What do you think?
Rate this book
Lay that Trumpet in Our Hands
Here is one of those rare and remarkable debuts that herald the appearance of a major new talent on the literary scene. Inspired by real events, Lay That Trumpet In Our Hands is a wise and luminous story about a northern family, a southern town, and the senseless murder that sparks an extraordinary act of courage.
To this day, my family is in disagreement as to precisely when the nightmare began. For me, it was the morning Daddy and Luther discovered Marvin, beaten, shot, and dying, in the Klan’s stomping grounds off Round Lake Road. My brother Ren disagrees. He points to the small cluster of scars that begin just outside his left eye and trail horizontally across his temple to the top of his ear. Ren claims it started when the men in white robes took the unprecedented step of shooting at two white children. Others say it was when Mr. Thurgood Marshall of the NAACP and Mr. Hoover’s FBI came to town. Mother and Daddy shake their heads. In their minds, the real beginning was much earlier....
To this day, my family is in disagreement as to precisely when the nightmare began. For me, it was the morning Daddy and Luther discovered Marvin, beaten, shot, and dying, in the Klan’s stomping grounds off Round Lake Road. My brother Ren disagrees. He points to the small cluster of scars that begin just outside his left eye and trail horizontally across his temple to the top of his ear. Ren claims it started when the men in white robes took the unprecedented step of shooting at two white children. Others say it was when Mr. Thurgood Marshall of the NAACP and Mr. Hoover’s FBI came to town. Mother and Daddy shake their heads. In their minds, the real beginning was much earlier....
281 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2002
123 people are currently reading
1550 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
April 7, 2022
I found this in a library sale and grabbed it. Apparently it was a local county read some years ago, and I'm so glad I picked it up. I'd never heard of this book, but it was a huge bestseller at the time it was published and it is a beautifully written, well crafted, evocative coming-of-age story based on a real family whose father assisted the FBI in prosecuting the KKK in Orlando, Florida.
Much of the history in this book was unknown to me. Truly disturbing how active the KKK was in the early 50s and how they targeted not just blacks but Catholics, Jews, and anyone who clashed with their extreme beliefs (beating up two young girls for swimming nude). McCarthy is lucky to have published this in 2002. It would not be allowed in Florida schools today. I'm grateful she so carefully and lovingly wrote this ode to her father. A man I would have loved to have had a beer or iced tea with while listening to his stories. Read it to understand the long, painful legacy of racism and antisemitism in the south.
Much of the history in this book was unknown to me. Truly disturbing how active the KKK was in the early 50s and how they targeted not just blacks but Catholics, Jews, and anyone who clashed with their extreme beliefs (beating up two young girls for swimming nude). McCarthy is lucky to have published this in 2002. It would not be allowed in Florida schools today. I'm grateful she so carefully and lovingly wrote this ode to her father. A man I would have loved to have had a beer or iced tea with while listening to his stories. Read it to understand the long, painful legacy of racism and antisemitism in the south.
December 22, 2019
This is the review I posted on Amazon 2009 - under the pen name "Tell Me A Story"
I must say, it is seldom that I find a book so well written. I never thought I would find a book about my tiny cracker town! I lived in the city for 30 years and it is very realistic.
The book itself was a wonderful story about light over coming darkness. In many ways, I almost felt like I was reading something akin to that movie we all love, "It's a Wonderful Life" meets "To Kill A Mockingbird". When evil strikes this tiny town, people of courage band together to fight it and good over comes evil.
Reesa's family settles from the North into a quiet, sleepy Orange Grove community. It is only when a good family friend, mistaken for being someone else is murdered as a racist act. Grief stricken, the family determines a clever way to circumvent the evil law enforcement officials who don't bother investigating and beat the Klan at their own game.
This book is full of Florida History. As a Floridian, I find that most of the history written is either on the Native American's or more present day. Seldom does anyone take on the more hidden stories. Whereas, Rosewood takes on the acts of the Klan just 2 hours North of Central Florida, it was much a more sterile account since most of the survivors were gone.
The characters were well drawn and believable. Cudos to Ms. McCarthy, she is a master story teller. I also admire her for telling the story. I particularly enjoyed how she ended her story, something that is a challenge for many writers. Rarely, do I find a story that puts a lump in my throat.
I wish the ending were more true to reality; that everyone in this town had changed for the better, that a next generation would rise let go of their need for supremacy and embrace the brotherhood of mankind. Yes, things are a bit better, unfortunately, most of the people, who ran this town more than 50 years ago now have passed the torch to their offspring and amazingly some are even still in power! Now they cloak their animosity more effectively but the hatred and fear is still present. So, I pray that the Lord will Lay the Trumpets in Our Hands and that the True Light will soon overcome the darkness.
Several years after publication, Ms. McCarthy was challenged to reveal that this in fact happened. It turns out, the family that helped expose the Klan in what was then a small community NW of Orlando. I've lived here for more than 25 years now, I have seen signs that while somethings have improved while in other ways little has changed (it is more low key), now more than 60 years later...
I must say, it is seldom that I find a book so well written. I never thought I would find a book about my tiny cracker town! I lived in the city for 30 years and it is very realistic.
The book itself was a wonderful story about light over coming darkness. In many ways, I almost felt like I was reading something akin to that movie we all love, "It's a Wonderful Life" meets "To Kill A Mockingbird". When evil strikes this tiny town, people of courage band together to fight it and good over comes evil.
Reesa's family settles from the North into a quiet, sleepy Orange Grove community. It is only when a good family friend, mistaken for being someone else is murdered as a racist act. Grief stricken, the family determines a clever way to circumvent the evil law enforcement officials who don't bother investigating and beat the Klan at their own game.
This book is full of Florida History. As a Floridian, I find that most of the history written is either on the Native American's or more present day. Seldom does anyone take on the more hidden stories. Whereas, Rosewood takes on the acts of the Klan just 2 hours North of Central Florida, it was much a more sterile account since most of the survivors were gone.
The characters were well drawn and believable. Cudos to Ms. McCarthy, she is a master story teller. I also admire her for telling the story. I particularly enjoyed how she ended her story, something that is a challenge for many writers. Rarely, do I find a story that puts a lump in my throat.
I wish the ending were more true to reality; that everyone in this town had changed for the better, that a next generation would rise let go of their need for supremacy and embrace the brotherhood of mankind. Yes, things are a bit better, unfortunately, most of the people, who ran this town more than 50 years ago now have passed the torch to their offspring and amazingly some are even still in power! Now they cloak their animosity more effectively but the hatred and fear is still present. So, I pray that the Lord will Lay the Trumpets in Our Hands and that the True Light will soon overcome the darkness.
