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Keeper of Keys
A young woman finds out that she has AIDS and considers ending her life.
38 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
28 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Bernice L. McFadden
21 books2,239 followersBERNICE L. McFADDEN is the author of ten critically acclaimed novels including Praise Song for the Butterflies (Long listed for the 2019 Women's Prize in Fiction ) The Book of Harlan (winner of a 2017 American Book Award and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Fiction) Sugar, Loving Donovan, Nowhere Is a Place, The Warmest December, Gathering of Waters (a New York Times Editors’ Choice and one of the 100 Notable Books of 2012) and Glorious . She is a four-time Hurston/Wright Legacy Award finalist, as well as the recipient of four awards from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA).
McFadden has also penned five novels under the pseudonym: Geneva Holliday
She is a visiting assistant professor of creative writing at Tulane University in New Orleans. She is at work on her sixteenth novel.
McFadden has also penned five novels under the pseudonym: Geneva Holliday
She is a visiting assistant professor of creative writing at Tulane University in New Orleans. She is at work on her sixteenth novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 28, 2017
I liked this short story but it didn't Wow me like some of McFadden's other books. However it still has has the lovely sensitive nuances that I love about her writing.
July 25, 2018
Kai struggles with abandonment due to a traumatic event that happened to her one summer when she was a very young girl. Now Kai is walking in her mother's shoes and has a choice to make, and will it be the best one. Ms. McFadden takes us on a short "journey" that requires quick life changing decisions and soul searching. I enjoyed the beginning, it waned in the middle, and progressively got better towards the end. I knew it was a novella, but I wanted to know more about Journey.
April 27, 2019
Short story. Everything by this author is wonderful! Sob worthy. So much emotion packed into 40 pages. Got this on Amazon digitally for nothing.
October 19, 2018
This was a great short story...perfect for a quick read! I wanted more though..lol...so I would actually give i 3.5 stars relative to the phenomenal novels by Ms. McFadden.
March 17, 2019
This was beautiful. Short but powerful. Sad but also very sweet. In my opinion it had a bit of a love story tucked in there.
February 5, 2021
Enjoyed the book! Bernice packed quite a bit into the story. Very quick and short read. Looking forward to discussing with the bookclub. I may re-read to ensure I didn’t miss anything.
February 9, 2021
I am amazed and awestruck with this book.
I was apprehensive about reading because it was so short and such a controversial subject matter, but I can truly say that the narrative and characterization were quite developed.
Great story that everyone should read.
Thank you, Ms. Mcfadden
I was apprehensive about reading because it was so short and such a controversial subject matter, but I can truly say that the narrative and characterization were quite developed.
Great story that everyone should read.
Thank you, Ms. Mcfadden
May 29, 2016
Wow.
For a short story of less than 40 pages this was fantastic. I actually cried reading this. There are so many elements in this story that I can relate to it hurt. But that ending really sealed the deal for me, and I actually sobbed while finishing it. It's hard to give a brief description of such a short story but it's about a mother that was lost suddenly, a daughter with a great name and a tragic tale of her own and her want to make sure that her own daughter won't suffer or go forget that she is loved. It's a heartbreaking story, and I'm pretty sure my emotions have taken a hit. Thank you Ms. McFadden.
For a short story of less than 40 pages this was fantastic. I actually cried reading this. There are so many elements in this story that I can relate to it hurt. But that ending really sealed the deal for me, and I actually sobbed while finishing it. It's hard to give a brief description of such a short story but it's about a mother that was lost suddenly, a daughter with a great name and a tragic tale of her own and her want to make sure that her own daughter won't suffer or go forget that she is loved. It's a heartbreaking story, and I'm pretty sure my emotions have taken a hit. Thank you Ms. McFadden.
February 3, 2012
This book was AMAZING! The author did and excellent job of really drawing you in. I fell in love w/ the main character and could really see and feel her struggles. The only reason this book got four stars instead of five is b/c it's only 32 pages long. I wasn't ready for it to end.
May 15, 2018
A life uncertain
I read this short story a few years ago, but decided to read it again. I love it. Bernice L McFadden has a way of drawing you in and loving the characters. Kai dealt with the loss of her mother as a child , then she is given what she considered a death sentence as an adult. She had to fight to to live again, to renew her relationship with her daughter, to love and be loved again and hope of a future.
I read this short story a few years ago, but decided to read it again. I love it. Bernice L McFadden has a way of drawing you in and loving the characters. Kai dealt with the loss of her mother as a child , then she is given what she considered a death sentence as an adult. She had to fight to to live again, to renew her relationship with her daughter, to love and be loved again and hope of a future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2020
Great Novella
I’ve always been a fan of McFadden’s book. “A Gathering of Waters” is by far one of my favorites. Although the topic was heavy, the book was light with characters enveloped in charm and personality. One of the things I loved is how you end up learning about who the characters are and the roles they play in the most creative of ways. An example (and it’s not a spoiler) is how the author has you wondering how the main character’s mom passed away. #HappyReading
I’ve always been a fan of McFadden’s book. “A Gathering of Waters” is by far one of my favorites. Although the topic was heavy, the book was light with characters enveloped in charm and personality. One of the things I loved is how you end up learning about who the characters are and the roles they play in the most creative of ways. An example (and it’s not a spoiler) is how the author has you wondering how the main character’s mom passed away. #HappyReading
December 27, 2017
Too short
This short book was actually pretty good, it was way too short, it kinda left you hanging. I did love the part where she realized she needed to show her daughter that she did love her, and didn’t want to say not say good bye!
