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The Two Lives of Sara: A Novel
A young mother finds refuge and friendship at a boardinghouse in 1960s Memphis, Tennessee, where family encompasses more than just blood and hidden truths can bury you or set you free.
Sara King has nothing, save for her secrets and the baby in her belly, as she boards the bus to Memphis, hoping to outrun her past in Chicago. She is welcomed with open arms by Mama Sugar, a kindly matriarch and owner of the popular boardinghouse The Scarlet Poplar.
Like many cities in early 1960s America, Memphis is still segregated, but change is in the air. News spreads of the Freedom Riders. Across the country, people like Martin Luther King Jr. are leading the fight for equal rights. Black literature and music provide the stories and soundtrack for these turbulent and hopeful times, and Sara finds herself drawn in by conversations of education, politics and a brighter tomorrow with Jonas, a local schoolteacher. Romance blooms between them, but secrets from Mama Sugar's past threaten their newfound happiness with Sara and Jonas soon caught in the crosshairs, leading Sara to make decisions that will reshape the rest of their lives.
With a charismatic cast of characters, The Two Lives of Sara is an emotional and unforgettable story of hope, resilience, and unexpected love.
Sara King has nothing, save for her secrets and the baby in her belly, as she boards the bus to Memphis, hoping to outrun her past in Chicago. She is welcomed with open arms by Mama Sugar, a kindly matriarch and owner of the popular boardinghouse The Scarlet Poplar.
Like many cities in early 1960s America, Memphis is still segregated, but change is in the air. News spreads of the Freedom Riders. Across the country, people like Martin Luther King Jr. are leading the fight for equal rights. Black literature and music provide the stories and soundtrack for these turbulent and hopeful times, and Sara finds herself drawn in by conversations of education, politics and a brighter tomorrow with Jonas, a local schoolteacher. Romance blooms between them, but secrets from Mama Sugar's past threaten their newfound happiness with Sara and Jonas soon caught in the crosshairs, leading Sara to make decisions that will reshape the rest of their lives.
With a charismatic cast of characters, The Two Lives of Sara is an emotional and unforgettable story of hope, resilience, and unexpected love.
Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2022
312 people are currently reading
10629 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Adel West
3 books398 followersCatherine Adel West was born and raised in Chicago, where she currently resides. She graduated with both her Bachelors and Masters of Science in Journalism from the University of Illinois - Urbana. Her work is published in Black Fox Literary Magazine, Five2One, Better than Starbucks, Doors Ajar, 805 Lit + Art, The Helix Magazine, Lunch Ticket and Gay Magazine. Author of Saving Ruby King, Catherine was named one of USA TODAYS Black Authors You Should Know. The Two Lives of Sara is her sophomore novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 579 reviews
October 26, 2023
If you’ve read Catherine Adel West’s debut, Saving Ruby King, you’ll remember Sara, a character introduced in that book. I knew after that introduction she had a story to tell, and I’m grateful to the author for giving Sara a voice.
About the book: “A young mother finds refuge and friendship at a boardinghouse in 1960s Memphis, Tennessee, where family encompasses more than just blood and hidden truths can bury you or set you free.”
Sara’s life is split between her time in Chicago and then after she feels to Memphis during the 1960s with a new baby in tow. She’s hoping to find peace, but unfortunately she discovers more pain and anguish. The 1960s backdrop adds a richness to the story, but so does Sara. The force that is Sara King and all she has to overcome; all she endlessly tries to get to the other side of. The found family and intergenerational trauma themes were addressed so thoughtfully.
Filled with lovingly drawn, bold characters and beautiful writing, The Two Lives of Sara is not an “easy” read, but it is a poignant one. I cant’ wait for what’s next by this skilled and talented author.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “A young mother finds refuge and friendship at a boardinghouse in 1960s Memphis, Tennessee, where family encompasses more than just blood and hidden truths can bury you or set you free.”
Sara’s life is split between her time in Chicago and then after she feels to Memphis during the 1960s with a new baby in tow. She’s hoping to find peace, but unfortunately she discovers more pain and anguish. The 1960s backdrop adds a richness to the story, but so does Sara. The force that is Sara King and all she has to overcome; all she endlessly tries to get to the other side of. The found family and intergenerational trauma themes were addressed so thoughtfully.
Filled with lovingly drawn, bold characters and beautiful writing, The Two Lives of Sara is not an “easy” read, but it is a poignant one. I cant’ wait for what’s next by this skilled and talented author.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
October 23, 2022
"There's the world we want, and the world we get." Catherine Adel West from The Two Lives of Sara. Narrated by Adenrele Ojo.
August 23, 2024
Hated this book. Hated the central character - to be more specific, hated how she was written. She was too hard to like for me to evaluate the book on any of its other merits.
October 26, 2022
The Two Lives of Sara by Catherine Adel West
Following Sara's pregnancy and angry departure from Chicago, Sara ends up in Memphis. Mama Sugar, the owner of a local boarding house, takes her in. Mama Sugar supports Sara but isn't afraid to speak her mind. She tells the truth, but she wraps it in love. Her spirit and outlook on life captured my heart.
Sara meets Jonas, a local schoolteacher. The two share a common interest in politics, and a better future. As their romance takes off, Sara makes decisions that will reshape the rest of her life.