Several years after publication, Ms. McCarthy was challenged to reveal that this in fact happened. It turns out, the family that helped expose the Klan in what was then a small community NW of Orlando. I've lived here for more than 25 years now, I have seen signs that while somethings have improved while in other ways little has changed (it is more low key), now more than 60 years later...
December 13, 2012
This novel is based on real events that happened in 1951 in Central Florida and paints a vivid picture of the KKK and race relations at the beginning of the civil rights movement. It very much reminded me of "To Kill a Mockingbird," and is told through the narration of a twelve year old girl who has moved from the north to a community in which her parents have an orange grove. When Reesa's close friend is killed by the Klan, Thurgood Marshall of the NAACP, Harry T. Moore who helped register black people to vote, and members of Herbert Hoover's FBI come to town to investigate the KKK. We see small town life with its bigotry in contrast to courage, and this book left me smiling!
May 6, 2009
“Grief, I think, signs you up for a separate, invisible club, members selected at death’s awful randomness. ‘Gone forever’ is our password, lingering sorrow our secret handshake. If you haven’t lost someone important to you, you can’t begin to know the rules. Truth is, you don’t even know the club exists.”
It is hard enough to lose someone important to you due to natural causes or a tragic accident. But when someone is taken from you due to bigotry, inhumanity, hatred or any of ignorance’s other cousins, then your loved one’s death becomes irreconcilable.
In class, we have been reading, discussing and learning about the Holocaust. Yesterday we heard from a Holocaust survivor who shared her troubling memories of Hitler’s Nazi regime murdering her parents, nearly starving her to death in concentration camps, and dehumanizing and annihilating millions of Jews and non-Aryans. Stunningly, as much as America frowned upon Hitler’s doings, many of our own people played a hand in fostering a deep-rooted hatred of groups of people based solely on differences of race. While genocide has claimed – and somehow continues to claim – millions of lives, racism is no less evil.
Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands isn’t just a book; it's a historical analysis of how the disease of racism is born and spreads. It’s also an invitation for people of all races to look racial atrocities of the past dead in the eye, let the impact of such history sink in, learn from mistakes of judging people by their skin color, and take a stand against any such nonsense they cross paths with in their own lives. One person really can make a difference. One hateful judgment can lead to genocide, whereas one peaceful conversation can lead to a banishment of wrongdoings.
Even the deepest-rooted prejudices can be overcome. In fact, in order for our world to grow together and not apart – they must be defeated in the name of oneness. Susan McCarthy has written a beautifully crafted novel that will help curb prejudice and spread tolerance for years to come. Good luck reading through it without shedding a tear.
It is hard enough to lose someone important to you due to natural causes or a tragic accident. But when someone is taken from you due to bigotry, inhumanity, hatred or any of ignorance’s other cousins, then your loved one’s death becomes irreconcilable.
In class, we have been reading, discussing and learning about the Holocaust. Yesterday we heard from a Holocaust survivor who shared her troubling memories of Hitler’s Nazi regime murdering her parents, nearly starving her to death in concentration camps, and dehumanizing and annihilating millions of Jews and non-Aryans. Stunningly, as much as America frowned upon Hitler’s doings, many of our own people played a hand in fostering a deep-rooted hatred of groups of people based solely on differences of race. While genocide has claimed – and somehow continues to claim – millions of lives, racism is no less evil.
Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands isn’t just a book; it's a historical analysis of how the disease of racism is born and spreads. It’s also an invitation for people of all races to look racial atrocities of the past dead in the eye, let the impact of such history sink in, learn from mistakes of judging people by their skin color, and take a stand against any such nonsense they cross paths with in their own lives. One person really can make a difference. One hateful judgment can lead to genocide, whereas one peaceful conversation can lead to a banishment of wrongdoings.
Even the deepest-rooted prejudices can be overcome. In fact, in order for our world to grow together and not apart – they must be defeated in the name of oneness. Susan McCarthy has written a beautifully crafted novel that will help curb prejudice and spread tolerance for years to come. Good luck reading through it without shedding a tear.
December 6, 2023
Hoe gewone mensen het verschil kunnen maken voor anderen, door op te staan tegen een groepering. Iedereen kan een held zijn, je hoeft alleen maar wat lef te tonen. Mooi beschreven, zonder al te veel omhaal van woorden.
September 20, 2022
A review blurb likens this book to To Kill a Mockingbird but I probably wouldn't have thought of that book if I hadn't seen the review. Instead, Blood Done Sign My Name by Timothy Tyson and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor came to mind. I think McCarthy's writing is uneven where it isn't in the 3 other books. Like Tyson's book, this one is based on real life events, although McCarthy wasn't born at the time her father became embroiled in the fight against the Klan. All these books were told from the point of view of a child/adolescent watching events unfold. I think To Kill a Mockingbird feels more like fiction even though it, too, was based on an actual incident. But that may be because there is also a movie of the book.
McCarthy's book brings out some points about Florida's historic racism as opposed to the states we think of as " the worst or the most" and serves as an eye opener in that regard. It is well worth reading as an example of the horrible racism that pervades our history.
McCarthy's book brings out some points about Florida's historic racism as opposed to the states we think of as " the worst or the most" and serves as an eye opener in that regard. It is well worth reading as an example of the horrible racism that pervades our history.
January 1, 2017
honestly so boring!! i get that this was based on true events and that was cool i definitely liked that the situation was brought to life via a novel but the execution of this book was poor. the concept, some characters, the setting, and character relationships were interesting i just found there to be absolutely no tension or anything that actually tried to be interesting or grab my attention. the climax could have been action packed and exciting but i couldn't have cared less. mccarthy has made use of a million and one allusions, metaphors, and similes but without knowledge of the bible, a lot can go straight over a reader's head. i also found the writing style a little unrealistic for the age of the narrator.
i had to read this for school so that probably explains it but let me tell you, in a class of 25-30 intelligent students, all willing to learn about this, not a single person liked this book.
i had to read this for school so that probably explains it but let me tell you, in a class of 25-30 intelligent students, all willing to learn about this, not a single person liked this book.