This short book was actually pretty good, it was way too short, it kinda left you hanging. I did love the part where she realized she needed to show her daughter that she did love her, and didn’t want to say not say good bye!
April 1, 2019
LOVE!!! The first word/feeling that comes to mind once I finished. Sadness, grief, happiness and through it all, love prevailed. It reminded me of "What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day" by Pearl Cleage, but more importantly true love still exists❣
June 13, 2018
Compelling !
I like the story. I have read most of the authors novels . When I found this gem I was seeking another of the authors writing . I was not disappointed.
I like the story. I have read most of the authors novels . When I found this gem I was seeking another of the authors writing . I was not disappointed.
June 28, 2018
Bit-sized greatness …
… which leaves you craving for more. It’s been ages, if ever, that a short story has caught me up within its words like this one.
… which leaves you craving for more. It’s been ages, if ever, that a short story has caught me up within its words like this one.
January 16, 2020
Storyline was boring, there was no real tragedy here. Would really like my 99cent back; although I still am a fan of the author.
June 9, 2025
a lot better
Even though this book was shorter than the other Bernice book I read before and I liked that it touched on the AIDS topic that is a topic that is rarely covered on
Even though this book was shorter than the other Bernice book I read before and I liked that it touched on the AIDS topic that is a topic that is rarely covered on
May 19, 2016
McFadden packed a lot of heart into this small package. Within a page or two, I was invested in Kai’s life and story. The first half was very strong, but McFadden digressed a bit in the second half. There were too many subtle sub-plots, dynamics between characters and themes. I think that McFadden should have stayed laser focused on the process of Kai and her family coming to accept her diagnosis.
In my opinion, McFadden was too ambitious, but it certainly did wet my appetite for more from this author.
In my opinion, McFadden was too ambitious, but it certainly did wet my appetite for more from this author.
August 28, 2011
Excellent short story by Ms. McFadden. The story centers on Kai, who has just received devastating news. Readers will feel her pain and heartache, as stories about her mother and daughter are interwoven into hers. Ms. McFadden is one of my favorite authors and, though I am not a fan of short stories, this one doesn't disappoint.
October 19, 2012
Ok this is the shortest book I have read in a long time!!!! This book literally took me 45 mins!!! So ok...as far as the book goes: confusion!!! It was an ok read but it left me thinking: ok what's the point??? And Berniece McFadden is one of my favorite authors but this book was just ok for me. Glad I was able to support her tho!!!
June 18, 2014
Amazing
it has been sometime since I have entertained the idea of reading a short story. I like to immerse myself in the characters and there never is enough pages to develop each character. how ever keeper of Keys was written in such a quiet intimate way that I felt and instant knowing and connection to the brief glimpse of the characters life. great read
it has been sometime since I have entertained the idea of reading a short story. I like to immerse myself in the characters and there never is enough pages to develop each character. how ever keeper of Keys was written in such a quiet intimate way that I felt and instant knowing and connection to the brief glimpse of the characters life. great read
April 20, 2015
This is a short story that involves relationships and illness where love is the main ingredient. Although it is a short story I wanted it to go on at least for a few more pages. However, in a very few pages, McFadden weaves a wonderful tale.
June 19, 2012
I liked this short story but I actually thought it was a book and was quite disappointed when it ended so abruptly. I'd love to get my hands on the continuation book so I can read the rest of the story.
March 21, 2013
a great quick read!
I love McFadden and she does not disappoint in this short story about a woman's struggle with illness and her reflections of her mother's illness when she was a child. A very well written page turner!
I love McFadden and she does not disappoint in this short story about a woman's struggle with illness and her reflections of her mother's illness when she was a child. A very well written page turner!
August 7, 2016
This is my second short book by Bernice L. McFadden. This is considered a novella. It was pretty good. It had a few typos, but a good story line. It renewed my hope. I do recommend for others wanting to get in a short read. Bernice always delivers.
February 22, 2015
I've read a few short stories lately and this one was most touching. The main character drew me in and held me there to the end. A beautiful read. Sad but lovely at the same time. True love really conquers all.
January 10, 2012
As I expected I really enjoyed reading Ms McFadden's short story. In just a few pages I had a wonderful interlude with Alice, Kai, Alice and Journey.
February 3, 2012
Short and good at the same time
February 10, 2013
Nice short story
March 19, 2013
This is a short, sweet love story of man/woman and mother/daughter love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews