This is a story about the Black staff of the white Barclay family. It takes place in New Orleans in the early 1900's. The first half of the book is centered around August Sitwell, the groundskeeper-turned-butler and his tragic history of how he was orphaned and came to work for the Barclays. It also introduces the rest of the staff, including Mamie, the cook; Jennie Williams, the maid; and three young orphan boys, Bart, Mac, and Frederick, all with similarly sad histories.
The writing is easy to read and engaging--it quickly draws you into a different time and place, and the characters are well developed. Despite their past misfortune, the staff seem lively and positive, and they are like a big family, taking care of each other; in particular, Mr. Sitwell is presented as a father figure.
The second half of the book is Jennie Williams's story, told 10 years later. There has been a tragedy, the staff has dispersed and grown up, Jennie having gone on to start her own beauty shop, and Mr. Sitwell has become the Rib King, the face of a barbeque sauce label (recipe created by him and Mamie back at the Barclays). What I found really ingenious about the story was how the quirky set of characters in the novel serve as a microcosm of society. As stated in the book description, the themes of race and social class are explored, but what I found even more interesting was the portrayal of capitalism through the description of the business dealings around both the sauce and Jennie's cosmetic cream.
Although the Barclays's staff come from similar backgrounds, each has changed significantly in the 10 years that pass. I think the author did a good job of depicting the different ways society and experience can mould a person, but bringing home the message that ultimately we have the power of choice and (at least some) control over our own destinies. I really enjoyed this book.
The writing is easy to read and engaging--it quickly draws you into a different time and place, and the characters are well developed. Despite their past misfortune, the staff seem lively and positive, and they are like a big family, taking care of each other; in particular, Mr. Sitwell is presented as a father figure.
The second half of the book is Jennie Williams's story, told 10 years later. There has been a tragedy, the staff has dispersed and grown up, Jennie having gone on to start her own beauty shop, and Mr. Sitwell has become the Rib King, the face of a barbeque sauce label (recipe created by him and Mamie back at the Barclays). What I found really ingenious about the story was how the quirky set of characters in the novel serve as a microcosm of society. As stated in the book description, the themes of race and social class are explored, but what I found even more interesting was the portrayal of capitalism through the description of the business dealings around both the sauce and Jennie's cosmetic cream.
Although the Barclays's staff come from similar backgrounds, each has changed significantly in the 10 years that pass. I think the author did a good job of depicting the different ways society and experience can mould a person, but bringing home the message that ultimately we have the power of choice and (at least some) control over our own destinies. I really enjoyed this book.