February 27, 2023
Eye opening novel about KKK activities in Florida in 1951
February 27, 2018
Lay that Trumpet in Our Hands is about a young girl named Reesa. She lives in Florida with her parents and brother. One night, Reesa finds her life torn apart as her close friend and mentor Marvin Cully was ruthlessly murdered by the KKK. Reesa and her family want the murderers to be punished. Throughout the book, Reesa and her family search for information regarding Marvin’s death.
Reesa changes greatly throughout the book. At the beginning of the book, Reesa is happy because she is with her family and friends. She was very close to Marvin, and consequently she is very sad and depressed after his death. She meets one of their elderly neighbor’s granddaughters who is Reesa’s age, and they quickly become friends. This distracts Reesa from all of her grief and pain. At the end of the book, the conflict is resolved, and therefore she returns to her old self and cheers up. Throughout the book, Reesa changes drastically.
I really liked Lay that Trumpet in Our Hands. I liked it mostly because my Grandma’s cousin is the main character and author of the book. I liked it for the mystery and courage. I would recommend it to anyone and will read it again.
Reesa changes greatly throughout the book. At the beginning of the book, Reesa is happy because she is with her family and friends. She was very close to Marvin, and consequently she is very sad and depressed after his death. She meets one of their elderly neighbor’s granddaughters who is Reesa’s age, and they quickly become friends. This distracts Reesa from all of her grief and pain. At the end of the book, the conflict is resolved, and therefore she returns to her old self and cheers up. Throughout the book, Reesa changes drastically.
I really liked Lay that Trumpet in Our Hands. I liked it mostly because my Grandma’s cousin is the main character and author of the book. I liked it for the mystery and courage. I would recommend it to anyone and will read it again.
April 1, 2018
The comparisons between this book and "To Kill a Mockingbird" are inevitable: both are narrated by a young girl (although Reesa is 4-5 years older than Scout), both girls have a wise and peace-loving father (although Reesa also has a mother, two brothers and a grandmother), and both deal with racial incidents in the South (although this book is set in Florida about 20 years after the events in Lee's book, and, most significantly, the events in this book really happened.) It is 1952 and Reesa's family owns an orange grove and packing house near Apopka (changed to Opalakee in the book). Their business relies on maintaining good relations with all of the residents of their small town, even the people they know are active in the local Ku Klux Klan. But when a young black man, an employee and friend, is killed by the Klan, Reesa is confronted for the first time with the ugly racism and institutional injustice that permeates the culture around her. How her father comes to work with the FBI to bring indictments against the Klan members makes for a good lesson in taking a stand for what is right regardless of the risk involved. (On a personal note, I got an unreasonable thrill every time the book mentioned specific Central Florida locations. There were references to Winter Park, Ocoee, Orlando, and Ronnie's restaurant, among others. It's fun to read about the place where I live, even if some of those references - such as a KKK rally on the north shore of Lake Eola - are not very flattering to my home town.)
October 20, 2019
Having read and greatly appreciated two non-fiction accounts of Central Florida Klan crimes, "Devil in the Grove" and "Underneath a Ruthless Sun", as I read the first chapter of "Lay that Trumpet in Our Hands", I didn't think I was going to like it or even make it through the book. At first, in comparison, it seemed a little trite and banal. I decided to stick with it, and I'm glad I did, because I ended up really liking it. The characters are very likable, and the scenes were easy to imagine as a 40-plus year resident of Central Florida. I especially respected the epilogue commentary where McCarthy explained what was fiction and what was not. All in all, it is a book worth reading especially if you are interested in Florida's history, the good and the extremely ugly.
December 9, 2017
I randomly chose this book at a bargain bookstore and was pleasantly surprised; I couldn't put it down. From the epilogue, it was based on a real experience that occurred to the author's family. The heroine in the story reminded me of an older version of Scout from 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. The storyline gave you an inside look into 1950's racial tensions and the KKK in Florida before the civil rights movement.
Strengths in this novel: the characters were well developed, each with distinct dialogue and 'true to life'when they experienced fear, threat, a crisis of faith, and doubt. Compelling story, it's definitely a page turner!
Strengths in this novel: the characters were well developed, each with distinct dialogue and 'true to life'when they experienced fear, threat, a crisis of faith, and doubt. Compelling story, it's definitely a page turner!
September 21, 2010
A simply written but powerful story of the American south when the KKK still owned the orange groves of central Florida. The small nuances of the people of the time and the ever-present struggle in trying to understand why one should hate another solely because of the color of their skin ring constantly throughout the novel. Though not as long or thorough as To Kill a Mockingbird, I found it to be more personal and therefore, having a much stronger impact. Beautiful and touching:)
January 12, 2014
Excellent read. Reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird. Told through the eyes of a child, which is sometimes the best way to truly understand something- without adulthood's preconceived notions. (Also loved that it was based on a true story and that the author's father is one of the main characters.)
July 3, 2017
3.5 stars.
Helpful reminder that there are good people of all stripes but hard to read some of the history of what happened to Black people in America. Author humanized the characters which enables the reader to place her/himself in the story.
Helpful reminder that there are good people of all stripes but hard to read some of the history of what happened to Black people in America. Author humanized the characters which enables the reader to place her/himself in the story.
June 27, 2009
Based on historical events, this novel describes the frightening tactics and ubiquitous influence of the KKK in 1950's Florida, and two families-- one white, one black-- who are impacted by it.
February 2, 2021
So many facts about Central Florida that were new to me. Very curious if long-time residents of Florida would find this novel offensive in any way.
August 27, 2018
Fraai geschreven schokkend verhaal
‘Hoe de bij haar vleugels kreeg’ is de historische debuutroman van Susan Carol McCarthy. Het geeft een schokkend inzicht in de gewelddadigheid van mensen en vertelt op indringende wijze hoe moeilijk het is om samen te leven met mensen die verstokt en radicaal racistisch zijn.
Deze fictieve roman is gebaseerd op de ware gebeurtenissen die plaatsvonden in 1951 en 1952. Door de ogen van de 12-jarige Reesa zien we hoe haar beste vriend Marvin slachtoffer wordt van het extreme geweld van de Ku Klux Klan. Marvin werkte tot zijn dood in de sinaasappelboomgaard van haar vader.
Reesa en haar familie zijn noorderlingen die zich niet helemaal thuis voelen in het door de Ku Klux Klan gedomineerde Florida. Hier is de Klan tot in de hoogste regionen sterk vertegenwoordigd zodat de zwarte bevolking speelbal is van hun willekeur. In de ogen van Reesa is de zwarte bevolking gelijk aan de blanke. Maar hoewel de zwarte bevolking in theorie stemrecht heeft is het voor hen onmogelijk om te stemmen. Terwijl de burgerrechtenbeweging NAACP het stemrecht probeert af te dwingen, gaat de Klan over tot moord-en bomaanslagen. Reesa en haar familie laten dat niet zomaar gebeuren.
