Happy Fall Y'all!!
Roz reserved a beautiful setting for our discussion of Sabra Waldfogel's novel,
"Sister of Mine" at South Kitchen & Spirts in beautiful historic Avondale.
The day was simply perfect and the venue was both modern and charming!! It did not take long for everyone to get comfortable and cozy as we greeted one another and caught up. As we were taking photos, everyone commented on the beautiful day and ambiance of the setting.
Sharron set the tone for our meeting with a strong evangelistic blessing over our sisterhood and our meals.
Roz opened with her reasoning for selecting "Sister of Mine" as well as her reasoning for not selecting the sequel to "Yellow Crocus" which we read in February, 2015. She also mentioned that because she has sisters, the title resonated with her.
Roz authored a strong boutique of questions that captured the book's essence. She began by asking us about the cover art for the book. Was it appropriate? Did it set the tone for the book? Most of the members and guests thought the cover lacked something. Val felt it should have been geared more towards the subject matter in its totality (i.e. The plantation house and its inhabitants, Civil War paraphernalia...etc.). We all wondered if the cover art was "suppose" to be one of the characters in the book, perhaps Minnie because Rachel's description did not match the cover. Regardless, JayBee thought the figure on the cover was simply breathtaking and beautiful with her smooth skin and regal pose.
"To read the prologue or not to read the prologue...that is the question" . It was really surprising to discuss who reads the prologue, who does not and why. Some felt the book was predictable because the prologue actually revealed the ending (somewhat). Others mentioned that because of this, they have a tendency not to read the prologue.
The topic of the forbidden love affair between Rachel and Henry was on the tip of everyone's tongue with anticipation waiting to "pounce" . Celeste led the charge with her comments on the steamy love (sounds of me clearing my throat) scenes, saying that they were the epitome of "soft porn" and were not necessary for the storyline to be complete. She was also vocal in her comments with regards to much of the content being unrealistic.
We had a loooooong and not so unfamiliar discussion of Anglo-Americans writing "our" story and why African-American authors do not. EVERYONE had an opinion on this and they were pretty much the same. The pain of slavery is easier to research and write when your lineage were not the ones in bondage. It is as if authors and the demographic that were not a product of the struggle relish in reliving antebellum times with slaves and servants. Deep down does this audience embrace this period?
We spoke about the relationship between sisters and if the relationship between Rachael and Adelaide was really so different. Even though Rachel was in a position of servitude, they grew up acknowledging that they were bound by blood. Rachel's relationship with Henry seemed to grow organically, but Roz broached the question regarding motives and calculations. Val voiced her opinion stating that Rachel was calculating in her quest for Henry, while others felt she was really in love with Charlie and that her relationship with Henry could possibly have been collateral damage and transcended into love.
Another key element that was hard to fathom was Mannheim's seemingly respect for Rachel as a business women after Henry left for war. He entrusted her with the calculations and working with the monetary ledgers. Was this act of trust a result of Rachel having been taught by him, or a result of her being his blood? We can only assume it is not the latter after his resistance to Adelaide having anything to do with the finances of the plantation.
Kim was very vocal (along with facials)
in her disdain for this genre of writing and how she never reads it, unless it is an assignment. This was not the consensus of the group as Karen, Celeste Roz and JayBee as well as others talked about how this is one of their favorite genres to read. Not only is it part of our strong heritage, it is something we need to read in order to remember and honor the struggle of our ancestors who paved the way for us with blood, sweat and tears.
The reviews among the group were mixed....while Ka Saundra gave the read 5 stars, Celeste chose to award 2 stars. Ka Saundra expounded upon her rating with her enjoyment of the author's writing style and historical accuracy; while Celeste's distaste towards the sexual scenes and unrealistic content were the reasons behind her rating.
Roz presented everyone with lovely bags for the season that were generously filled with Bath & Body Works products Breast Cancer Awareness Playing Cards, Kleenex, Candy Corn and Breast Cancer Awareness Information. The October birthday ladies even received a pink accessory scarf in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!
It is always refreshing to have a goof debate, mixed reviews and comments when discussing a book, and this one was no exception. it is a testament to the intellect and diversity of our sisterhood.
Thank you, Roz for bringing another controversial read to the table and "serving" it up!!
