The Talking Drum

by Lisa Braxton

It is 1971 and Bellport, Massachusetts is a dying factory town. But the coming urban redevelopment will have even more implications for the residents. Sydney Stallworth has left her law studies to support her husband’s dream of opening a business in the heart of the black community. For Omar Bassari, a drummer from Senegal, Bellport will be the launching pad from which he hopes to spread African culture across the world. Della Tolliver has built a fragile sanctuary for herself, her boyfriend, and her daughter Jasmine, a troubled child prone to nightmares and outbursts. Tensions rise as the demolition date moves closer and suspicious fires begin to break out. Bellport’s residents find themselves increasingly at odds with the political system that is manipulating their lives and their relationships. Examining the profound impact of gentrification, The Talking Drum explores intra-racial, class, and cross-cultural tensions, along with the meaning of community and belonging.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Book Club

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2020

About the author

Lisa Braxton is the author of the memoir, Dancing Between the Raindrops: A Daughter’s Reflections on Love and Loss, published by Sea Crow Press. Her novel, The Talking Drum, published by Inanna Publications, is the winner of an Independent Publisher (IPPY) Book Awards Gold Medal and an Outstanding Literary Award from the National Association of Black Journalists. She is on the executive board of the Writers Room of Boston, and a writing instructor at Grub Street Boston. serves as President of the Greater Boston Section of the National Council of Negro Women and is a member of Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Talking Drum is set in 1970s New England. This was the era of bell bottoms and the Black Power Movement. Braxton brings alive this sense of racial pride and communal vitality with Petite Africa, a burgeoning immigrant community. A beautiful mosaic of African shops and restaurants, it is not only where the people make their living, but also where they get their spiritual sustenance. New to this community are Sydney and Malachi. Their dream is to open a book store and African American cultural center. But before their business The Talking Drum gets off the ground there are several suspicious fires. Housing units have been burned down displacing the people who call Petite Africa home. Many believe that these fires are a result of arson as all of the targets were buildings that the city's revitalization program was trying to acquire.



This premise of gentrification and its impact on the black community was what drew me to this book. With the beating of the drums as an undercurrent throughout the book, Braxton reminds the reader of our connection to the ancestors and spirituality. That rhythm is our collective heartbeat. It symbolizes that all within the diaspora are of one blood despite our divisiveness.

The take home message from The Talking Drum was about community and of people holding steadfast in their convictions and weathering the storm together. Yes, there were a few seedy characters -- but aren't there always? The important thing that we should know is that there are always people in our corner and that we draw our strength from working together.


Stop by my blog "Carry A Big Book" and read my interview with Lisa Braxton.

Special thanks to Laura Marie PR and Inanna Press for advanced access to this book

[Shomeret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Publicist Laura Marie asked me to join the blog tour for The Talking Drum, the debut novel of Lisa Braxton. I accepted the free review copy that she supplied because I was interested in the issues involving race, class, immigration and urban culture conflict that Braxton raises.

This novel called my attention to urban redevelopment. The entire concept has always been about displacing people who are marginalized. In The Talking Drum, the fictional city of Bellville, Massachusetts wanted to demolish the homes and businesses of a neighborhood primarily populated by African immigrants. No, not white wealthy African immigrants. Let's get real. Urban redevelopment has never been aimed at them. Cities usually want to eradicate neighborhoods where poor persons of color live, and I've discovered through research for this review that the persons of color don't even have to be poor to be the targets of urban redevelopment schemes. This is another manifestation of systemic racism.

Just as in real life, there is no permanent victory against the forces of "urban re-development" in The Talking Drum. Let us hope that there will always be those like Lisa Braxton who will lift up the voices of the marginalized communities that could be impacted before it's too late.

I consider The Talking Drum an original and thought provoking novel. For me, it's a strong candidate for best indie novel published in 2020.

I wrote two different blog reviews about this book.

The blog tour review is focused on female protagonist Sydney Stallworth. You can find it at https://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2020...

I also wrote a blog review primarily focused on the themes of this book. You can find it at https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Talking Drum
Author: Lisa Braxton
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4 out of 5

I enjoyed The Talking Drum. So much cultural diversity made it a very vivid read. I think I enjoyed Omar’s story the most, but all of the characters were believable and powerful, as they struggled against overwhelming odds without a lot of hope or support.

The drums were a powerful thread running through the narrative, and I loved how they held everything together, echoing the message of the story.

(Galley courtesy of Inanna Press in exchange for an honest review.)

[chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

i received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. all opinions below are my own.

the talking drum is a beautifully-written debut novel about dreams, community and friendship.

the story reflects the author’s experience as a former television journalist, and i enjoyed getting to know more about the journalism industry through reading about the main character, sydney, who recently starts to write for her local paper. she has so much passion for her job, you can literally feel it coursing through the pages. ♡

apart from her career in journalism, the author based the story on other aspects of her life as well. she grew up in her parents’ clothing store, which her dad had dreamed of opening a long time ago, and remembers the store fondly as a hub for discussions and exchanging ideas, which is similar to the bookstore and cultural centre in the book. in the novel, sydney and her husband, malachi jointly own a bookstore and cultural centre called the talking drum, which mainly focuses on african american literature and is a place for scholarly debate. malachi has always wanted to open a bookstore, and seeing him finally achieve it with the support of his wife is such an incredibly beautiful thing to read about. in the novel, the bookstore becomes a neutral ground for residents of petite africa and liberty hill, who often have conflicting views because of the urban renewal project threatening to destroy petite africa. it’s heartwarming to see people gathered there and having a good time, forgetting about their worries even if it’s just for a short while.

the bookstore’s real-life counterpart, the author’s parents’ clothing store, has a sad ending similar to what petite africa is facing in the book, and in the early 2000s, it closed to pave way for a redevelopment project. everything about the story is realistic and well thought-out, and you can really tell that the subject matter is something close to the author’s heart. (you can read more about the story behind the talking drum here: https://lisabraxton.com/the-story-tha....)

“did you know that the african drum shall talk to you?” he asked jasmine.
she started giggling. “a drum can’t talk.”
“it shall talk,” he stated. “even the smallest drum can talk, like the one you are holding.”

the petite africa community (which is sadly fictional) is also really interesting to read about. it’s far from perfect, but it’s filled with such rich cultures. for many new immigrants from africa and the west indies, petite africa is usually where they first stay before figuring out what their next step will be, so the population there comprises people from many different places. i loved reading about uncle mustapha’s senegalese restaurant – the dishes he serves, especially the lamb stew, sound absolutely delicious, and i cannot stop thinking about them! i have never tried senegalese cuisine, but i really hope to, if given the chance. omar’s passion for traditional african music and the drums is also really inspiring. this may sound cliche, but i really admire how he believes in himself, his dreams, and his craft no matter what, even if those who are closest to him are doubtful of his success. it also melts my heart seeing how determined uncle mustapha is in defending his home and protesting against the demolition of petite africa – the characters in this book are so strong-willed and i am 100% here for it.

in conclusion, the talking drum is an absolutely fantastic novel and i would highly recommend it, especially if you are a fan of chimamanda adichie’s work.

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt and complex novel about new beginnings and relationships, about love and trust, racial discrimination and greed.

I loved the characters of Sydney and Omar th most, even though they are completely different they both eventually succeed in their endeavours. Character development ia really well depicted throughout the book and it is really a pleasure to read and become addicted to the story.

Arson would seem like a difficult topic to integrate, yet Lisa Braxton manages it brilliantly and with great effect in the end.

I highly recommend this novel, the writing is superb and mature, deeply concerning current affairs and #blacklivesmatter because so much has happened in Petite Africa throughout the book.