Regelmatig mogen we genieten van mooie zinnen en geweldige metaforen die soms een lieflijk beeld weten te schetsen.
‘Aan de andere kant van het meer lijken bloeiende bomen in ordelijke rijen over de golvende heuvels te marcheren’
De harde uitspraken van Klan-leden vormen daarmee een groot contrast. ‘Het is goed om zo af en toe een nikker om te leggen, dat houdt de rest een beetje in toom.’
Wanneer beschreven wordt hoe Luther, de vader van de overleden Marvin de Rhapsody in Blue op de piano speelt , zie je het diepe verdriet van Luther en de zwarte bevolking .
‘Zijn dame ligt snikkend op haar bed, wachtend op de man die niet kwam. Herinneringen aan hun laatste dans samen vallen als bladeren op haar baljurk die als een verfrommeld hoopje op de grond ligt.’
De schrijfster laat op deze wijze zien hoe hartverscheurend het is om in deze van haat doordrenkte samenleving te leven. Deze manier van vertellen brengt de menselijke wreedheid en kortzichtigheid dichterbij.
Toch is het niet het lijden van de zwarte bevolking die op de voorgrond staat. Zij houden er wonderwel de moed in en geven niet op.
Het meest op de voorgrond staat de moeilijkheid om te leven in een omgeving waar rassenhaat hoogtij viert en hoe onmogelijk de opgave lijkt om hier iets aan te veranderen. Toch gloort er hoop want er zijn toch mensen bereid om voor gerechtigheid te strijden.
Deze hoop is ook terug te vinden in de fabel ‘Hoe de bij haar vleugels kreeg’. De fabel is tevens de titel van dit boek. De bij wordt geslagen door de vuurmier en krijgt daardoor gele strepen. Maar gelukkig is er een engel die zijn vleugels afstaat zodat de bij, bevrijd, kan wegvliegen. En zo hoopt ook de zwarte bevolking op bevrijding.
De 12-jarige Reesa, overtuigt niet helemaal. Soms lijkt ze inderdaad de belevingswereld te hebben van iemand van haar leeftijd maar op andere momenten denkt ze dingen die bij een veel ouder kind thuishoren. Ze snapt veel meer van wat er gebeurt dan je zou verwachten. Een voorbeeld hiervan is dat ze zich tijdens het proces voor de Grand Jury afvraagt hoe lang het zal duren voor de Klanners zich tegen elkaar keren om zichzelf te redden. Zo’n wereldwijsheid past niet bij een kind van haar leeftijd.
Daardoor lijkt de verteller eerder een mix van het meisje Reesa en een latere volwassen versie die ons met kennis achteraf vertelt wat zich afspeelde. Of je zou moeten concluderen dat ze vroegwijs is, wat terugkijkend naar de samenleving van de vijftiger jaren niet erg geloofwaardig is.
Door deze verstelstijl komt de persoonlijke beleving van het meisje afstandelijker en minder indringend over. Haar eigen angsten en emoties raken maar af en toe een emotionele snaar.
‘Hoe de bij haar vleugels kreeg’ is een fraai geschreven en boeiend boek dat ons met de neus op de feiten drukt. Racisme is immers diep geworteld en zorgt voor enorme problemen. De vanzelfsprekendheid waarmee racisten hun medemensen menen te mogen intimideren en onderdrukken is ronduit schokkend. In de huidige tijd waarin tegenstellingen gepolariseerd worden is dit boek zeer actueel en aanbevelenswaardig om te lezen. Het maakt duidelijk dat een samenleving zonder gelijkwaardigheid zeer ongezond is.
‘Hoe de bij haar vleugels kreeg’ is de historische debuutroman van Susan Carol McCarthy. Het geeft een schokkend inzicht in de gewelddadigheid van mensen en vertelt op indringende wijze hoe moeilijk het is om samen te leven met mensen die verstokt en radicaal racistisch zijn.
Deze fictieve roman is gebaseerd op de ware gebeurtenissen die plaatsvonden in 1951 en 1952. Door de ogen van de 12-jarige Reesa zien we hoe haar beste vriend Marvin slachtoffer wordt van het extreme geweld van de Ku Klux Klan. Marvin werkte tot zijn dood in de sinaasappelboomgaard van haar vader.
Reesa en haar familie zijn noorderlingen die zich niet helemaal thuis voelen in het door de Ku Klux Klan gedomineerde Florida. Hier is de Klan tot in de hoogste regionen sterk vertegenwoordigd zodat de zwarte bevolking speelbal is van hun willekeur. In de ogen van Reesa is de zwarte bevolking gelijk aan de blanke. Maar hoewel de zwarte bevolking in theorie stemrecht heeft is het voor hen onmogelijk om te stemmen. Terwijl de burgerrechtenbeweging NAACP het stemrecht probeert af te dwingen, gaat de Klan over tot moord-en bomaanslagen. Reesa en haar familie laten dat niet zomaar gebeuren.
Regelmatig mogen we genieten van mooie zinnen en geweldige metaforen die soms een lieflijk beeld weten te schetsen.
‘Aan de andere kant van het meer lijken bloeiende bomen in ordelijke rijen over de golvende heuvels te marcheren’
De harde uitspraken van Klan-leden vormen daarmee een groot contrast. ‘Het is goed om zo af en toe een nikker om te leggen, dat houdt de rest een beetje in toom.’
Wanneer beschreven wordt hoe Luther, de vader van de overleden Marvin de Rhapsody in Blue op de piano speelt , zie je het diepe verdriet van Luther en de zwarte bevolking .
‘Zijn dame ligt snikkend op haar bed, wachtend op de man die niet kwam. Herinneringen aan hun laatste dans samen vallen als bladeren op haar baljurk die als een verfrommeld hoopje op de grond ligt.’
De schrijfster laat op deze wijze zien hoe hartverscheurend het is om in deze van haat doordrenkte samenleving te leven. Deze manier van vertellen brengt de menselijke wreedheid en kortzichtigheid dichterbij.
Toch is het niet het lijden van de zwarte bevolking die op de voorgrond staat. Zij houden er wonderwel de moed in en geven niet op.
