A Kind of Freedom, Margaret Wilkerson Sexton, Counterpoint, 2017, 228 pp
This is a generational story about a black family in New Orleans, beginning in 1944 and ending close to the present day. Though it is a debut novel the writing is smooth, the characters vivid, and the dialogue crackles.
The major world events hitting this family are WWII and Hurricane Katrina. The title refers to the not quite full freedom of black people in New Orleans. Evelyn is the elder daughter of a medical doctor and his energetic wife. Ruby is her younger sister whose forward ways and volatile moods leave Evelyn feeling somewhat in the background.
There are love affairs and marriages, children are born. Relationships don't always last. Children don't turn out as their parents hoped. As the 21st century hits with drugs and crime creeping into their lives, the family gets complicated. But family also holds them together.
I have read and loved Jessamyn Ward's novels, Salvage the Bones and Sing, Unburied Sing. I loved this one just as much. Ms Sexton's writing style is a bit quieter but she shares Ward's ability to bring her characters alive, showing their pain and their joys.
The sections of the story set in post-Katrina years reveal how racism and inequality affected black lives in its aftermath. I don't think I have read anything that has done that better.
It is especially good news that Margaret Wilkerson Sexton's second novel, The Revisioners, was just published this month.
this sounds like an excellent novel. i'll try to keep Ms. Sexton in mind when i visit the library.... tx...
ReplyDeletemudpuddle, that makes me happy!
DeleteThis sounds good. World War II and Katrina seem so separated in time. However, they did span a potential single lifetime. Things have changed so much in that time, yet certain common issues remain. How the book handled such changes and issues would be very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI was born two years after WWII was over, so yes the book did almost span my lifetime. It begins in 1944, the year before my parents married. My mom lived through Hurricane Katrina in 2005, my dad died that year in June. Amazing, no?
DeleteI do love a multi-generational story. On the future list it goes. I hadn't heard of this one.
ReplyDeleteI can almost guarantee you will love this one.
DeleteI remember hearing of this book when it came out but somehow I never got around to reading it. I must remedy that.
ReplyDeleteI too had it on my shelf for a long time. So glad I finally read it.
DeleteI remember hearing of this book when it came out but somehow I never got around to reading it. I must remedy that.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds like another great read to add to my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteYou are right about that!
DeleteI added this to my wishlist because my library doesn't have it. It just sounds too good.
ReplyDeleteIt is! Maybe you'll find an ebook deal.
DeleteI've heard a bit about this one, glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you have heard of it!
DeleteI still most likely will not get around to reading it, but you are broadening my horizons so I am becoming more and more familiar with fiction!
DeleteI am glad to hear that. As we say in our house, me to you, when it comes to nonfiction!
DeleteInteresting. Good luck with your sister. Cheers
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carole. With my sister, it is a work in progress.
DeleteMy, there's a lot of good New Orleans writers these days. Recently Ward, then Sexton, and now Broom?
ReplyDeleteI know! I was thinking the same thing.
DeleteI love how I can always find books on your blog that have genres that I don't read that often. This really makes my TBR much more diverse. Love the cover of this book, btw.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear that Esther!
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