Mary D. (bygones68) reviewed on 5/10/2022 + 63 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Often a sequel does not measure up to the first book. I was happy that this second book did not disappoint.

As we learn about Cussy's daughter, Honey Lovett, we are reminded of the conditions of rural Appalachia and the many prejudices against women and anyone non-white, which existed in the time period of this story. Needless to say this was commonplace throughout much of our country. There were laws that prohibited a white man from marrying anyone of color, which included, âBluesâ and women's rights were non existent. As the story begins, Honey's parents are arrested and taken to prison for this very reason. Honey is left to find ways to exist on her own with the help of their family doctor and attorney.

Traveling through the story, Honey tries hiding, running away, guardianship and emancipation. She eventually is hired to run the pack mule librarian route that her mother began years before. If she is caught, she will be taken to the children's prison and not released until she is 21 years old. She continues to âdodgeâ child services and has to protect herself from small minded, often dangerous people during her travels. Honey is not one to take the easy way out during her struggles and she is determined to keep her freedom.

I was fascinated and appalled while reading certain passages in this book. Some of my deceased family members were born in Kentucky, near Somerset, and West Virginia. I had not heard about âBluesâ before reading these books. I truly wish I could ask family about any stories they might recall during those years.

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