Het meest op de voorgrond staat de moeilijkheid om te leven in een omgeving waar rassenhaat hoogtij viert en hoe onmogelijk de opgave lijkt om hier iets aan te veranderen. Toch gloort er hoop want er zijn toch mensen bereid om voor gerechtigheid te strijden.
Deze hoop is ook terug te vinden in de fabel ‘Hoe de bij haar vleugels kreeg’. De fabel is tevens de titel van dit boek. De bij wordt geslagen door de vuurmier en krijgt daardoor gele strepen. Maar gelukkig is er een engel die zijn vleugels afstaat zodat de bij, bevrijd, kan wegvliegen. En zo hoopt ook de zwarte bevolking op bevrijding.
De 12-jarige Reesa, overtuigt niet helemaal. Soms lijkt ze inderdaad de belevingswereld te hebben van iemand van haar leeftijd maar op andere momenten denkt ze dingen die bij een veel ouder kind thuishoren. Ze snapt veel meer van wat er gebeurt dan je zou verwachten. Een voorbeeld hiervan is dat ze zich tijdens het proces voor de Grand Jury afvraagt hoe lang het zal duren voor de Klanners zich tegen elkaar keren om zichzelf te redden. Zo’n wereldwijsheid past niet bij een kind van haar leeftijd.
Daardoor lijkt de verteller eerder een mix van het meisje Reesa en een latere volwassen versie die ons met kennis achteraf vertelt wat zich afspeelde. Of je zou moeten concluderen dat ze vroegwijs is, wat terugkijkend naar de samenleving van de vijftiger jaren niet erg geloofwaardig is.
Door deze verstelstijl komt de persoonlijke beleving van het meisje afstandelijker en minder indringend over. Haar eigen angsten en emoties raken maar af en toe een emotionele snaar.
‘Hoe de bij haar vleugels kreeg’ is een fraai geschreven en boeiend boek dat ons met de neus op de feiten drukt. Racisme is immers diep geworteld en zorgt voor enorme problemen. De vanzelfsprekendheid waarmee racisten hun medemensen menen te mogen intimideren en onderdrukken is ronduit schokkend. In de huidige tijd waarin tegenstellingen gepolariseerd worden is dit boek zeer actueel en aanbevelenswaardig om te lezen. Het maakt duidelijk dat een samenleving zonder gelijkwaardigheid zeer ongezond is.
May 29, 2023
I was surprised by this book in two ways.
First, it was written like a book for high school students, though none of the accolades or reviews placed it into the YA genre. This novel has been adapted to a high school drama, which fits.
Second, it was very Christian in theme ( though, being placed in the 1950s, in the South, with several black characters, almost insists on a Christian-church-going-world-view, so that is not what surprised me). What did was this: the main character, a thirteen-ish-aged girl named Reesa, has legitimate struggles with understanding God and evil. She cries, vents, is full of cynicism and doubt, grapples with sorrow and injustice, to haltingly, slowly, with much confusion, come to a peaceful, comforting, spiritual place of acceptance.
They way people of faith do.
But it is not a published or marketed Christian book because characters curse and swear when upset.
The way people do.
Also, there are no sudden miracles for those who have faith. No angels. There is one scrap of scripture that Reesa has float in her mind at a fearful climax in the book. The title "Lay That Trumpet In Our Hands" is directly based on a prayer spoken aloud by the father of the murdered young man. Reesa's family is in a very dangerous situation when the family, together, takes a stand against the power of the KKK. The phrase is based on The narrative in the Bible of the children of Israel blowing the trumpet at the wall of Jericho, and it collapsing. The opening chapter of this narrative is the murder of a young man, and justice is never served for that family. The victory is simply the start of the tide changing to end segregation and the KKK being above the law. The heart of this book, and what makes it so good, is the father, Warren McMahon. A novel, based on actual events of the author's father's life, and actual historical facts. This includes an attempted kidnapping of Thurgood Marshall by the Ku Klux Klan and what would be the genesis of the Federal Government investigating matters due to the actions of unrelenting Civil Rights leaders. The parallels between To Kill A Mockingbird and Atticus Finch, abound. Knowing this is partially based on her family's actual history keeps it from feeling like a Mockingbird copycat.
The reason why I have withheld one star, keeping it from that perfect 5-star review is based on a few scenes and sudden characters feeling a bit too contrived. That is what made me feel like I was reading a book intended for high school students at times, when I was expecting a more literary novel. That said, its a heart-wrenching, strong character-driven, book. The absolute horror of what The Library Journal said "shows how good people are tainted by generations of hate", sums up what this book does. There is one scene in particular where Ressa's father is describing the inside of a KKK meeting place. The very satanic ritualistic nature of the society is portrayed. And really, that is always the only way to explain the unsettling reality of regular people, our neighbors, doing horrible cruel acts to other humans.
Yet, the ending is not depressing. It does not deliver a cliché happy ending. The author wrote a conclusion with hope and inspiration to do the courageous, unpopular thing, no matter what.
First, it was written like a book for high school students, though none of the accolades or reviews placed it into the YA genre. This novel has been adapted to a high school drama, which fits.
Second, it was very Christian in theme ( though, being placed in the 1950s, in the South, with several black characters, almost insists on a Christian-church-going-world-view, so that is not what surprised me). What did was this: the main character, a thirteen-ish-aged girl named Reesa, has legitimate struggles with understanding God and evil. She cries, vents, is full of cynicism and doubt, grapples with sorrow and injustice, to haltingly, slowly, with much confusion, come to a peaceful, comforting, spiritual place of acceptance.
They way people of faith do.
But it is not a published or marketed Christian book because characters curse and swear when upset.
The way people do.
Also, there are no sudden miracles for those who have faith. No angels. There is one scrap of scripture that Reesa has float in her mind at a fearful climax in the book. The title "Lay That Trumpet In Our Hands" is directly based on a prayer spoken aloud by the father of the murdered young man. Reesa's family is in a very dangerous situation when the family, together, takes a stand against the power of the KKK. The phrase is based on The narrative in the Bible of the children of Israel blowing the trumpet at the wall of Jericho, and it collapsing. The opening chapter of this narrative is the murder of a young man, and justice is never served for that family. The victory is simply the start of the tide changing to end segregation and the KKK being above the law. The heart of this book, and what makes it so good, is the father, Warren McMahon. A novel, based on actual events of the author's father's life, and actual historical facts. This includes an attempted kidnapping of Thurgood Marshall by the Ku Klux Klan and what would be the genesis of the Federal Government investigating matters due to the actions of unrelenting Civil Rights leaders. The parallels between To Kill A Mockingbird and Atticus Finch, abound. Knowing this is partially based on her family's actual history keeps it from feeling like a Mockingbird copycat.
