he's mended his ways.

Barbara Jean is a gentle philanthropist who's married to the love of her life.



The beautiful, wealthy fashionista has clothes closets that would swallow the average apartment. 👗 However, when she was a child, Barbara Jean lived in a run-down shack with her drug addict, prostitute mother.

*****

As the book opens, Clarice's elderly mother Beatrice - a very devout Christian lady, is marrying Forrest Payne - owner of the Pink Slipper Gentleman’s Club.



The club was once a nightclub/brothel, but 'true love' convinced Forrest to turn it into a music venue. The wedding of the two octogenarians has brought legendary guitar bluesman El Walker 🎸 back to Plainview, to sing at the nuptials. El left town under a cloud more than fifty years ago, and his return starts a lot of wheels turning.



As a child, El lived in the same terrible foster home as Barbara Jean's mother Loretta, who he thought of as a sister. The bluesman has memories and photos of Loretta to share with Barbara Jean, who comes to understand her mother better.



El also has other connections to Plainview, which are revealed as the story unfolds.

Another thread of the story revolves around twentyish Terry Robinson, who used to hide out in Odette's pavilion when he was a frightened schoolboy. Odette befriended the youth, who was shunned by his father and bullied by his schoolmates for being too feminine.



When Terry's father threw him out, the boy loudly vowed to come back and piss on his dad's grave. That time might be getting close, since Terry's father - Wayne Robinson - is dying.....and quite worried about the peeing.😒



As all this is going on, Clarice is preparing for an important piano recital in Chicago, a concert that could affect her future as a musician. Clarice is extremely nervous about the upcoming show, and her anxiety is exacerbated by Richmond's constant pleas to get back together.

The book depicts a lot of heartache, with many of the most painful scenes harking back to difficult childhoods, drug addiction, illness, and dysfunctional families.

There's also plenty of humor in the novel. Some of the funniest parts are about Clarice's cousin Veronica, who longs to be influential and admired. Veronica has a new grandbaby, Apollo, who (unfortunately) looks like an ugly little piglet. People's reactions to photos of little Apollo - and the infant himself - are hilarious. (If you're a 'Seinfeld' fan, this is reminiscent of the ugly baby episode.)



Veronica's issues comes to a head when she substitutes for the sick pastor at a Sunday church service. Veronica's sermon - and what she says afterward - will be remembered in Plainview forever!😁

Edward Kelsey Moore has created memorable characters that range from religious zealots to people who are gay and transgender. The empathy of (most of) the townsfolk toward the latter folks is nice to see.

I enjoyed this book very much, and look forward to more stories about the residents of Plainview. Highly recommended.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....

[Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues is a delightful read from start to finish. The characters are likeable and clever, the dialogue is outstanding and authentic, and the plot is highly entertaining. Clarice, Barbara Jean and Odette have been friends since childhood and are known in their town of Plainview, Indiana as The Supremes. Each woman is struggling with her own issues and trying to come to terms with events from her past that are coming to a head in the present. As the story unfolds, a variety of other characters play integral roles in the tale including the women’s spouses, numerous neighbors, several long absent town residents and most enjoyably Odette’s dead mother who frequently communicates with Odette. Moore writes beautifully and manages to create individualized and interesting characters that I was rooting for as they attempt to resolve past and present issues. One of my favorite parts was when Odette’s mother would appear to her and offer advice. Sometimes ghost appearances are not written very effectively, but Moore pens Odette’s mother with finesse. I just cannot say enough good things about this book – it is a very worthwhile read (and a fantastic cover as well). I will be thinking about this incredible cast of characters for quite some time. Thanks to Henry Holt for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone's back in the sequel to The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat. A few more characters are introduced which adds to the storyline and they fit in flawlessly. A darker theme is prominent throughout but well done. Still, all the feels are there as with the first book. Questions were answered and these fine folks continue to meet at Earl's for good food, gossip, and friendship. I miss them already.

[Andre(Read-A-Lot) · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️.5️⃣ This book didn't resonate with me and I never really got fully committed. The Supremes seem to be a fun bunch of friends and in this second novel there is a lot, perhaps too much going on to build an engaging story around. The ghost thing doesn't work well, as a character device. The storylines seemed forced and don't flow in a manner that makes you want to keep reading. The prose is ordinary and some of the plot points are plain silly. The main story is the return of El to Plainview, IN. A place he vowed to never return to, because of all the bad that happened there. He returns to play guitar at his friends fourth wedding and would like to set the record straight with his son, but other characters and poorly developed plot lines keep getting in the way. Perhaps had the author kept the focus on El through out the novel the book would have come together more cohesively. I think this may be a case of having too many characters to work with and trying to find some way to work them into the story. It just doesn't work out well. I received an advanced reading copy from Net galley in exchange for an honest review. The book publishes June 20, 2017.⭐️⭐️.5️⃣