Many thanks to @inannapub for this arc and for the opportunity to be part of the Blog Tour.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: The Talking Drum

Author: Lisa Braxton

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 4/5

Recommended For...: historical fiction, immigration, black history

Publication Date: May 30, 2020

Genre: Historical Fiction

Recommended Age: 16+ (arson, violence)

Publisher: Inanna Publications

Pages: 350

Synopsis: Displacement/gentrification has been happening for generations, yet few novels have been written with the themes of gentrification, which makes this book unusual.

It is 1971. The fictional city of Bellport, Massachusetts, is in decline with an urban redevelopment project on the horizon expected to transform this dying factory town into a thriving economic center. This planned transformation has a profound effect on the residents who live in Bellport as their own personal transformations take place.

Sydney Stallworth steps away from her fellowship and law studies at an elite university to support husband Malachi’s dream of opening a business in the heart of the black community of his hometown, Bellport.

For Omar Bassari, an immigrant from Senegal, Bellport is where he will establish his drumming career and the launching pad from which he will spread African culture across the world, while trying to hold onto his marriage.

Della Tolliver has built a fragile sanctuary in Bellport for herself, boyfriend Kwamé Rodriguez, and daughter Jasmine, a troubled child prone to nightmares and outbursts.

Tensions rise as the demolition date moves closer, plans for gentrification are laid out, and the pace of suspicious fires picks up. The residents find themselves at odds with a political system manipulating their lives and question the future of their relationships.

The Talking Drum explores intra-racial, class, and cross-cultural tensions, along with the meaning of community and belonging.

The novel delves into the profound impact gentrification has on people in many neighborhoods, and the way in which being uprooted affects the fabric of their families, friendships, and emotional well-being. The Talking Drum not only explores the immigrant experience, but how the immigrant/African American neighborhood interface leads to friction and tension, a theme also not explored much in current literature involving immigrants.

The book is a springboard to an important discussion on race and class differences, the treatment of immigrants, as well as the government’s relationship to society.

Review: I think this book is really good. The book had a great story and it’s a very important one to tell, especially with what’s going on right now. The book was impactful and I think that the writing did pretty well with the subject and with conveying the emotion. The book also had great world building.

However, I do think that the book had a lot of slow paced moments and that made the read a bit slowed down for me. The book also has a really lengthy synopsis that I think gives away too much of the novel and should be trimmed down a bit.

Verdict: Well done novel.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this debut novel by my friend and former co-worker. I loved the way she was able to develop characters and build suspense - I cared about the characters and was eager to know what was going to happen next. The story is set in a place and time that is actually very close to me geographically and temporally - yet in some ways, the events of the late 1960s-early 1970s in the urban areas of Massachusetts and Connecticut can feel like long-ago history. I've read about the sad and shameful history of block-busting and red-lining in Boston that led to defacto racially segregated neighborhoods and schools, and I lived through the attempts to correct the problem of unequal school education by busing. This novel puts the strife, racism, and greed into context, focusing on the lives of several couples, whose dreams and fates are interwoven. The author has a flair for capturing the sensory elements in so many scenes - whether it be colorful clothing, the beat of traditional drumming, the grandeur of old Victorian homes, or the taste and aroma of West African traditional dishes. I am grateful to have been given a glimpse into the world of The Talking Drum. And I can't wait for her next novel!

[Alyson Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book: The Talking Drum
Author: Lisa Braxton
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank the publisher, Inanna Publisher, for providing me with an ARC.

With everything that is going on in the world, I think that this book could not have came at a better time. This talks about the displacement of African Americans by cities and large companies. This is something that I can relate to. While I am not African American, we have a lot of this going on where I live. Farmers and others are being forced out their lands because of pipelines. So, this issue really hit home. Even though this is a fictional story, I could completely relate to what the characters are going through. Like the book, the results can be heartbreaking and just cause so much pain.