The reason why I have withheld one star, keeping it from that perfect 5-star review is based on a few scenes and sudden characters feeling a bit too contrived. That is what made me feel like I was reading a book intended for high school students at times, when I was expecting a more literary novel. That said, its a heart-wrenching, strong character-driven, book. The absolute horror of what The Library Journal said "shows how good people are tainted by generations of hate", sums up what this book does. There is one scene in particular where Ressa's father is describing the inside of a KKK meeting place. The very satanic ritualistic nature of the society is portrayed. And really, that is always the only way to explain the unsettling reality of regular people, our neighbors, doing horrible cruel acts to other humans.
Yet, the ending is not depressing. It does not deliver a cliché happy ending. The author wrote a conclusion with hope and inspiration to do the courageous, unpopular thing, no matter what.
February 23, 2020
The topic of this book is very important, but the more I read, the more I became annoyed.
It often felt like a simple list of events, almost every chapter begins like this: "On easter sunday" followed by "In may ...", "In june" and so on. The main character's, twelve (turning thirteen throughout the novel) year old Reesa's life seems to be consisting only of work for her parents shop, or work with her family against the injustice, you almost never read about her going to school, doing things with friends or generally being a child of this age. She also felt way to sophisticated, holding extreme interiour monologues in almost every chapter. It was hard for me to believe, that she was so focused, so stable in her position and so uninterested in children of the same age and what they might think. I absolutely support her position, of course, it just wasn't a realistic portrait in my opinion as I don't think that twelve year olds can so easily seperate themselves from the opinion of an entire southern village, without feeling left out, or have at least some wish to belong, some conflict about it.
During the middle of the book, the author obviously felt the need to underline important words using italics, which I found highly annoying.
I don't see how this book can be compared to Harper Lee's novel, except for the topic, because Lee's work is so so much better. I also find Scout way more realistically depicted, as you can follow her development in thought and opinion, yet she always has this childlike, playful side upon her.
Sadly, I don't have so much positive things to say about this book. It is based largely on true events, which is great, because the ending of this novel is great in terms of justice (otherwise I'd say it is too cheesy). The style of writing was (at least) fluently to read and it had only a small number of pages, otherwise this might have gone into the DNF-section for me.
It often felt like a simple list of events, almost every chapter begins like this: "On easter sunday" followed by "In may ...", "In june" and so on. The main character's, twelve (turning thirteen throughout the novel) year old Reesa's life seems to be consisting only of work for her parents shop, or work with her family against the injustice, you almost never read about her going to school, doing things with friends or generally being a child of this age. She also felt way to sophisticated, holding extreme interiour monologues in almost every chapter. It was hard for me to believe, that she was so focused, so stable in her position and so uninterested in children of the same age and what they might think. I absolutely support her position, of course, it just wasn't a realistic portrait in my opinion as I don't think that twelve year olds can so easily seperate themselves from the opinion of an entire southern village, without feeling left out, or have at least some wish to belong, some conflict about it.
During the middle of the book, the author obviously felt the need to underline important words using italics, which I found highly annoying.
I don't see how this book can be compared to Harper Lee's novel, except for the topic, because Lee's work is so so much better. I also find Scout way more realistically depicted, as you can follow her development in thought and opinion, yet she always has this childlike, playful side upon her.
Sadly, I don't have so much positive things to say about this book. It is based largely on true events, which is great, because the ending of this novel is great in terms of justice (otherwise I'd say it is too cheesy). The style of writing was (at least) fluently to read and it had only a small number of pages, otherwise this might have gone into the DNF-section for me.
September 26, 2019
It took me a long time to read this 281 page novel, not because it was slow, boring or it didn't hold my interest. I was on a 13 day holiday and I had very little time for reading. I read the last 90 pages on the plane ride back home.
Lay That Trumpet in our Hands has been compared to, To Kill A Mockingbird. The stories may be similar, and while one is well known and won a Pulitzer Prize, has been made into movies and plays (rightly so), Lay That Trumpet in our Hands can, and could proudly stand on it's own in a well written and gut wrench novel.
The story takes place in 1951. The main character is a 12 year old white girl name Reesa McMahon. Her family has moved from the North to Florida. They do not share the same way of thinking as the white people around them. So when Reesa's 19 year old black friend, Marvin Cully is brutally killed by the KKK, she is devastated, and in disbelief that something like that can happen. It opens her eyes to the race relations between whites and blacks, and the racial hatred against the backdrop of the American Civil Rights.
Because of the laws of Florida at the time, even having the FBI investigate the case is hopeless, until......spoiler alert, so if you haven't read this novel, you should Stop right here, because I'm going to give it away a bit, but not fully.......her father steps in, and I had the biggest grin on my face.
Lay That Trumpet in our Hands has been compared to, To Kill A Mockingbird. The stories may be similar, and while one is well known and won a Pulitzer Prize, has been made into movies and plays (rightly so), Lay That Trumpet in our Hands can, and could proudly stand on it's own in a well written and gut wrench novel.
The story takes place in 1951. The main character is a 12 year old white girl name Reesa McMahon. Her family has moved from the North to Florida. They do not share the same way of thinking as the white people around them. So when Reesa's 19 year old black friend, Marvin Cully is brutally killed by the KKK, she is devastated, and in disbelief that something like that can happen. It opens her eyes to the race relations between whites and blacks, and the racial hatred against the backdrop of the American Civil Rights.
Because of the laws of Florida at the time, even having the FBI investigate the case is hopeless, until......spoiler alert, so if you haven't read this novel, you should Stop right here, because I'm going to give it away a bit, but not fully.......her father steps in, and I had the biggest grin on my face.
July 17, 2018
Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands literally made my heart ache. Details of life in Florida in the early 1950s, and the activities of the Ku Klux Klan are vividly told in this heart wrenching novel. A debut novel, it is written with the polish and insight of a seasoned author. The story is told by a young girl named Reesa. Her tale of life as a preteen during a violent time in our nation's history is told with grit and clarity. Her young black friend, Marvin, was killed violently by members of the KKK, an unthinkable crime that brought to light atrocities that no one should have to experience.