[Kalen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the first one better but it was such a treat to spend time with the Supremes again.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to the unabridged audio of THE SUPREMES SING THE HAPPY HEARTACHE BLUES authored by Edward Kelsey Moore and read by Adenrele Ojo. It is a novel of family, passions, and forgiveness sprinkled with humour and grit.
Mr. El Walker, a great guitar blues man comes to Plainview, Indiana to perform at the wedding ceremony of Mr. Forrest Payne, owner of The Pink Slipper Gentlemen's Club, and Miss Beatrice Jordan. He has regrets and secrets and hopes to quietly and quickly leave town.
Barbara Jean, Clarice and Odette are lifelong friends and are known locally as "The Supremes". These ladies know each other's strengths and weaknesses and are always ready to lend a hand. I look forward to reading more about these ladies in The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat.
4****

[Jill Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An old black man, partially crippled by diabetic attacks as well as a history of drug and alcohol abuse, arrives in his old hometown, Plainview, Indiana, carrying a suitcase and a spotted guitar, named "Ruthie". He is returning to Plainview to sing the blues at his old friend's fourth wedding. He is arriving in town as "El Walker", but that's not the name he left as fifty or so years before. His name then was Marcus Henry and he was the father of James Henry.

El Walker is the central figure in Edward Kelsey Moore's newest novel, "The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues", which is the sequel to "The Supremes at Earls's All-You-Can-Eat", published in 2013. That book introduced "The Supremes", three life-long friends in a small southern Indiana town. In the review I wrote then, I said that Moore's book was a wonderful look at the black middle class, and compared favorably to works by James Wilcox, who writes about the white middle class in small Southern towns. In this book, Moore has taken the characters - both those alive and dead - and brought them together again, using El Walker/Marcus Henry as the catalyst.

Marcus Henry had basically been kicked out of town after cutting his young son's face and leaving a horrendous scar, as well as being being a general troublemaker James grew up with "Big Earl" acting as a father figure, but as a child and adult missed the father who had hurt him so badly. He married Odette, who loved him and provided him with a family and a strong sense of personal security. James Henry became an Indiana State policeman, living a good life. But a portion of him missed the father who hurt him and then left him. Marcus Henry, taking a new identity as El Walker, moved around the country and the world, gaining fame as a singer of the blues, while living with addictions.

But James Henry wasn't the only Plainview citizen with a connection to El Walker. El had known the mother of Barbara Jean Carlson, one of the "Supremes". He had been raised in a foster home with Loretta, a beautiful girl who became a prostitute and died young of alcoholism, leaving Barbara Jean to make her way in the world. El was able to give Barbara Jean a sense of who her mother was, besides a prostitute.

Those are just two of the characters whose lives are changed in the book. The ideas of forgiveness and moving on are touched on again and again. Maybe a person hurt by another can't forgive without knowing the one who has hurt him. El/Marcus's late life appearance in Plainview certainly sets off self-examination of many people's lives.

I received this book from the author for an honest review. I'm a little sorry that "The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues" is the second and last book in the series. But I think Moore has said what he had to say about people and places, and love and forgiveness, in his two books. They are both masterful.

[Bookread2day · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exuberant and poignant novel of passions, family and forgiveness, from the author of the best selling The Supremes at Earl's All You Can Eat. Edwards literary work often reflects both his life as a musician and his upbringing as the backsliding son of a Baptist preacher. Published by Hodder & Stoughton in hardback on the 22nd June 2017. I only read paperbacks or hardbacks, but readers will be pleased to know that this title is available in ebook. I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy to read.

[autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is AMAZING. it belongs to the subgenre of (i'm sure there's a real name for it) social-drama-set-in-a-small-town-with-a-large-interconnected-cast a la the casual vacancy, which is a (pseudo-)genre i absolutely love! the characters were really nuanced and complex, and so real i really did feel like they were about to jump off the page. this book is so teeming with life and passion it practically has a beating heart. i'll definitely be reading anything and everything else edward kelsey moore writes


TLDR of next paragraph: there's a trans character, and while the narrative avoids obvious transphobic pitfalls like her dying for example, and all the main characters are *essentially* supportive, the overall handling is messy and confusing at best
the one problem i did have with it, though, is that it seems to feature a trans character. in her pov chapters, she generally uses she/her pronouns to refer to herself and calls herself 'audrey,' except when talking about her upbringing in a conservative household and small town, when she refers to herself in the past as he/him and terry, her birth name. almost all of the other characters are very respectful of her right to live and dress as she wants, but they all refer to her as 'terry,' he/him, and usually something along the lines of 'a feminine boy.' (this clearly comes across as the author misunderstanding trans identities, not the characters choosing to disrespect them) the only specific identity language audrey uses to describe herself is 'drag queen' once. in an interview, the author refers to her as genderfluid, though in the story itself audrey's identity seems less to fluctuate between genders and more to fluctuate between 'i like to wear dresses because they make me feel pretty' and 'wearing a suit and tie is almost physically painful to me'. the story as a whole has a sort of timeless feel, and i'm cis but as i understand it the language used to describe (and self-describe) trans identities has changed a lot even in just the last few years, let alone the last few decades. the language and understanding of trans identities in the book reminded me of what (very little) i've read about marsha p johnson and the language she used to describe herself. if it's meant to be set closer to that time period (80s-90s) this language could seem more appropriate and historically accurate, but if it's meant to be set now (which i'm pretty sure it is), then i can't help but think all of this, including this 2 mile paragraph, could have been prevented with a quick google search. i would say it's clear the author doesn't intend offense, as i do believe he had good intentions, but again this was easily preventable

[La Tonya Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Odetta is recovering from a cancer diagnosis her friends are at her side. A prodigy classical piano player, Clarice, losing confidence in her ability to play in front of large crowds her friends are at her side. Barbara Jean finally seeing her mother thru the eyes of EL Walker as somebody other than a whore and a drunk her friends are at her side. Friendships and marriages that have lasted over forty years is the background of this sequel to "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat." It was wonderful to read sincere bantering from the friendships of those who truly care for the individuals and the relationships. A lifetime of commitment. A delightful read.


Quote:

No, she'd been taught as a youngster that horses sweat, men perspire, and ladies' glow.

Of course, during the same years when Richmond had been demonstrating his talents as a good father, a reliable provider, and an amusing and consistently presentable dinner companion, he had also repeatedly humiliated her and broken her heart.

"Ain't nothin' fair in this life, and ain't nobody gonna help you but you. "

I tried, but I wasn't good enough. That's the story of my life.

[Sera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second in the series. Moore takes "the Supremes" and digs more deeply into their characters and those who surround them. The relationship between fathers and sons is one of the prominent themes in the book. It's not something that I see tackled very often in the books that I read, and I thought that Moore did a nice job addressing the complexity in what it means to forgive the actions of another and whether such forgiveness must be given in the first place.

Moore is a compelling storyteller. His books on audio really draw you in because the characters are deeply drawn, flawed and very relatable. Moore tackles issues regarding addiction, foster children and gender identity. Even though these topics can be depressing on their face, Moore weaves an uplifting tale filled with hope, understanding and love.

I highly recommend this series.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my definition of a 'comfort' book. It is the type of story you read with a smile on your face and warmth in your soul. The characters quickly felt like old friends to me. There is humor, heartbreak, joy and pain but it all seems like it is real and heartfelt. A really pleasant read! I will definitely have to go back and read the earlier book in this series.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't quite enjoy it as much as The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat, but I loved revisiting these characters. If you liked the first book, it's definitely worth the read.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odette, Clarice and Barbara Jean ("the Supremes") have been friends since they were in grade school and now, in their 60's, they are still inseparable. They still occupy the corner window table every Sunday after church at Earl's-All-You-Can-Eat restaurant where they and their husbands visit with friends and neighbors. Their current focus is on El Walker, a well-known blues man who has returned to Plainview, Indiana, to sing at the wedding of an old friend. Although El tries to leave town before his past is revealed, a medical emergency lands him in the local hospital for an extended stay. Slowly the truth comes out; El is the long-lost and long-despised father of Odette's husband James. Odette, hoping to help her husband deal with his mixed emotions, decides to force the two men into a confrontation. While facing their own life issues, Clarice and Barbara Jean back their beloved friend's decision but James may not be won over quite so easily.

I did not enjoy this book as much as I did the first "Supremes" story, but it was still a good read. The characters of the three women are warm, devoted and quite humorous at times. I do hope there is a third book on the horizon.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy, I've missed Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean. I was so intolerable with this book that I would read it out loud to whomever was around me while I was reading (the diner, the Doctor's office, at work.)
This volume revolves around James, Odette's husband and his father who James suffered at the hands of when the boy was four.
Cousin Veronica sees her come uppance. Clarice's and Richmond's concepts of marriage are explored. Not so much time spent at Earl's, but he's not forgotten.
Grab a lemonade, a box of tissues (there are crying AND laughable times ahead), kick off your shoes and enjoy.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book about the Supremes and their friendship, families and life story was quite interesting.. this one seemed to be more detailed making it not as interesting.. for me.... I remembered a little bit about the first book although I don't think it is necessary to have read The Supremes at Earls All You Can Eat...in order to enjoy this one... The characters.. and I do mean characters.. are such real people that finding out more details of their lives is worth reading about - it just takes a while..

