I immediately wanted to get a first look at this book because of the breathtaking cover. I love the imagery of a Black woman in gorgeous finery. Add to that the subject material of 1920's area blues and jazz and I was definitely hooked.
In general, I am not partial to the writing style that changes first-person narrators with each chapter, but in this case it totally works. I loved getting a look at Honoree from her own perspective as well as Sawyer's. I appreciated the reverence with which she was held as a Black elder, being shown both respect and tenderness.
Without reading further, I am sure that Honoree got the new job that she was looking for but I wonder if she also met her long lost beau! I also wonder if Sawyer was able to change Honoree and Lula's first impressions of him. It was definitely interesting to see someone who had a grandmother who grew up in the 1920's and was likely as "wild" and strong willed as Honoree, being so timid and scared. I'd love to see how that evolves.
Overall, a great first look and definitely intriguing.
In general, I am not partial to the writing style that changes first-person narrators with each chapter, but in this case it totally works. I loved getting a look at Honoree from her own perspective as well as Sawyer's. I appreciated the reverence with which she was held as a Black elder, being shown both respect and tenderness.
Without reading further, I am sure that Honoree got the new job that she was looking for but I wonder if she also met her long lost beau! I also wonder if Sawyer was able to change Honoree and Lula's first impressions of him. It was definitely interesting to see someone who had a grandmother who grew up in the 1920's and was likely as "wild" and strong willed as Honoree, being so timid and scared. I'd love to see how that evolves.
Overall, a great first look and definitely intriguing.