I loved Reesa's family dynamics and the supportive relationships they shared. They set examples of tolerance and acceptance in a community of prejudice and suspicion, and stood firmly for righteousness in the wake of hate crimes. I loved this gritty, touching story of a girl's coming of age in a violent time in our nation. Descriptive, earthy and told with a bold honesty, I will be reading this impressive book again! I highly recommend it!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions are my own.
I loved Reesa's family dynamics and the supportive relationships they shared. They set examples of tolerance and acceptance in a community of prejudice and suspicion, and stood firmly for righteousness in the wake of hate crimes. I loved this gritty, touching story of a girl's coming of age in a violent time in our nation. Descriptive, earthy and told with a bold honesty, I will be reading this impressive book again! I highly recommend it!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions are my own.
February 28, 2017
WARNING: SPOILERS AND DISCUSSION OF ESSENTIAL PLOT ELEMENTS FOLLOW
exposition: the klu klux clan is a group of white males who believe that they are superior to people of a different race. The KKK was very popular in southern states. Marvin mcully was killed by the KKK in march of 1951. Four years after this event the montgomery boycott happened.
Setting: The setting is 1950´s Central Florida.
Protagonist(s):Reesa McMahon,Elizabeth McMahon, Ren McMahon,Warren McMahon,Luther cully. Armetta Cully,Marvin Cully
Antagonist(s): J.D Bowman, Emmet Cassleton
Conflict: Marvin is dead because of the Ku Klux Klan. Warren McMahon is trying to figure out who killed him, but he has no help because the law is the members of the Ku Klux Klan
Rising Action: The Culley and McMahon families want justice for Marvin's murder they send a letter to the FBI asking for an investigation on the KKK asking for help from the local police won't help because all of the local police men are members of the KKK their letter remains unanswered for a couple months.
Climax: The climax is very short but while playing at a friends house ren sees the KKK marching he and his friend decide to make noises at them the KKK gets angry and shoots him in the head.
Falling Action: Mrs.Garnett commits suicide . because the clans work became too much for her to take she is the wife of a major clans member Armetta was like a second mother to their daughter Lucy after Marvin's murder Armetta refuse to work in the home of clansmen Lucy had to go live at her grandmother's house following the suicide, even though her grandmother was said to be a bad person.
Resolution: The klansman do not get any punishment all the clan itself this band afterwards the reason the clan disbands is unknown, Reesa likes the version told by sook turnbull, on the idea that it disbanded because Miss Maybelle threatened them. Warren becomes close to the people of Mayflower and strangers were asking for help for things like reading a letter to problems with insurance Reesa heals from Marvin's death and decides that he will always be in her heart and leaves Florida for good.
Denouement: . After Ren got shot Mr. McMahon was tired of always needing to watch out for the Klan. He decided to make a deal with him Emmet Cassleton the head Klansman. They met with Mr. Cassleton and told him that they still had dynamite even though everyone was supposed to turn it in.Mr. McMahon said if the Klan will stop bothering people Mr. McMahon would blow up his dynamite. After blowing up all of the dynamite Mr. Cassleton told the clansman that he was tired of being in the Klan and that it needed to end.
Secondary Characters:Doto, Thurgood Marshall, J.D. Bowman,miss maybelle, Vaylie
Memorable Quotes:¨ It is founded on the worst instincts of mankind. At its best, it is intolerant and bigoted. At its worst, it is sadistic and brutal. Between these two poles it has its existence.
“Because you believed in me, I figured I was honor-bound to believe in myself.”
Your Overall Assessment of the Book’s Quality: The book, even though I honestly dislike reading this book is amazing, it does not hold back AT ALL and it shows the true side of the Klu klux Klan and its affect on the african american race in the 1950ś and the tolls it had on family. It's deep and emotional, try hard not to get attached to the characters. I loved the book and I'm sure you will too.
exposition: the klu klux clan is a group of white males who believe that they are superior to people of a different race. The KKK was very popular in southern states. Marvin mcully was killed by the KKK in march of 1951. Four years after this event the montgomery boycott happened.
Setting: The setting is 1950´s Central Florida.
Protagonist(s):Reesa McMahon,Elizabeth McMahon, Ren McMahon,Warren McMahon,Luther cully. Armetta Cully,Marvin Cully
Antagonist(s): J.D Bowman, Emmet Cassleton
Conflict: Marvin is dead because of the Ku Klux Klan. Warren McMahon is trying to figure out who killed him, but he has no help because the law is the members of the Ku Klux Klan
Rising Action: The Culley and McMahon families want justice for Marvin's murder they send a letter to the FBI asking for an investigation on the KKK asking for help from the local police won't help because all of the local police men are members of the KKK their letter remains unanswered for a couple months.
Climax: The climax is very short but while playing at a friends house ren sees the KKK marching he and his friend decide to make noises at them the KKK gets angry and shoots him in the head.
Falling Action: Mrs.Garnett commits suicide . because the clans work became too much for her to take she is the wife of a major clans member Armetta was like a second mother to their daughter Lucy after Marvin's murder Armetta refuse to work in the home of clansmen Lucy had to go live at her grandmother's house following the suicide, even though her grandmother was said to be a bad person.
Resolution: The klansman do not get any punishment all the clan itself this band afterwards the reason the clan disbands is unknown, Reesa likes the version told by sook turnbull, on the idea that it disbanded because Miss Maybelle threatened them. Warren becomes close to the people of Mayflower and strangers were asking for help for things like reading a letter to problems with insurance Reesa heals from Marvin's death and decides that he will always be in her heart and leaves Florida for good.
Denouement: . After Ren got shot Mr. McMahon was tired of always needing to watch out for the Klan. He decided to make a deal with him Emmet Cassleton the head Klansman. They met with Mr. Cassleton and told him that they still had dynamite even though everyone was supposed to turn it in.Mr. McMahon said if the Klan will stop bothering people Mr. McMahon would blow up his dynamite. After blowing up all of the dynamite Mr. Cassleton told the clansman that he was tired of being in the Klan and that it needed to end.
Secondary Characters:Doto, Thurgood Marshall, J.D. Bowman,miss maybelle, Vaylie
Memorable Quotes:¨ It is founded on the worst instincts of mankind. At its best, it is intolerant and bigoted. At its worst, it is sadistic and brutal. Between these two poles it has its existence.
“Because you believed in me, I figured I was honor-bound to believe in myself.”