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't care aboutbook order, but in this case, do NOT read this one without first reading The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat. The first book lays so much groundwork that will help you understand the second.

This second book is pure joy. Amid pathos, wonder, family, belly laughs, music (the blues), a few friendly ghosts, a pivotal transgender issue that has nothing to do with bathrooms, and Beethoven, you have something for everyone.

[Taneka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to catch up to the Supremes but dismayed that the story is not really about the ladies. Barbara Jean was my favorite in the last book, but she didn't have much of a story. We learned a bit about her mother, but that was all. This story was mostly about James, Odette's husband, and him dealing with his past, which by the end of the story, I thought was incomplete. We didn't find out whether that was he and his wife in that Paris nightclub or not.

Still an interesting read.

[Cher 'N Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. I didn't love it like I did the first in the series.

[Marji Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another outstanding novel by Edward Moore. He amazes me in his ability to see into the lives of the women in the book. While this is a sequel to The Supremes at Earl's All You Can Eat, it's a little different. It still focuses on the three women known as the Supremes, but Moore expands the novel to introduce some new characters, who enrich the novel.

Moore plays with the narrative voice again here, switching from 1st to 3rd and back to 1st, but somehow he makes it work.

The dialogue is excellent, the plot moves steadily, comedy is woven into the very serious themes, and he balances dialogue and narration beautifully. This novel is a little darker than the first, but when the c0medy comes, it's laugh out loud scenes that will stay with you for a long time.

Some sequels can be read as stand alones. I don't recommend that with this book. But the first book is excellent and you shouldn't skip it anyway.

[Gemini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to Be Back

I really enjoyed The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat. It felt like a complete story that didn’t need a sequel. As I read this follow up novel, I was glad to get more from The Supremes. Their bond was still beautiful and unbreakable. This time around Odette’s mother and Eleanor Roosevelt didn’t seem so bizarre to me. I loved the introduction of new characters to make the storyline even more soulful. The author did an amazing job with the character development. The writing was so vivid. This was a heartwarming story packed with heavy emotions and the right amount of humor. I loved it. This felt like a visit filled with lots of warm hugs from my favorite relatives

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Supremes, Clarice, Barbara Jean and Odette, who featured in Mr. Moore's first book are now in their sixties. Each are having issues with family and situations but as usual with these lifelong friends, they are always there for each other.

A wedding has brought a famous Blues musician, El Walker, into town and James, Odette's husband discovers that he is his long lost father. El has lived a very hard life and knows that he can't right the wrongs, but is brave enough to face his old hometown.

It was lovely to read about these friends again and to see the roads that their lives had taken. I enjoyed this book as much as the first book in the series.

[Almira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again "the Supremes" are supporting and loving each other as only strong women can do.

Love is in the air, along with a wedding, unusual as it is with those tying the knot - Mr. Forrest Payne, owner of the Pink Slipper Gentlemen's Club, and Miss Beatrice Jordan, who is usually outside the club "yelling warnings of eternal damnation" to those who have just visited the club. With the surprise appearance of Mr. El Walker, the great blues guitar-man, giving a "command" performance at the wedding - he swore he would never return to Plainview, Indiana again, with a secret that just might tear the town and the Supremes apart.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleased to have won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

Although I hadn't read the first book, it didn't matter. This was a very enjoyable book and something different from my norm. Loved the design of the cover! Whilst I rarely write what a story is about for fear of spoiling for others, I do recommend.

[Orsayor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but...

(Review coming soon)

[Cfkotula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel to "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" novel continues to entertain! The characters are engaging and humorous. Odette still visits with the ghost of her feisty Mama, while her husband's life is turned upside down when her deadbeat, bluesman father-in-law shows up one day and reenters their life. Chuckles and heartache mingle for a satisfying read!

[J'aime Nowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I stopped trying to remember what happened in the first book, I really enjoyed this book. Such likeable and interesting characters.

[LaDonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great follow up to the first book. Characters remain real and relatable.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second novel carrying characters over from the first book. Recommend both books by Edward Kelsey Moore. Great writing in the vein of Fannie Flagg or Mark Childress. Funny and moving, dealing with heavy topics of family and forgiveness while showcasing lighter scenes of small town life.