Miss Ophelia

by Mary Burnett Smith

Part coming-of-age story and part slice of life, this remarkable novel explores the issues of abortion, illegitimacy, adultery, and skin color.

Rural Virginia, 1948. Belly Anderson is now in the autumn of her life. She cannot help but reminisce about the last summer of her childhood and the events that transpired which irrevocably changed her.

A strong-willed and free-spirited eleven-year-old, Belly reluctantly leaves her home in rural Pharaoh and goes to Jamison to help her mean Aunt Rachel recover from surgery. Belly has two reasons for deciding to go to Jamison: She's left alone when her only friend becomes pregnant and is sent away, and she hopes that she'll be allowed to take piano lessons from Miss Ophelia—her mother's childhood friend.

While taking lessons from Miss Ophelia, Belly soon grows very fond of her teacher and forms a deep bond with her. Then, she learns a terrible secret about Miss Ophelia—a secret that forces Belly to grow up and learn what it really means to be an adult.

Compelling, moving, and deeply absorbing, Miss Ophelia is an unforgettable, timely story that will resonate with readers long after the final page is turned.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Coming Of Age, African American

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 1997

Reviews

[Rose Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read "Miss Ophelia" 3 times and I am reading it now. When I pick this book up I am so in tuned with it and the characters I simply cannot put it down. While reading "Miss Ophelia" I suddenly becomes "Belly" and then I began to see my grandbaby "Kaeli" as "Belly". Through the eyes of this little girl (11 years old) a world of hilarious and passionate episodes just unfolds all at once. It takes me back to my own childhood in many ways and it also reveals (just growing up and making sense of the adults around us and how and why they did the things they do). A beautiful well written novel by Mary Burnett Smith. No matter how many times I read it I am always looking forward to the next chapter!!☺

[Beverlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Ophelia is story that covers many topics with ease. "Belly" Anderson is 11 years old, growing up in the small rural town of Pharoah. The topics covered in Miss Ophelia are somewhat taboo- teen pregnancy, colorism, passing, the concept of "church folks", especially considering the setting of 1948. These are all issues that are relevant today, even though the circumstances may differ slightly. I especially appreciated that Ms. Smith treated Belly as an individual who didn't follow the crowd- she loves to read and isn't boy crazy or out of control. Her mother and Uncle are probably the main reasons for this, as they encouraged Belly to forge her own path.
I think Miss Ophelia can be read as a cautionary tale as well as a coming of age story. Cautionary in that this is what happens when you keep secrets or do things you shouldn't (supposedly). Depending on who's point of view you agree with, this book can be a commentary on the pitfalls of premarital sex and infidelity or a question of remaining in a loveless marriage to spare someone the agony of being crucified in their hometown. In my humble opinion, I think it's the latter. Choose wisely, for it's hard to predict how a choice made today will affect the future.

[Hollis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arguably a neglected contribution to Black American literature, seemingly forgotten. Arguably, because as maturely and observantly written, its also overlong and dated upon arrival. It feels like a text that would've found its place in the late 1960s or 70s, not the 90s. Its romantic and nostalgic, and where it lacks in style, one can still appreciate valuable details relating to girlhood, gender, music, colorism, and class manners.

[Liesel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not impressed. Characters weren’t well developed and the story was wandering and rather boring.

[Shayla Kannan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Bamboozlepig · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was kind of a wandering mess. I couldn't connect to any of the characters.

[Dawn Ellington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite coming of age books. Excellent character and story development. Written so well I felt like I personally knew the characters and could visualize every scene.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss Ophelia is well written, and the characters are certainly believable (especially Uncle Willie and Aunt Rachel). It's an interesting story told from the p.o.v. of an eleven year old girl who lives in a small town in the 1940's. My problem with the book is that I found the main character (Belly) hard to like--and since I didn't sympathize with her much, it was difficult to care about her. She was petulant, often sulky and (to use a Southernism) sassy-mouthed. Of course, this just proves that the author is good at infusing her characters with realism...but I'd hoped for a more likable person to tell the story. Three stars.

[Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of my most cherished reads of the summer. Not only was it a black girl narrative(which i love) but it was also set in the south. It's is an easy read because Mart Burnett Smith is a gifted writer with a soul from the south. She is a natural story teller that usefully uses detail for perspective and not simply depth. All of this was reflected in the story. The characters were well developed. The language reminded me of things i grew up hearing my grandmother say. I just LOVE this book !!

[Ellen Marchessault · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hidden gem of a book. Very believable characters and an engrossing story. Narrated by young Belly (Isabel) during the eventful summer of her 11th year, when her best friend has a baby and her uncle has an affair that also results in a child. I liked how the story was basically told in flashback, with present time at the beginning and at the end.

[She Reads for Jesus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly phenomenal book that tackles several issues regarding a young African American girl's growth through adolescence. A well written story, I recommend this novel to anyone interested in African American literature.

[Gerry Durisin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A piano teacher, Miss Ophelia, gives lessons in more than music. A willing student, Isabel, learns about life. A beautiful, lyrical narrative that takes place in rural Mississippi in the summer of 1948.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

good and easy read. interesting story

[Roshaunda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story! Well defined characters and plot.

[Karen Hogan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Coming of age story of a young black girl who learns to play piano from a sophisticated lady from NYC. Kept my interest enough to finish, but not my favorite.

[Messiah ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I read this book. I laughed several times at Uncle Willie and his disputes with Aunt Rachel.

[Toesnorth's mom]

first novel, good!

[Jonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was a wonderful book. I loved every minute of reading it. The author wrote it so well that the reader just falls in to the book and escapes to another world. Put it on your list to read!

[Aprille · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly loved this book..I am not saying anything more except ..read it..You will be glad you did..

[Angie Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Powerful worldview on race, discrimination and the hard-to-conquer generational gap. I wanted to be taught by Miss Ophelia - the lessons stay with you long after you close the book.

[Kema Reads (a lot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Uncle Willie is something else. He is by far my FAVORITE character. I love when such an unassuming book turns out to be such a gem!