There is a sense of community, racial inequality, motherhood, pain, and faith being tested throughout this heartfelt story. Catherine Adel West's The Two Lives of Sara is an incredible novel. The plot is gritty and the characters feel real. West expresses the characters' emotions with poignancy and truth.
This novel may not be appropriate for all audiences. Be sure to read the trigger warnings before proceeding. (4.25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫)
The Two Lives Of Sara will be available on November 22th. HarlequinNA / Harper 360
#Blogtour by Random Things Tours on November 28th - December 5th.
320 pages
Historical Literary Fiction
Black & African American Historical Fiction
#TheTwoLivesOfSara #RandomThingsTours
Following Sara's pregnancy and angry departure from Chicago, Sara ends up in Memphis. Mama Sugar, the owner of a local boarding house, takes her in. Mama Sugar supports Sara but isn't afraid to speak her mind. She tells the truth, but she wraps it in love. Her spirit and outlook on life captured my heart.
Sara meets Jonas, a local schoolteacher. The two share a common interest in politics, and a better future. As their romance takes off, Sara makes decisions that will reshape the rest of her life.
There is a sense of community, racial inequality, motherhood, pain, and faith being tested throughout this heartfelt story. Catherine Adel West's The Two Lives of Sara is an incredible novel. The plot is gritty and the characters feel real. West expresses the characters' emotions with poignancy and truth.
This novel may not be appropriate for all audiences. Be sure to read the trigger warnings before proceeding. (4.25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫)
The Two Lives Of Sara will be available on November 22th. HarlequinNA / Harper 360
#Blogtour by Random Things Tours on November 28th - December 5th.
320 pages
Historical Literary Fiction
Black & African American Historical Fiction
#TheTwoLivesOfSara #RandomThingsTours
April 17, 2024
The Two Lives of Sara was a very eye opening and hard read. This is a prequel story to Sara King...and had I read that one, I felt like my expectations for this story and my enjoyment might have been improved upon.
So...my overall enjoyment of this story was a 3 star BUT you can’t deny the author has talent. This is a story of a woman who has been through HELL and back, and I felt like her anger was 100% justified. I think the hope in this book was the found family aspects...the themes of people loving you just as you are even with all your bad parts and baggage.
I just wish it would have had more hope, this was quite bleak and I just needed a few sparks. There is one sad moment after another and particularly towards the end it got quite bleak. Sara could not catch a SINGLE break. It broke my heart and the ending was definitely more on the open ended side.
But I loved the writing style, the side characters added that extra added layer or warmth to the story and I loved how she added much needed lessons in here on injustice of Black people and extending mercy even when it was undeserved.
So...my overall enjoyment of this story was a 3 star BUT you can’t deny the author has talent. This is a story of a woman who has been through HELL and back, and I felt like her anger was 100% justified. I think the hope in this book was the found family aspects...the themes of people loving you just as you are even with all your bad parts and baggage.
I just wish it would have had more hope, this was quite bleak and I just needed a few sparks. There is one sad moment after another and particularly towards the end it got quite bleak. Sara could not catch a SINGLE break. It broke my heart and the ending was definitely more on the open ended side.
But I loved the writing style, the side characters added that extra added layer or warmth to the story and I loved how she added much needed lessons in here on injustice of Black people and extending mercy even when it was undeserved.
September 20, 2022
3.75 ✨
Loved this book and it would’ve been a 5 star had it not been for the ending. No spoilers, but it broke my heart. I love Historical fiction stories especially when they are pretty much based on actual occurrences. Sara’s character just made me sad. Her life was so foreboding and she didn’t have any kind of belief in herself and other people that loved her, but we got a glimpse of it only for the rug to be ripped from under her.
Loved this book and it would’ve been a 5 star had it not been for the ending. No spoilers, but it broke my heart. I love Historical fiction stories especially when they are pretty much based on actual occurrences. Sara’s character just made me sad. Her life was so foreboding and she didn’t have any kind of belief in herself and other people that loved her, but we got a glimpse of it only for the rug to be ripped from under her.
September 13, 2023
Two Lives of Sara by Catherine Adel West is a novel about a strong woman that has taken many beatings from life. Arriving in Memphis with a chip on her shoulder and an attitude to match. Throughout this novel the reader feels the love of community and friendship, the hate of racial inequality and the safety of the Church. I felt like I was in this powerful drama. So rich and brave down to the last selfless sacrifice to go full circle back to Chicago
September 10, 2022
Some books stay with you for a long time. It could be the characters are relatable, or the reader has a soft spot for a particular country or era. Perhaps the reader is inspired, or left with a sense of hope. Sometimes it’s just the words themselves.Point blank - I owe NetGalley big time for the access to this particular galley. Because this book could be one of the best books I have ever read. Yes, I am aware of the level of high praise.
In the 1960s in Memphis, Tennessee, a young girl arrives at a boarding house. She has a note of introduction, a secret, and most importantly an infant son named Lebanon. She quickly proves herself an indispensable worker. She also has a talent in the kitchen. It is the only place she finds peace. But people notice that she doesn’t really want much to do with her son. She isn’t ever neglectful, but if anyone wants to take care of Lebanon they meet with no objections.
The language in this book is simply superlative. As I read, I usually jot down a sentence that strikes me. For this book, I wrote down paragraphs. The conciseness which West uses to convey Sara’s thoughts and feelings is clear and detached at the same time (The entire novel is in first person.)