Your Overall Assessment of the Book’s Quality: The book, even though I honestly dislike reading this book is amazing, it does not hold back AT ALL and it shows the true side of the Klu klux Klan and its affect on the african american race in the 1950ś and the tolls it had on family. It's deep and emotional, try hard not to get attached to the characters. I loved the book and I'm sure you will too.
September 23, 2020
I am a local to the setting of this book. A generational local. I picked it up by chance from a "Little Library" box, but had never heard of it before. Having read a few local authors prior to this, I didn't have high expectations, but wow, was I blown away. I learned things about the history of my state, county, and even, in an ancillary fashion, my family that I had never heard before. I had conversations I never would have thought to have with my loved ones. It was extremely impactful to me, on a personal level.
But on a general reader level, it was still an incredible book. The people in this story were utterly believable, the situations relatable, and the dialogue, both internal and external to the main character, true to life. It would have done well in any setting and is a totally worthwhile story to tell. I am very much looking forward to picking up the next book by this author, because she is a good writer and has things to say that I need to hear.
But on a general reader level, it was still an incredible book. The people in this story were utterly believable, the situations relatable, and the dialogue, both internal and external to the main character, true to life. It would have done well in any setting and is a totally worthwhile story to tell. I am very much looking forward to picking up the next book by this author, because she is a good writer and has things to say that I need to hear.
July 19, 2022
I vaguely remember reading this book in the 9th grade. The last time I was at my mom’s I pulled it off of my childhood bookshelf and decided to read it again. I was notorious for never finishing assigned reading in high school so I honestly assumed I’d never read past the first chapter (my bunny ear creases and underlined words proved I was wrong).
What I loved about the book is the reality of it. I was raised in central Florida, just south of Orange County also surrounded by orange groves in a rural area. The author writes beautifully about the coming of age and horrors no middle school-aged kid should have to experience. But it was the reality of Florida in the 1950s. What I loved even more is the true connections the story had to her life as the driving factors.
As for what I didn’t like? The simple fact that these gut wrenching actions actually took place coupled with the fact that I apparently read this first at 14.
I’ll be recommending this book from this day forward.
What I loved about the book is the reality of it. I was raised in central Florida, just south of Orange County also surrounded by orange groves in a rural area. The author writes beautifully about the coming of age and horrors no middle school-aged kid should have to experience. But it was the reality of Florida in the 1950s. What I loved even more is the true connections the story had to her life as the driving factors.
As for what I didn’t like? The simple fact that these gut wrenching actions actually took place coupled with the fact that I apparently read this first at 14.
I’ll be recommending this book from this day forward.
March 3, 2021
4.8/5.0 rating. Lowest rating was 4.0. Most readers gave it a 5.
Author Susan Carol McCarthy joined our discussion. The book club thoroughly enjoyed Ms McCarthy sharing her father's story of standing up against the local KKK. One reader remarked she would have listened all evening to her. Delightful Q & A with Susan going in depth about her family and characters portrayed in her book.
Reading her book one can not help feeling inspired; at same time feel despair that it is now 2021 and some things (or people) have not changed since 1951 regarding attitudes toward race and racism.
You may follow McCarthy at susancarolmccarthy.com, on Facebook and Instagram.
Author Susan Carol McCarthy joined our discussion. The book club thoroughly enjoyed Ms McCarthy sharing her father's story of standing up against the local KKK. One reader remarked she would have listened all evening to her. Delightful Q & A with Susan going in depth about her family and characters portrayed in her book.
Reading her book one can not help feeling inspired; at same time feel despair that it is now 2021 and some things (or people) have not changed since 1951 regarding attitudes toward race and racism.
You may follow McCarthy at susancarolmccarthy.com, on Facebook and Instagram.
February 6, 2022
⭐️4.75 Wow, just wow…
What a beautifully written book! Sad but very beautiful, intriguing but also very tragic. The end of the book where the authors say there thanks, was so emotional for me and (I keep saying it…) so beautiful. 🥺
I can say I’ve learned alot from this book. I learned more about what happend in that time of day and how thing were going back then. It’s never wrong to get yourself some knowledge, especially when it comes to this kinda topics.
Although I didn’t feel like this book was a 5 star read for me, I still loved it very much and would like to read more of the author. 🥰
What a beautifully written book! Sad but very beautiful, intriguing but also very tragic. The end of the book where the authors say there thanks, was so emotional for me and (I keep saying it…) so beautiful. 🥺
I can say I’ve learned alot from this book. I learned more about what happend in that time of day and how thing were going back then. It’s never wrong to get yourself some knowledge, especially when it comes to this kinda topics.
Although I didn’t feel like this book was a 5 star read for me, I still loved it very much and would like to read more of the author. 🥰
October 4, 2019
Great Book
To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite books, and definitely in the top 10 American novels ever written. Lay that Trumpet in our Hands does not equal that accomplishment, but still is an excellent story. Most of us are aware of the racial strife and Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. This book, based on true events during the early 1950s, educated me on the terrible crimes committed by the KKK in Florida. Very well-written, relatable characters, and a definite page turner. Highly recommend!
To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite books, and definitely in the top 10 American novels ever written. Lay that Trumpet in our Hands does not equal that accomplishment, but still is an excellent story. Most of us are aware of the racial strife and Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. This book, based on true events during the early 1950s, educated me on the terrible crimes committed by the KKK in Florida. Very well-written, relatable characters, and a definite page turner. Highly recommend!
February 4, 2020
Amazing story
This is an exceptional book, not only for the writing, but also for the story and its nearness to the truth. Like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” it captures the time, the tension, and the testimonies of the people who lived and died during this wretched time in our country. As Susan says, we all have our stories. I lived in Chattanooga and waited in fear as my husband rode the fire trucks during riots as a member of the Tennessee Air National Guard. Enjoy this as fiction, but remember it as history.
This is an exceptional book, not only for the writing, but also for the story and its nearness to the truth. Like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” it captures the time, the tension, and the testimonies of the people who lived and died during this wretched time in our country. As Susan says, we all have our stories. I lived in Chattanooga and waited in fear as my husband rode the fire trucks during riots as a member of the Tennessee Air National Guard. Enjoy this as fiction, but remember it as history.
November 10, 2020
The hook that got me interested in this book was its setting in Central Florida, where I now live. Though a work of fiction much of the story is based on real events - horrifying and scary events. The Klan is running rampant and people are being terrorized. Some have been murdered. It is 1951, and the McMahon family, transplants from the North, have never fit in. With the brutal murder of their black friend, Marvin Wiley, they will be awakened to the horror that exists in the neighbors around them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews