Title: The Queen of Palmyra
Author: Minrose Gwin (website)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: April 27, 2010
Source: TLC Book Tours
ISBN: 978-0061840326
xxx pages
“I need you to understand how ordinary it all was. . . .”
In the turbulent southern summer of 1963, Millwood’s white population steers clear of “Shake Rag,” the black section of town. Young Florence Forrest is one of the few who crosses the line. The daughter of a burial insurance salesman with dark secrets and the town’s “cake lady,” whose backcountry bootleg runs lead further and further away from a brutal marriage, Florence attaches herself to her grandparents’ longtime maid, Zenie Johnson. Named for Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra, Zenie treats the unwanted girl as just another chore, while telling her stories of the legendary queen’s courage and cunning.
The more time Florence spends in Shake Rag, the more she recognizes how completely race divides her town, and her story, far from ordinary, bears witness to the truth and brutality of her times—a truth brought to a shattering conclusion when Zenie’s vibrant college-student niece, Eva Greene, arrives that fateful Mississippi summer.
Minrose Gwin’s The Queen of Palmyra is an unforgettable evocation of a time and a place in America—a nuanced, gripping story of race and identity.
My Thoughts:
Unfortunately, I did not finish this book. I can’t say whether it was the book itself or my just not being in the mood for this type of dark, emotional read. I found myself getting bogged down by the overly descriptive passages. I kept waiting for something to happen, to peak my interest and engage me. But, by page 100, it just wasn’t happening so I put it aside and haven’t gone back. I’ve read some amazing reviews of this book, though, so if you love descriptive novels, this may work for you. I like reading the description of the scenes, but when it just goes on…and on…and on… I lose focus and forget what I’m reading about. When I keep having to go back and re-read passages to figure out what’s going on, I know it’s going to be difficult to get through the book.
I’m really bummed because this is the type of book that I love to read. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get past all of the description to really dig into the meat of the story. It’s really too bad.
Have you read it? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Visit Minrose Gwin’s other blog stops!
Tuesday, May 4th: five borough book review
Wednesday, May 5th: The Bluestocking Society
Monday, May 10th: Rundpinne
Tuesday, May 11th: Natty Michelle
Wednesday, May 12th: Pam’s Perspective
Wednesday, May 12th: My Reading Room
Wednesday, May 19th: Staircase Wit
Thursday, May 20th: Lit and Life
Tuesday, May 25th: Dolce Bellezza
Wednesday, May 26th: Take Me Away
Thursday, May 27th: Life and Times of a “New” New Yorker
Monday, May 31st: Green Jello
Tuesday, June 1st: Crazy for Books
Wednesday, June 2nd: Bluestalking
Well not every book works for everyone. Hopefully your next book will be excellent!
This is the 2nd blog post I've read where someone hasn't finished this book. Not good odds!!
This is the 2nd blog post I've read where someone hasn't finished this book. Not good odds!!
I appreciate that you told why you didn't finish reading the book. It happens to all of us!
Over-description totally bogs me down too. Haven't read it, but maybe I won't, now . . .
I've had a string of dnf's and sometimes when a book is too descriptive or the action takes to long to happen, it's just hard to pick it up again once you've sat the book down.
I've seen this one around a lot lately. Probably going to pass though…..
I've seen this one around a lot lately. Probably going to pass though…..
I really like how you write your reviews, they are organized and well written. Had to stop in and say nice meeting you at BEA!
Wow, Sheila, thank you for such a nice compliment! It means a lot! It was great chatting with you at BEA!! It's nice to put a face with a blog name!!
Wow, Sheila, thank you for such a nice compliment! It means a lot! It was great chatting with you at BEA!! It's nice to put a face with a blog name!!
I'm glad you posted this because I think seeing so many good reviews can make you wonder what's WRONG with the book if it seems to work for everyone, because no book is like that. Thanks for doing your best! And thanks for being on the tour.