When I first started to read this book, I was put off because I thought the writing seemed amateurish. There were a lot of adverbs, adjectives, passive voice — all the things we are constantly taught not to use if we want to be successful. I assumed this was another self-published novel that had been poorly edited. And, after five or six chapters, I almost gave up and decided to read something else. However, I didn’t do that. Instead, I persevered. I continued reading, and, after another three or four chapters, I was completely hooked.

The story is such a good one. Although the novel is set in 1961, the subject matter of racism and hatred is so relevant today. Probably, just as much as when the book was written.

This is the story of a friendship between two girls: Betty and Alma. Betty is a white eleven-year-old who doesn’t see people as colours. However, her father is high up in the Klan, and he is full of hatred. Alma is a black ten-year-old who understands why her friendship with Betty is dangerous on a much deeper level than Betty does.

The Klan have decided they want to get rid of all black people living on the west side of town, and they don’t care how their end is achieved. For a few short years, though, Betty finds solace in Alma’s house. Her mother, Winnie, nurtures her much more than her own mother does. Betty and Alma are best friends. Then, Simpson, a local lad with six brothers and a father embedded in the Klan, comes along. Betty drags him into Alma’s house when he has been beaten by his dad for avoiding Klan meetings. Quickly, he becomes part of the trio of friends. He falls for Alma, and she for him, but they never get to tell each other at this time.

The violence culminates in an attack at a school dance. The Klan appear and beat and kill those who don’t fit with their views. Simpson is murdered while saving Winnie from them.

The book shows Betty as an old lady receiving news that Alma has died after a long illness. Betty talks of Alma and her friendship that lasted for the rest of her life for the first time. She tells all her family about the time she spent with Alma, Winnie, and Simpson.

There is a fab surprise at the end. It really made me smile. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I got I wrong in the beginning. I think this is a good lesson in not giving up on something too quickly. The story is beautifully told, despite the horrendous attitudes and violence. The friendship and love that are the heart of the book shine through, and they show how much brighter love is than hate. It is something we could all do with remembering. A great lesson. An so, so relevant.

Anyone who loves books that give them the feels. This book is big on feels. It is a great story, and anyone who loves to read about friendship and love would enjoy it. It is also a fantastic testament to the evils of racism, and perhaps, people could learn from reading this book. It is valuable as a historical reference.

Betty and Alma's friendship shone through. I also loved the setting of the old lady, with her family surrounding her, telling her story of this friendship. And ... the end. I loved the end!

It took me a while to ignore all the adjectives, adverbs and passive voice. I had to forget all the writing lessons I've learned, and it's hard because once they are in your head, they are there to stay.

Take a look at the next book in the series.

Angry for the terrible deeds that were committed in the relatively recent past. But so, so happy that there were people who loved, in spite of the time and place.

It's a fantastic story. It really makes you think about what is going on in the world today.

It is difficult to read, in terms of the subject matter. It has moments of terrible violence.

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Created Aug 31, 2021 at 6:01am • Submit your own review...