With that being said, then why a three star rating? Well, while I was able to relate to the characters and what they were going through, I found that there was a lack of passion. I know, just based on the backstory that I received when I agreed to read the book, that the author is very passionate about the subject. This passion just did not come out on the page. I found myself asking when were we going to see that. This book should have reached in and torn at my heart. I should have felt the same thing the characters were, but it just didn’t come out.

I’m just going to go ahead and do it. Okay, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is the book that comes to mind. The passion and the characters’ feelings just come right off the page. It makes you think and understand why these people feel the way they do. You feel the pain; you feel just injustice of the world. In The Talking Drum, we don’t have the same passion from the characters. I know I struggled to figure out what the characters were attempting to do; the only reason I knew what was going on was because the author told us. That spark just isn’t in this book. I really do hate to say that, but it just didn’t come out. I wanted it to, since this book is being marketed as an important book. That’s great and wonderful, but you have to make that comes off the page.

I am listening to the pain of the African community. I’m trying to understand and educate myself, which is another reason why I picked this one up. These characters are losing their homes and their way of life. The struggles are real. It brings up questions of what is right and what is wrong and how we can fight. It brings up the struggle that so many people are going through and what’s it like to lose everything. I just wish that the writing had portrayed that a little bit better. We need to feel that come right off the page. We need to feel something while reading.

Now, I am not saying that this is a bad book by any means. I actually enjoyed the characters and the content, but I just wish that the author’s passion for this subject had came off the page a little bit stronger. It’s okay be angry and upset in your writing. This will actually pull people in. Emotion hooks people; don’t be afraid to use it.

Anyway, The Talking Drum is out now.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/OVIaCe_B9fw

[Elliot A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher, Inanna Publications, for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Gist

An ensemble of characters provides diverse and individualized perspectives on life in a neighbourhood that is deemed unimportant by the “higher” social strata.

Each chapter tells the overall story of displacement, personal and interpersonal struggle, and gentrification through the eyes of one of several main characters. Each one is in one way or another connected with the other characters in the story to varying degrees.

The Details

What struck me most was the author’s skill in portraying the characters, and I’m not only talking about the main characters, but also the secondary and even tertiary characters with so much care and dedication.

The one word that keeps popping into mind whenever I think about this amazing story is “rich”.

The characters, the story, the narration. Everything has a richness to it that makes reading it such a rewarding and almost personal experience.

I could tell that the author created each character with a lot of love for the craft. Most of the time we read a story with a strong protagonist and it works well enough, but the secondary characters are only thrown in to help out the protagonist in some way.

In The Talking Drum each character, regardless of how small their presence in the story, has their own purpose. The reader can sense and understand that this person, although we may only get a glimpse of them in the story, has their own life.

Writing a story of so much substance is a wonderful accomplishment and greatly adds to the reader’s enjoyment.

The same can be said about the general narration. The description of places, of the food, the colours, even the weather all add to that special experience. It felt as if I was standing right behind the character, inside the story, seeing, hearing, smelling what they are experiencing.

It made my skin tingle. I felt present and involved.

I appreciated the way the various issues were addressed in the story. How the characters told of their struggle through their actions, thoughts and emotions.

The writing was superb. It was easy to follow and even easier to get lost within the pages of the story.

The Verdict

Overall, I loved this story. I am so grateful this book was brought to my attention. I would absolutely recommend it.

ElliotScribbles

[Leelynn (Sometimes Leelynn Reads) ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Inanna Publications and Lisa Braxton for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.

Goodreads talks about how this novel is focused around gentrification in the United States, something that is very rarely seen in literature if at all. To be frank, I don’t recall seeing any novels that have come across my feed focusing on gentrification, both in the United States and as a whole. So I was really interested to see how Braxton was going to write this historical fiction novel on a topic that certainly makes me feel all types of things.