The other thing that struck me was that, for a historical fiction novel, the true historical events are told almost as an afterthought. Sara only thinks about race once she meets Jonas, the neighborhood teacher and the love of Sara’s life. Their relationship provides a strong redemption arc, but the fatalistic tone of the book clearly shows this will probably be temporary. The one thing Sara doesn’t have is faith, and her reasons for that are completely valid. It adds to the sense of doom. Peace comes at a high cost.
I cannot recommend it highly enough. After I finished, I realized this isn’t West’s first book. It goes without saying I will be all over its predecessor.
In the 1960s in Memphis, Tennessee, a young girl arrives at a boarding house. She has a note of introduction, a secret, and most importantly an infant son named Lebanon. She quickly proves herself an indispensable worker. She also has a talent in the kitchen. It is the only place she finds peace. But people notice that she doesn’t really want much to do with her son. She isn’t ever neglectful, but if anyone wants to take care of Lebanon they meet with no objections.
The language in this book is simply superlative. As I read, I usually jot down a sentence that strikes me. For this book, I wrote down paragraphs. The conciseness which West uses to convey Sara’s thoughts and feelings is clear and detached at the same time (The entire novel is in first person.)
The other thing that struck me was that, for a historical fiction novel, the true historical events are told almost as an afterthought. Sara only thinks about race once she meets Jonas, the neighborhood teacher and the love of Sara’s life. Their relationship provides a strong redemption arc, but the fatalistic tone of the book clearly shows this will probably be temporary. The one thing Sara doesn’t have is faith, and her reasons for that are completely valid. It adds to the sense of doom. Peace comes at a high cost.
I cannot recommend it highly enough. After I finished, I realized this isn’t West’s first book. It goes without saying I will be all over its predecessor.
September 18, 2022
Let me tell you about this shiny new beauty...
Saving Ruby King is one of my all time favorite books, and I’m happy to say that The Two Lives of Sara is just as memorable and engrossing, and another 5 star read for me!
With the help of her best friends, Sara escapes Chicago, seeking refuge with strangers in Memphis. For such a young woman, she has already felt too much. And seen much worse.
Her story travels to unimaginable places of heartbreak and trauma all while harboring a devastating secret from her past. But with glimmers of the tiniest snippets of hope in this newly found family - she still struggles to let joy in for fear it won’t last. Does she deserve to be loved? Will she ever feel truly free?
I am so in awe of Catherine Adel West’s writing. It’s so evident she chooses every single word so thoughtfully and carefully, and crafts her characters straight from her heart. You’ll want to savor ever single page.
Set in the time of segregation, with so much generational trauma and devastating tragedy, Catherine expertly sets the foundation for a powerful and emotional story. She skillfully enchants the reader along on Sara’s gut-wrenching journey of fierce determination, and endless resilience and perseverance. Just stunning.
Saving Ruby King is one of my all time favorite books, and I’m happy to say that The Two Lives of Sara is just as memorable and engrossing, and another 5 star read for me!
With the help of her best friends, Sara escapes Chicago, seeking refuge with strangers in Memphis. For such a young woman, she has already felt too much. And seen much worse.
Her story travels to unimaginable places of heartbreak and trauma all while harboring a devastating secret from her past. But with glimmers of the tiniest snippets of hope in this newly found family - she still struggles to let joy in for fear it won’t last. Does she deserve to be loved? Will she ever feel truly free?
I am so in awe of Catherine Adel West’s writing. It’s so evident she chooses every single word so thoughtfully and carefully, and crafts her characters straight from her heart. You’ll want to savor ever single page.
Set in the time of segregation, with so much generational trauma and devastating tragedy, Catherine expertly sets the foundation for a powerful and emotional story. She skillfully enchants the reader along on Sara’s gut-wrenching journey of fierce determination, and endless resilience and perseverance. Just stunning.
April 20, 2022
Oooh. So good. Some flat moments, but this one is a winner. Apparently, there was a book before this one that perhaps has the answer to my most burning question. What happened in that house, Sara? Catherine Adel West does an absolute excellent job of showing, not telling! That is supposed to be the number one calling card of great fiction. In fact, the allusions are so strong as to what went on, but I want certainty. Sara has left Chicago for Memphis in an attempt to forget the old Sara and start anew. She is somewhat surly, and unlikeable but grows on you, as you move through the story and her mental state. Catherine Adel West crafts some beautiful sentences and when she writes of grieving I may have dropped a tear or it could have been allergies.
Sara is a complicated character but she found a place in my heart and is one of those fictional characters you tend to think about long after the book is closed. She is the definition of perseverance and resilience and although I disagreed with some of her choices, I found understanding without having to dig deep for it. Sara has seemingly turned a difficult corner and he’s met a young man, through whom see she’s the possibility of finding her way back to love. Love of not only others, but love of herself. Tragedy strikes.
“Loss no matter how it’s experienced takes something from us. Opens something aching and jagged. And why is this sensation, this mournful dance, something I almost welcome? Because it’s expected. I know pain and hurt. We are comfortable enemies. And I think maybe Momma always told me to watch where I was, take note of my position, because knowing where I am and who I am no matter how ugly, is better than wondering who I could’ve been.”
I thank Park Row and Edelweiss for an ARC and the book will be published Sept. 6, 2022.
Sara is a complicated character but she found a place in my heart and is one of those fictional characters you tend to think about long after the book is closed. She is the definition of perseverance and resilience and although I disagreed with some of her choices, I found understanding without having to dig deep for it. Sara has seemingly turned a difficult corner and he’s met a young man, through whom see she’s the possibility of finding her way back to love. Love of not only others, but love of herself. Tragedy strikes.
“Loss no matter how it’s experienced takes something from us. Opens something aching and jagged. And why is this sensation, this mournful dance, something I almost welcome? Because it’s expected. I know pain and hurt. We are comfortable enemies. And I think maybe Momma always told me to watch where I was, take note of my position, because knowing where I am and who I am no matter how ugly, is better than wondering who I could’ve been.”
I thank Park Row and Edelweiss for an ARC and the book will be published Sept. 6, 2022.
January 25, 2023
1. The author did a poor job of giving physical descriptions of the characters. It was difficult to imagine what they looked like while I was reading
2. Sara is the most insufferable main character I’ve come across in a while. She’s mean and ungrateful. Sara experienced a lot of trauma so I understand her hardness to an extent, but even as she’s showered with love she stews in her anger and it’s annoying after a while.
3. I honestly didn’t want to finish this book because the little bit of happiness that Sara got, the authors took it away from her. Just has her heart was softening she was given another reason to hate the world and be cruel to those around her. The pain inflicted on Sara at this point in the book was unnecessary as it did nothing for the plot. Her character didn’t grow the least bit. I’m also exhausted of Black girls not getting a happy ending
4. The other characters made this book a bit more more enjoyable, but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone to read
2. Sara is the most insufferable main character I’ve come across in a while. She’s mean and ungrateful. Sara experienced a lot of trauma so I understand her hardness to an extent, but even as she’s showered with love she stews in her anger and it’s annoying after a while.
3. I honestly didn’t want to finish this book because the little bit of happiness that Sara got, the authors took it away from her. Just has her heart was softening she was given another reason to hate the world and be cruel to those around her. The pain inflicted on Sara at this point in the book was unnecessary as it did nothing for the plot. Her character didn’t grow the least bit. I’m also exhausted of Black girls not getting a happy ending
4. The other characters made this book a bit more more enjoyable, but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone to read
September 12, 2022
I had to honor of blurbing this book. This book takes you to the segregated south — 1960’s in Memphis, TN. I loved the the way Cathy gives the reader the fullness of Black literature, music, art, hope & love in this story. If you read her debut, 𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘙𝘶𝘣𝘺 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨, you might have felt like I did after reading — “there’s more to this story” and now we have it!
My blurb:
“I'm in awe of Catherine Adel West's storytelling and her ability to capture the reader's attention from the first page. She magically delves into the many facets of family, friendship and community. The Two Lives of Sara is a wondrous journey that combines everything I adore in a story—resilient Black women, hope, and love!”
My blurb:
“I'm in awe of Catherine Adel West's storytelling and her ability to capture the reader's attention from the first page. She magically delves into the many facets of family, friendship and community. The Two Lives of Sara is a wondrous journey that combines everything I adore in a story—resilient Black women, hope, and love!”
September 17, 2022
I enjoyed the book and really wanted to rate it higher but I got the feeling that I should have reread the author's first book again before reading this, and I shouldn't have had to. I'm not sure if the book was meant to be a standalone but u don't think so. It explains how a character in the first book came to be, so it would have been helpful to have a flash forward at the beginning to either refresh the memory of previous readers or set up her storyline for new readers. Also, the last few chapters seemed rushed, unlike the rest of the book which seemed like a leisurely stroll through the character's time in Memphis.
August 11, 2022
4 stars for the book
3 stars for the end
The Two Lives of Sara, I really love the story I was super ready to keep going with everything that was happening in Sara's life, somehow I was happy that everything she went through was finally paying off for the better and that she was finally seeing some light and happiness surrounded by people that love her.
Sara had a terrible start in life, her father wasn’t what we all expected him to be, he did terrible things that marked Sara's life, and had a hard time trusting anyone ever again, she couldn't confine her secrets to her two best friends, she felt ashamed and needed space and time to move on and forget whatever happened.
Sara moved over to Memphis with her son ready to start all over again, with a new life, full of hope, full of people that really love her and wanted the best thing for her, with a new "mama" Mama Sugar loved Sara and Levine so much, she took care of them as anyone will with someone after experiencing such a terrible upbringing and trauma. Mama Sugar was the best character in the book I really love the way she always made every single bad memory or moment more blissful and peaceful for everybody around her. her food and joy were the best of this book.
Mama sugar's sons were not what she ever expected, they gave her so much heartache to the point that she was sad for everything they did, but that didn't stop her from loving everybody around her and helping them in any way she could.
But once Sara had finally found happiness again things started to go down and down faster this is when my whole happiness for this amazingly beautiful book started to colpase together with Sara's unhappiness.
This is exactly when I started to dislike the story, the eternal sadness of Sara was very heavy, and I couldn’t shake it off no matter what, not even at the end of the story, chapter after, chapter the sadness was even deeper, I was hoping that there was going to be a twist right in the last min but that twist never came. I was even skipping paragraphs because I wanted to get to the happiness faster but it never came. I end up feeling very sad and angry the joy was completely gone. it is not what I really wanted to feel for a book I was loving so much.
But in the end, I really couldn’t shake off that feeling making me angry with the ending and somehow the writer for not letting Sara have a happy ending after all she went through. life is full of Cycles, nothing is permanent but it felt like the sadness of Sara was very permanent and the cycle never ended so it really made me feel not good.
This is the ONLY reason I rated this book 3 stars because of the ending.
Sara, in my world you got everything you deserved, the love, the union, the comfort, the acceptance, the joy of having a family everything that was stolen away from you you have it, and is yours!
I can’t I’m very sad 😞
The narrations by Adrenal Ojo were amazing, I really enjoy the way she brought so much to the characters and the story, she really made me feel like I was part of the story.
Thanks to Harper Audio, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for the advanced audio copy of The Two Lives of Sara in exchange for my honest review.
3 stars for the end
The Two Lives of Sara, I really love the story I was super ready to keep going with everything that was happening in Sara's life, somehow I was happy that everything she went through was finally paying off for the better and that she was finally seeing some light and happiness surrounded by people that love her.
Sara had a terrible start in life, her father wasn’t what we all expected him to be, he did terrible things that marked Sara's life, and had a hard time trusting anyone ever again, she couldn't confine her secrets to her two best friends, she felt ashamed and needed space and time to move on and forget whatever happened.
Sara moved over to Memphis with her son ready to start all over again, with a new life, full of hope, full of people that really love her and wanted the best thing for her, with a new "mama" Mama Sugar loved Sara and Levine so much, she took care of them as anyone will with someone after experiencing such a terrible upbringing and trauma. Mama Sugar was the best character in the book I really love the way she always made every single bad memory or moment more blissful and peaceful for everybody around her. her food and joy were the best of this book.
Mama sugar's sons were not what she ever expected, they gave her so much heartache to the point that she was sad for everything they did, but that didn't stop her from loving everybody around her and helping them in any way she could.
But once Sara had finally found happiness again things started to go down and down faster this is when my whole happiness for this amazingly beautiful book started to colpase together with Sara's unhappiness.
This is exactly when I started to dislike the story, the eternal sadness of Sara was very heavy, and I couldn’t shake it off no matter what, not even at the end of the story, chapter after, chapter the sadness was even deeper, I was hoping that there was going to be a twist right in the last min but that twist never came. I was even skipping paragraphs because I wanted to get to the happiness faster but it never came. I end up feeling very sad and angry the joy was completely gone. it is not what I really wanted to feel for a book I was loving so much.
But in the end, I really couldn’t shake off that feeling making me angry with the ending and somehow the writer for not letting Sara have a happy ending after all she went through. life is full of Cycles, nothing is permanent but it felt like the sadness of Sara was very permanent and the cycle never ended so it really made me feel not good.
This is the ONLY reason I rated this book 3 stars because of the ending.
Sara, in my world you got everything you deserved, the love, the union, the comfort, the acceptance, the joy of having a family everything that was stolen away from you you have it, and is yours!
I can’t I’m very sad 😞
The narrations by Adrenal Ojo were amazing, I really enjoy the way she brought so much to the characters and the story, she really made me feel like I was part of the story.
Thanks to Harper Audio, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for the advanced audio copy of The Two Lives of Sara in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2022
I knew Catherine Adel West would be an autobuy author for me after reading Saving Ruby King. Her writing is just soooo good… she put her foot in this one ya’ll! I was expecting nothing less than an amazing story with rich characters and this book delivers! It was definitely an emotional read as well. My eyes welled up through certain parts of this book and then I was full on crying… lawd! Catherine Adel West does this to me every time.
It is a quiet story of sorts but is complex at the same time. Strong-willed and angry Sara King enters town pregnant and is holding onto a secret she’s keeping close to the vest. She has come to this new place to start anew, but can she? Will she be able to realize that good things are possible for her? This is a story of love, found family, hard decisions, redemption and how the secrets we keep can either tether us or set us free.
I listened to the audio of this book which was narrated by one of my favorites, Anderele Ojo (a Philly native BTW). There is something hauntingly emotive about her narration that gives the characters life. This story pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me on the hook until the very end!
It is a quiet story of sorts but is complex at the same time. Strong-willed and angry Sara King enters town pregnant and is holding onto a secret she’s keeping close to the vest. She has come to this new place to start anew, but can she? Will she be able to realize that good things are possible for her? This is a story of love, found family, hard decisions, redemption and how the secrets we keep can either tether us or set us free.
I listened to the audio of this book which was narrated by one of my favorites, Anderele Ojo (a Philly native BTW). There is something hauntingly emotive about her narration that gives the characters life. This story pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me on the hook until the very end!
December 11, 2022
We’re all friends here right? So can I be honest?
Sara got on my nerves the entire read! I understand that she needed tons of TLC after the traumatic way her son was conceived but it was her overall disposition that made me roll my eyes throughout her narration.
I did come to adore every other character/caretaker of Sara’s feelings, I admired their patience. I was even a little invested in each of their stories as well.
Sara could not allow herself to let a good thing be good. Resting side eye and “the sky is falling” permeate every part of her. I thought that was overkill. She’s a runner and that’s just no way to handle problems.
I’m not sure what the author was trying to accomplish, but suffice it to say it was lost on me.
Sara got on my nerves the entire read! I understand that she needed tons of TLC after the traumatic way her son was conceived but it was her overall disposition that made me roll my eyes throughout her narration.
I did come to adore every other character/caretaker of Sara’s feelings, I admired their patience. I was even a little invested in each of their stories as well.
Sara could not allow herself to let a good thing be good. Resting side eye and “the sky is falling” permeate every part of her. I thought that was overkill. She’s a runner and that’s just no way to handle problems.
I’m not sure what the author was trying to accomplish, but suffice it to say it was lost on me.
December 2, 2022
“𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘶𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨’𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺?”
✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
This book broke me, then it built me back up, then it broke me again, built me back up a second time, and then it broke me even further than the two times before. I was drawn into the literary quicksand from page one. I couldn’t put it down. It was just incredible.
My favourite thing about this book is that Sara managed to find love after she felt it had been proven to never exist. It’s one of those stories where all you do is route for the main character, through her ups and downs! It is a really emotional read, but one id recommend over and over again. It’s set in the period of segregation in the US, but that was the least of their worries.
If you read one book to finish this year, let it be this one. I cannot put into words how much this book will stay with me.
𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐲.
✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
This book broke me, then it built me back up, then it broke me again, built me back up a second time, and then it broke me even further than the two times before. I was drawn into the literary quicksand from page one. I couldn’t put it down. It was just incredible.
My favourite thing about this book is that Sara managed to find love after she felt it had been proven to never exist. It’s one of those stories where all you do is route for the main character, through her ups and downs! It is a really emotional read, but one id recommend over and over again. It’s set in the period of segregation in the US, but that was the least of their worries.
If you read one book to finish this year, let it be this one. I cannot put into words how much this book will stay with me.
𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐲.
August 21, 2022
After adoring SAVING RUBY KING, the debut by Catherine Adel West, THE TWO LIVES OF SARA was high on my fall TBR. Oh, how I wanted to love this book so much more than I did.
The prequel/sister story tells the backstory of Sara King who is the grandmother of Ruby. We get a glimpse into Sara’s life in 1960s Memphis as she gives birth to a son born out of sexual assault. While the writing was quote-worthy and the characters fully-developed, the plot felt slow-moving and lackluster.
My favorite aspect of SAVING RUBY KING was that the church was given a POV and served as an omniscient narrator. While I understand West’s decision to go a different direction, I think using the house in Memphis as a narrator (If only these walls could talk!) would have been a fun addition.
I read this in the midst of my newborn baby fog and was craving something a bit faster-paced. Readers looking for a well-written character study with themes of found family may find this more engaging. Catherine Adel West is truly a delight and I would highly recommend picking up SAVING RUBY KING.
RATING: 3/5
PUB DATE: September 6, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley and Park Row books for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The prequel/sister story tells the backstory of Sara King who is the grandmother of Ruby. We get a glimpse into Sara’s life in 1960s Memphis as she gives birth to a son born out of sexual assault. While the writing was quote-worthy and the characters fully-developed, the plot felt slow-moving and lackluster.
My favorite aspect of SAVING RUBY KING was that the church was given a POV and served as an omniscient narrator. While I understand West’s decision to go a different direction, I think using the house in Memphis as a narrator (If only these walls could talk!) would have been a fun addition.
I read this in the midst of my newborn baby fog and was craving something a bit faster-paced. Readers looking for a well-written character study with themes of found family may find this more engaging. Catherine Adel West is truly a delight and I would highly recommend picking up SAVING RUBY KING.
RATING: 3/5
PUB DATE: September 6, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley and Park Row books for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2024
The Two Lives of Sara is a Historical Fiction Novel that I will deem to become a great Classic! Never have I felt the desire to purchase a novel to literally HIGHLIGHT the quotes on the pages. But, this Novel has proven to be the one to do it. I enjoyed the way Catherine Adel West takes the Readers' mind back into Time; appreciating the Things of Importance. This novel peels off so many different layers of subjects from beginning to end. The ending of this novel, actually took me back to the thoughts I initially posted; wondering about the sequence of events that were going to come in Sara's Life. This is An Amazing Novel. It's Written like the bold, uncertain footsteps that Sara is forced to take in Life. Everyone is revealed how they play a specific part in it also...
Pure Excellence!
Pure Excellence!
June 18, 2022
West's Saving Ruby King was a highlight of my 2020 summer reading, so I was thrilled to return to her work with The Two Lives of Sara. I believe it is set in the same world, but decades before Ruby King, and most of the story takes place in Memphis rather than Chicago.
West creates memorable characters, and some of them have such wisdom I slow down and savor their words. Though a lot of real, gritty life takes place in her books, they are comforting to read, as her characters grow and love and choose and persevere. I wouldn't be surprised for another book about this heroine--the ending was rather open-ended and I want more! West also reaches my sweet spot of books-about-books, as her characters often read and discuss literature. Here, Black authors shine, including female ones, and I love that the setting of this book (1962-1963) allows her to highlight earlier Black women writers who are often overlooked.
The Two Lives of Sara has a fantastic sense of community, one that I find lingering after finishing the book. Yet, it shows the struggle of the individual in community that still needs to figure things out before fully contributing to communal life. Sara's struggle with religion was well-written and I appreciate how West let tensions exist without settling them tritely. West is one of my must-read authors now and I can't wait to see what she publishes next!
ARC provided by a Goodreads giveaway.
Content warnings: child sexual abuse/clerical abuse ; house fire; murder; suicide attempt ; PPD
West creates memorable characters, and some of them have such wisdom I slow down and savor their words. Though a lot of real, gritty life takes place in her books, they are comforting to read, as her characters grow and love and choose and persevere. I wouldn't be surprised for another book about this heroine--the ending was rather open-ended and I want more! West also reaches my sweet spot of books-about-books, as her characters often read and discuss literature. Here, Black authors shine, including female ones, and I love that the setting of this book (1962-1963) allows her to highlight earlier Black women writers who are often overlooked.
The Two Lives of Sara has a fantastic sense of community, one that I find lingering after finishing the book. Yet, it shows the struggle of the individual in community that still needs to figure things out before fully contributing to communal life. Sara's struggle with religion was well-written and I appreciate how West let tensions exist without settling them tritely. West is one of my must-read authors now and I can't wait to see what she publishes next!
ARC provided by a Goodreads giveaway.
Content warnings: child sexual abuse/clerical abuse ; house fire; murder; suicide attempt ; PPD
January 3, 2023
Amazing! Sara's a force that provides reckoning wherever she goes. Though she never pretends to be flawless, she powers through the expectations others place upon her. Her hunger for life keeps her moving to the next day, despite promised strife.
I sped through this book because it hooked me from the get-go, and I imagine it would do the same for other readers once they grab a copy. Thank Catherine Adel West for the beautiful words living through the page.
Yes, living through the page! Her writing's not only enthralling but vivid. You picture every scene and feel every emotion.
Highly recommended! 5/5
P.S. Oh, and yes, one issue: Please stop spoiling books in your tales, no matter the age of the book. West spoiled The Street by Ann Petry, a book I want to read. One day, I will still get the chance because I'll forget what was spoiled; however, I implore editors to cut spoilers out. It's a bit rude to include them.
I sped through this book because it hooked me from the get-go, and I imagine it would do the same for other readers once they grab a copy. Thank Catherine Adel West for the beautiful words living through the page.
Yes, living through the page! Her writing's not only enthralling but vivid. You picture every scene and feel every emotion.
Highly recommended! 5/5
P.S. Oh, and yes, one issue: Please stop spoiling books in your tales, no matter the age of the book. West spoiled The Street by Ann Petry, a book I want to read. One day, I will still get the chance because I'll forget what was spoiled; however, I implore editors to cut spoilers out. It's a bit rude to include them.
October 31, 2025
Let me start of by saying that Catherine Adel West the author of The Two Lives of Sara, is a skilled writer and her prose was wonderful:
But what is normal anyway? A word for people to ignore their problems, something to swaddle themselves in, something to give them the ability to dream of more than what they have and who they are. Maybe I’m lucky. I don’t have to lie to myself that normal exists, that dreams exist, so I’m far ahead of people who think they can change things, change people."
"My caramel cake sits on the countertop to my left. Three-layered. Perfect. Its taste, I hope, is perfect too. I needed to do something perfect. Music and flour and measurements. Every good and perfect thing I’ve made comes from a recipe and skilled hands. Every calming moment, even when things around me rage."
The novel is very evocative of time and place, Memphis in the early 1960s. West gifts us with so much wonderful music, Nina Simone, Chubby Checker, Bobby Blue Bland and so many others. She deftly describes the food, the settings, the books and the sounds of the time and place.
The characters are well drawn and realistic. I felt as if I knew them all. I was rooting for Sara the whole way through. She is a woman who surely deserves some happiness.
That being said, despite moments of joy, laughter and togetherness it is indeed a very sad book. While the ending is not tragic, it is also not heartening or optimistic.
But what is normal anyway? A word for people to ignore their problems, something to swaddle themselves in, something to give them the ability to dream of more than what they have and who they are. Maybe I’m lucky. I don’t have to lie to myself that normal exists, that dreams exist, so I’m far ahead of people who think they can change things, change people."
"My caramel cake sits on the countertop to my left. Three-layered. Perfect. Its taste, I hope, is perfect too. I needed to do something perfect. Music and flour and measurements. Every good and perfect thing I’ve made comes from a recipe and skilled hands. Every calming moment, even when things around me rage."
The novel is very evocative of time and place, Memphis in the early 1960s. West gifts us with so much wonderful music, Nina Simone, Chubby Checker, Bobby Blue Bland and so many others. She deftly describes the food, the settings, the books and the sounds of the time and place.
The characters are well drawn and realistic. I felt as if I knew them all. I was rooting for Sara the whole way through. She is a woman who surely deserves some happiness.
That being said, despite moments of joy, laughter and togetherness it is indeed a very sad book. While the ending is not tragic, it is also not heartening or optimistic.
October 10, 2022
"Don't expect people to praise you. Have enough confidence in what you do so you never need anyone else to make you feel like a whole person."
A wonderful array of characters that will stick with me for a long time. This is not a very happy or uplifting book. Sara suffers one tragedy after another; the reader can only hope that the love of Mama Sugar, Mr. Vanellys, Cora, Dr. Morgan, Will, Buster, Elvin and others will help her persevere and crack her tough exterior.
I know a lot of previous reviewers were not satisfied with the ending. But I think we have to appreciate that not all stories, like reality, have a happy ending.
A wonderful array of characters that will stick with me for a long time. This is not a very happy or uplifting book. Sara suffers one tragedy after another; the reader can only hope that the love of Mama Sugar, Mr. Vanellys, Cora, Dr. Morgan, Will, Buster, Elvin and others will help her persevere and crack her tough exterior.
I know a lot of previous reviewers were not satisfied with the ending. But I think we have to appreciate that not all stories, like reality, have a happy ending.
January 17, 2023
Started out slow... Finally got invested in it. Then didn't like the ending.
May 26, 2023
3.5 ⭐📖
January 16, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this story— the writing was beautiful and I was immediately pulled into Sara’s story from the very first page. I was able to imagine myself in the The Scarlet Poplar as one of Mama Sugar’s boarders and I could smell the scent of butter and vanilla extract from all the baking that took place in the middle of that kitchen.
West writes in a way that build suspense in the mystery behind what brought Sara to Memphis after leaving Chicago while pregnant. I couldn’t help but keep turning the pages to understand what forced her to leave her old home to create a new life in Memphis. As her new life begins, she finds love and before she knows it, she experiences the worst heartbreak causing her life to shatter. Now while I loved this story, I have to say that I hate the decision she makes at the end; I think I would’ve wanted to see her stick it out and keep trudging forward in life but nonetheless, it was still a great story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
PS- I had the physical + listened to this on audio (duh) and it’s the same narrator ( @leojo3 ) as THE LOVE SONGS OF W. E. B. DU BOIS so it was pretty GREAT!
West writes in a way that build suspense in the mystery behind what brought Sara to Memphis after leaving Chicago while pregnant. I couldn’t help but keep turning the pages to understand what forced her to leave her old home to create a new life in Memphis. As her new life begins, she finds love and before she knows it, she experiences the worst heartbreak causing her life to shatter. Now while I loved this story, I have to say that I hate the decision she makes at the end; I think I would’ve wanted to see her stick it out and keep trudging forward in life but nonetheless, it was still a great story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
PS- I had the physical + listened to this on audio (duh) and it’s the same narrator ( @leojo3 ) as THE LOVE SONGS OF W. E. B. DU BOIS so it was pretty GREAT!
Read
October 26, 2022I cannot in good conscience award this book any stars for several reasons. The first of which is that it seems to be a follow-up to a previous book. The beginning of the book reads like the middle of a story.
(I should have read some reviews before picking up this book but the cover is what got to me).
Early 1960’s Sara arrives in Memphis from Chicago pregnant and is installed in a boarding house run by Mama Sugar. (Why would a black woman leave Chicago and move to Memphis in 1960?)
Sara has the baby which she does not like or want. Obviously something bad happened to her in Chicago which is eked out bit by bit throughout the pages, but never completely.
There are some stereo-typical people and events that I find unhelpful and offensive. Such as telling a coloured child who is interested in education and learning: “They don’t care if black men are learned….Them books don’t make you nothing big.” (Pg.77)
And then the ending which left me feeling very angry. I have nothing nice to say about Sara.
The best thing about this book is the beautiful cover picture…otherwise I would not recommend it to one single person.
(I should have read some reviews before picking up this book but the cover is what got to me).
Early 1960’s Sara arrives in Memphis from Chicago pregnant and is installed in a boarding house run by Mama Sugar. (Why would a black woman leave Chicago and move to Memphis in 1960?)
Sara has the baby which she does not like or want. Obviously something bad happened to her in Chicago which is eked out bit by bit throughout the pages, but never completely.
There are some stereo-typical people and events that I find unhelpful and offensive. Such as telling a coloured child who is interested in education and learning: “They don’t care if black men are learned….Them books don’t make you nothing big.” (Pg.77)
And then the ending which left me feeling very angry. I have nothing nice to say about Sara.
The best thing about this book is the beautiful cover picture…otherwise I would not recommend it to one single person.
Read
September 25, 2023Sara King has left Chicago behind for Memphis, bringing along her infant son Lebanon. In the Memphis of 1960, she finds a new home among a welcoming Black neighborhood. Sara’s bitterness toward what drove her from Chicago is slowly tempered by the warm, loving relationships she builds in Memphis. The Two Lives of Sara is an emotional novel with complex, appealing characters. But bad things happen to people who don’t deserve them. Author Catherine Adel West beautifully evokes the setting by focusing on food, music, historical and literary figures, and the role of church and faith in the Black community. This book stunned me in several places, and the last few chapters demand to be read in one sitting. I especially admired the cadences of conversations, both light and deep. Catherine Adel West’s The Two Lives of Sara is our library's One Book One Village selection for this year, and they made an excellent choice with this title.
December 19, 2022
I listened to the audio version and I’m sure that affected my distaste for this book. The narrator was great with the female parts but the male voices evoked a parent reading to a child using the big, bad bear voice. Also I so totally disliked the main character. I can’t bring myself to call her the protagonist because she is so damn cruel to people who are being kind to her. I get she has been hurt and deserves compassion but about 100 pages of her bemoaning that nobody suffers like her was too much.
December 29, 2022
I just adored Saving Ruby King, and couldn’t wait to read the prequel which tells Sara’s story. Catherine Adel West once again swept me away with her beautiful writing and complex characters that have stayed with me long after I finished reading.
Themes of family, secrets, heartache, trauma and perseverance are woven throughout.
I really loved the narrator, Adenrele Ojo, who brought so much more to the story with her tone and inflection.
*many thanks to Park Row and Harper Audio/Netgalley for the gifted copy for review
Themes of family, secrets, heartache, trauma and perseverance are woven throughout.
I really loved the narrator, Adenrele Ojo, who brought so much more to the story with her tone and inflection.
*many thanks to Park Row and Harper Audio/Netgalley for the gifted copy for review
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