Fifth Born II: The Hundredth Turtle

by Zelda Lockhart

Fifth Born II: The Hundredth Turtle is sequel to the novel Fifth Born. Set in New York s Harlem and in rural Mississippi during the late 1970 s and 80 s, the novel is reminiscent in tone to Alice Walker s The Color Purple. The story is rich in its portrayal of both the urban and rural spirit, and prolific in its human teachings that demonstrate the love necessary for reconnecting with family members estranged by family violence. When Odessa Blackburn is first left in Mississippi to negotiate a new life with her ostracized mother Ella Mae, the strains of family propaganda, puberty, and life away from her siblings make for compounded heartache. Odessa and Ella Mae must negotiate toward patience and a new way of loving without violence. Soon mother and daughter build a bridge out of their broken lives over which Odessa s oldest brother Lamont crosses. The novel blossoms into the story of these young adult siblings. Though the two are estranged early in childhood by the lies and myths born of family pain, they become emotionally reliant on each other for a sense of family. Following Lamont s death from AIDS, Odessa is faced with her own grieving, and with fulfilling Lamont s request for connection with their estranged siblings. The novel s arc takes the reader over the complicated waters of family division due to incest and homophobia. Against a contrasted backdrop of pastoral bluesy tones of Mississippi and jazzy asphalt and graffiti rifts of Harlem, these difficult subjects are traversed melodically and lyrically. The reader is offered the triumphant depiction of an adult survivor who overcomes obstacles set against her at birth and safely returns home.

Genres: Fiction

230 pages, Paperback

First published June 11, 2010

Reviews

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book. I actually requested that our library purchase the book. I enjoyed the first book Fifth Born much better. I think this book did a good job of doing a re-cap in the beginning about the previous book. I wasn't expecting the storyline to go in the direction it did. In reference to the title... It's mentioned briefly at the beginning and end of the book.... To me it's not very significant. I did happen to find an error, missing a period. I felt the book was relatable in a lot of ways, but for this particular book to really strike a cord with me it would have been to make this story more about the siblings and their complex relationships and how that changes through family tragedy/ trauma. I would have liked to know more about what was going through Odessa's "mother's" mind and with the siblings. It was just sort of cut off and no explanation. Interesting how the significant relationships worked out.... I almost feel like this book could have been named something completely different unrelated to the first book because this book really had two main characters even if they were from the original book. I really feel this book sort of reaches out to a totally different interest group. If the book description was more upfront I don't think I would have chose this book, however I do believe it would appeal to a particular audience which is not really marketed as such. I was expecting it to be more like the first novel, which it was very different. It was a decent book with some sparks of really good writing, it just didn't speak to me like the first novel.

[Kathryn Bundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually liked this one better than the first one. I recommend reading both to get the complete story. Beyond the storytelling, the writing is poetic and seductive --- it pulled me into the world she described, almost against my will.

[Dee Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 2 portrayed Odessa maturing as she continued to bond with Ella Mae, & her love for her brother Lamont. They were two who showed her unconditional love, & honestly cared for her well being. Well written, detailed follow up.

[Maya Hollinshead · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://thereadingdiva1913.blogspot.co...

[Demetrica Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odessa struggles with growing up and still being lost and alone. She can't figure out where and to whom she belongs. Missing her siblings greatly; she is reconnected with the oldest Blackburn, Lamont, they become as close if not closer than they have ever been up until his dying day with AIDS. Odessa also become a living mother to a sweet little boy. She learns how to struggle and survive. She treats Walton, her son, with the love, compassion, and touch she never got until the day she moved with her BIO MOM, ELLA MAE. Who also rekindled her one and ONLY true love, Ms.Olatunde.

[William Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

The description, voice, and flow of the prose was beautiful in this novel. The content is quite disturbing at times, but the spirited reflection and the determination of the protagonist pulls you right along. I enjoyed the story without having read the first book.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I waited years for the sequel and was disappointed. Odessa, the abused 12 year old, was an unappreciative spoiled brat that missed the family that treated her like crap. She had trouble adjusting to life on good terms because she thought pain was the way to live.

[Melva Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Worthwhile Read!

I love the first book! I didn’t think the second book could be better and it was. I would like a third book that explain them coming together after the death of the father and brother. There’s gotta be some closure for this family!