First, what I really liked about this book: it brought to life Jazz Age Chicago's Black Belt through dazzling flashbacks told from the main character Honoree's perspective as a jazz club dancer. The struggles faced by Black women in particular during this time were highlighted by Honoree's story. The vernacular was superb and immersive, and I loved the references to Lil Hardin Armstrong, Oscar Micheaux, Hymie Weiss, and Al Capone, as well as hearing the characters' views at the time on the writings of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. Honoree's drive and stubborness made her a compelling character, and I enjoyed the slow reveal of the major events of her life throughout the novel, as told to film student Sawyer in current times.
Okay, now what I didn't love: the overall pacing and plot, and the use of dual timelines in this particular instance. Towards the end of the novel, events felt as though they occurred rapidly with little build-up or foreshadowing. Though I could understand Honoree's general desperation and fear, I often struggled to understand the motivation behind some of her spur-of-the-moment decisions, some of which turned out badly for her. I think I wanted more elaboration on her feelings, emotions, and internal dialogue throughout all of the crazy events happening around her. It is equally possible that this lack of connection was rather between me and the writing style. Though the novel was extremely well-written, I tend to prefer flowery prose and longer sentences, whereas the writing here had more snap and was peppered with shorter sentences, likely intentionally to fit the story and Honoree's character. Sawyer's backstory and literal ghosts were interesting but not as developed as the 1920's storyline; they seemed more a device to slowly reveal Honoree's own story and sometimes felt like unnecessary interruptions. I'd have enjoyed seeing more of Sawyer's life and how all of these revelations impacted him and his father. For example, in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid uses a similar plot device, but Monique's arc feels slightly more developed and integral to all of the revelations that occur throughout the novel.
Overall, despite feeling disconnected at times from the plot and characters, I enjoyed this novel and felt transported to a time and place that I previously knew very little about.
Okay, now what I didn't love: the overall pacing and plot, and the use of dual timelines in this particular instance. Towards the end of the novel, events felt as though they occurred rapidly with little build-up or foreshadowing. Though I could understand Honoree's general desperation and fear, I often struggled to understand the motivation behind some of her spur-of-the-moment decisions, some of which turned out badly for her. I think I wanted more elaboration on her feelings, emotions, and internal dialogue throughout all of the crazy events happening around her. It is equally possible that this lack of connection was rather between me and the writing style. Though the novel was extremely well-written, I tend to prefer flowery prose and longer sentences, whereas the writing here had more snap and was peppered with shorter sentences, likely intentionally to fit the story and Honoree's character. Sawyer's backstory and literal ghosts were interesting but not as developed as the 1920's storyline; they seemed more a device to slowly reveal Honoree's own story and sometimes felt like unnecessary interruptions. I'd have enjoyed seeing more of Sawyer's life and how all of these revelations impacted him and his father. For example, in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid uses a similar plot device, but Monique's arc feels slightly more developed and integral to all of the revelations that occur throughout the novel.
Overall, despite feeling disconnected at times from the plot and characters, I enjoyed this novel and felt transported to a time and place that I previously knew very little about.