The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson has been one of the best novels I've read in 2023. It was my first opportunity to read Ms. Johnson's writing, but won't be the last.
This emotional study of motherhood set in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington DC features Eleanor and Ruby, two young Black women pursuing education when unplanned pregnancies with men they love put their future plans in jeopardy. From this commonality, their situations unfolded very differently yet ultimately intersected.
My heart ached for Ruby and Eleanor; adding to the sorrow was Ruby's inhumane treatment at a church-affiliated house for unwed mothers. I wanted these women to be happy, but when they were, I feared it wouldn't last and I waited for "the other shoe to drop." Short chapters from alternating points of view propelled me through this story. I couldn't imagine how these complex stories would draw to a close, but the ending was perfection.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the review copy of this memorable novel.
This emotional study of motherhood set in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington DC features Eleanor and Ruby, two young Black women pursuing education when unplanned pregnancies with men they love put their future plans in jeopardy. From this commonality, their situations unfolded very differently yet ultimately intersected.
My heart ached for Ruby and Eleanor; adding to the sorrow was Ruby's inhumane treatment at a church-affiliated house for unwed mothers. I wanted these women to be happy, but when they were, I feared it wouldn't last and I waited for "the other shoe to drop." Short chapters from alternating points of view propelled me through this story. I couldn't imagine how these complex stories would draw to a close, but the ending was perfection.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the review copy of this memorable novel.