I also feel like maybe not everyone is fully aware of what gentrification is defined as and/or hasn’t ever seen something like this happen near them. Even if that’s the case, I think at least researching what it is would be helpful for those that are thinking about learning more about this subject, and why Braxton decided to do a historical fiction novel on this topic.

Gentrification: the process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste.
Through the eyes of three different main characters, Braxton is able to expertly tell audiences why gentrification can have a lasting, negative effect on the communities that it impacts, and how it impacts the Black and brown people within those communities. If someone has never experienced this phenomenon before, it may be harder to understand or feel some sort of empathy for the people it affects because you aren’t affected personally. But its books like these and other stories out there that should be giving you some insight on what it means to not have the privilege that you grew up having, and think about others that don’t have a say in what is going on.

[Lainey Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are certain topics like urban re-development that we can understand at a somewhat abstract intellectual level, but that’s not the same as living it through the eyes of characters, who feel like real people, affected by what’s happening around them.

That’s the gift Lisa Braxton gives us with this novel; an incredibly well formed and believable ensemble cast, struggling to make the best decisions in a set of circumstances beyond their control.

Overall, the character development in this novel is superb. I found myself rooting for every one of a diverse casts of characters, each with different backgrounds, and was so engaged I couldn’t put the book down.

5 Star review. Lisa Braxton writes and engages the reader with skill well beyond a debut novelist. I couldn’t recommend this book more!

[Kristen Martinez Gugerli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was beautifully written and easy to blow through, even though it dealt with some difficult themes. The characters were beautifully done and I liked that it was a little bit like a grown-up, more serious Scooby Doo where we were trying to figure out who of the characters we knew were responsible for the destruction of this very special place. And I loved the parallels between uncle Mustapha and Malachi - this cycle of optimistic entrepreneurs who believe that they can withstand the overwhelming power of greed and gentrification. I found the ending satisfying, but also leaving things open for me to wonder what happens next to these characters I’ve become so invested in.

[Sue Donner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book drew me right in. You got to know the characters & you were right there with them rooting for the better outcome. The realities of what people had to go through to make their way was very evident. The trust, the fears, & the realities make this a great book!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spare, moving, and timely book about gentrification, systemic racism, and perserverence

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about the neighborhood and the strife and challenges. The end was a little too pat for me, though. That was disappointing. Did she have a limit to getting it done? Just felt rushed and odd, especially with some of the issues, consequences, actions. Just MHO.

[Story Circle Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Braxton's The Talking Drum begins with Amos Bronson Alcott's words, “Civilization degrades the many to exalt the few.” It is a complex story of gentrification, eminent domain, and the personal lives of those displaced and/or affected in the aftermath.

A third suspicious fire has occurred in Petite Africa, home to African and East Indian immigrants in the south end of the fictitious factory town, Bellport, Massachusetts. The city plans to revitalize its economy by exercising eminent domain over Petite Africa to build a civic and entertainment center and upscale apartments. Gentrification is a sensitive topic, especially when it involves the displacement of poor minorities to benefit incoming affluent whites. Those who live in Petite Africa would be dispersed to outside neighborhoods, and the small black African businesses would have to close and start over, or not start at all. Redevelopment would mean the end of a culturally rich and diverse community—a loss that is more important to some than to others. Each member of the community has a stake, but not all have power.

Braxton explores this deeply conflicted situation through the intersecting lives of three Black Bellport couples: in Petite Africa, Omar and Natalie Bassari; and on the other side of Bellport, upscale Black newlyweds Sydney and Malachi Stallworth and unmarried couple Della Tolliver and Kwamé Rodriguez. All have aspirations—open or secret—to be more than what they currently are. Braxton expertly draws out the way these characters achieve or fail in reaching their goals and masterfully interweaves their complicated lives and interconnections. There are issues of distrust, friction, betrayal and preconceived notions, but Braxton tells her story so clearly that the reader is deeply acquainted with each character. There is no stereotyping here.

The city of Bellport has set a date to exercise eminent domain in Petite Africa. But as more fires occur, displacing more residents, suspicions arise. Are they the work of a single arsonist or a matter of larger, greedy plans? It is as Kwame Rodriguez conjectures, “The people get burned out. The city gets state and federal funding to rebuild it. The immigrants get pushed out and the white folks with their money move in.”

The Talking Drum also explores the delicate topic of intraracial prejudices between African-Americans and Black African nationals. It may come as a revelation to some readers that racism occurs not just between whites and Blacks. Through her characterizations, Braxton compels readers to measure their own degree of racism, that universal schism that divides us.

This is a story of the complex relationships and tensions that exist within a precariously balanced community. The characters are well rounded and I came to either care about—or greatly dislike—t hem. And through it all, Braxton reveals the issues that all humans face: sacrifice, greed, power, love, and loyalty. Highly recommended.

This book was reviewed for Story Circle Book Reviews by Paula Robertson.

[Theda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savor this book as you read it, immerse yourself in the environment, the different cultures, the many character relationships and the experiences that each one brings to the table. On one level, this book is about what happens to people and communities when they are disrupted by outside forces, but it made me think about so much more.

Authors are often advised to "show not tell" the happenings in their books, and I believe this book did an excellent job of that. Everything was presented to me as this is what's happening, this is what the characters are thinking or observing. I never heard an author voice telling me what to think, I was left to develop my own thoughts and conclusions (or wonderings). How refreshing.

I don't know what of these themes that I continue to think about the author specifically intended, perhaps all, and perhaps there are some I've missed, but this is what I'm still thinking about:
1. How skin color or "race" or "ethnicity" is such a poor way of grouping people. A black person newly arrived from Africa, one from the South, one from an affluent community, etc. All have different backgrounds and perspectives. How can one say they think as a block? I can see people of all skin colors, races, falling into similar categories. Do newly arrived immigrants have more in common with each other than with their more established "groups"? Do white and black "upper class" have more in common with each other? No answers, lots of questions.
2. That unwelcome change (eminent domain in this case) affects different people in different ways - some see the economic benefits of selling, or increased foot traffic for their bordering businesses; some see their lives' dreams being ripped away from them. Whose needs carry more weight?
3. What does it mean to trust someone, a spouse, a friend, a community member - and what happens to the individual when that trust is proven wrong?
4. How does someone who has been so abused learn to stand up for themselves?
5. What does the turnover in communities, from gentrification, or other causes do to people and their connections?
-- There's a lot more swirling in my head. This would be a great book club book (I'm recommending it to one of my groups).

Thank you Lisa Braxton for writing such an eye-opening, cultural learning, and thought-provoking book.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

There has never been a more relevant or prominent moment for a novel of this magnitude than now. Such a rich and powerful narrative takes center stage in this book, creating a tense and emotional atmosphere that many today can identify with.

The characters are true standouts, as the author expertly creates relatable and memorable characters that do an amazing job of embodying the theme of immigration, race relations, and government roles as a whole. While a historical fiction and fiction setting, the message, and heart of the story shines brightly through and conveys the hardships that have come with trying to find common ground, find equality, and integrate it into everyone’s daily lives.

Especially when readers are taken into an often overlooked subject like the tension that can arise in communities such as African American/Black neighborhoods amongst its citizens and immigrants settling into the area, and the need to find common ground and come together as a whole community in the face of great upheaval and tragedy.

The Verdict

A well-read, highly engaging and richly drawn-out narrative, author Lisa Braxton’s “The Talking Drum” explores so much, from history and the culture of a group of people and the importance of remembering that culture, to the struggles for immigrants to make a new life for themselves and the hardships that come with intra-racial relationships as well. It’s a novel that speaks volumes in its message and theme and deserves to be read during these tumultuous times. Be sure to grab your copy today!

[Sandi Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book very much.
It is 1971. The fictional city of Bellport, Massachusetts, Sydney and Malachi open the Talking Drum Bookstore and Cultural Center and rent the downstairs apartment to an elderly couple. The Bookstore suffers a great lost as they discover books, cash and paintings missing. Petite Africa is in decline with an urban redevelopment project called The Harborview Project on the horizon expected to transform this dying factory town into a thriving economic center. This planned transformation has a profound effect on the residents who live in Bellport.
Tensions rise as the demolition date moves closer, plans for gentrification are laid out, and the pace of suspicious fires picks up. The residents find themselves at odds with a political system manipulating their lives and question the future of their relationships. Examining the profound impact gentrification has on people in many neighborhoods, and the way in which being uprooted affects the fabric of their families, friendships, and emotional well-being, the novel not only focuses on the immigrant experience, but the way in which the immigrant/African American neighborhood interface leads to friction and tension.

[Kim Bakos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading books by minority authors since they give me a greater understanding of the thoughts and feelings of those with different life experiences. This book added to that by also exposing me to a time period I'm not very familiar with, too.
The story was good. I liked the relationships between the characters and how different the points of view were depending on the background of each of them. It is easy to lump people together based on race and think they are all the same - this story shows how different it is when you come from different countries or are raised in different income brackets.
My grandparents came here from Austria, along with my aunt and uncle who were still children. Reading this book was the first time I really was able to picture the way that they must have felt in a country and community so different from their own.

[Beth Menendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you can read this book and not feel the gritty realism of what it was like to be black in the 1970’s I’ll question if you have reading comprehension. If you think that progress and removing urban blight is always the right answer, again I ask you to read this. If you think gentrification is a way to revive neighborhoods and who wouldn’t want that, please look at this other side of the coin.
Sensitivity told but I’m a very realistic way, this story could be told of any of the inner city areas affected by not enough jobs and slum landlords.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely rate books 5 stars (or 1 star), but that is not an affront to this book. I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the dynamics between all of the characters, and the realness (is that a word?) of their strengths and faults.

I'm sure it's just a result of the editing, but I would liked to have had a little more detail on the backstories of the Taylors towards the end of the book. I get why it wasn't there, but I would've liked it.

[Taya Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super happy I chose to end 2020/start 2021 with this book!

It was so interesting! The characters/multiple POVs were well developed and the plot had several unexpected twists.

Also, I’ve never read a story about gentrification before it actually happens. Reading about the ways communities of people are pushed out of their homes just for their stories/culture to be erased and for others to take over was heartbreaking and enlightening.

[SmallPressPicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much I loved about this book: the portrait of the threatened community, Petite Africa, and the story of the efforts to save it; the portrayals of characters who are trying to realize their dreams against all odds; and the captivating whodunnits woven into the novel. I found this to be a moving, compelling, and emotionally rich read.

For my review of the book, see https://smallpresspicks.com/the-talki....

[Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

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[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in right away. Really enjoyed the characters. Brought back memories of several places that I’ve lived. Loved the references to the Senegalese culture. Though set in the early 70's, the book is still appropriate for our times. Looking forward to Lisa’s next book.

[♛primadonna♛]

I took part in the blog tour for The Talking Drum by Lisa Braxton.!
See my blog tour post and read an excerpt from The Talking Drum by Lisa Braxton here!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.

The characters are well developed and have a rich depth, the plot moves along at a good pace, the settings are fully fleshed.

This was a well written book and I liked it.

I would very much like to see an accompanying cookbook!

[Amanda Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally immersed in the story from start to finish. The characters were richly developed, I cared about what happened to them and was rooting for them and their neighborhoods. Although it’s set in the 1970s it felt very contemporary. A must read!

[Liz Yohn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started it but quit in irritation. Maybe it’s just because I picked it up right after finishing with Octavia Butler. But I’m sorry to say that Ms. Braxton isn’t much of a novelist. Her writing is simplistic and clunky and the dialogue between characters is pretty terrible.