Official Review: Epiphany Raynes by Laveau White

[godreaujea]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Epiphany Raynes" by Laveau White.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Epiphany Raynes by Laveau White is classified as historical fiction, but only half of it is based in the 1800s while the other half is set in present day. The book is told from two different points of view and the reader is first introduced to Epiphany Baker, who is a 22 year old slave on a southern plantation in 1842. Written in a journalistic style, the reader is shown the violent and sickening treatment Epiphany is subject to. The next chapter brings us to present day St. Louis, Missouri. This chapter is also written in a journalistic style, but from the point of view of Epiphany Raynes, who is celebrating her 22nd birthday when she gets assaulted by someone she thought was a friend. The rest of the story deals with the trials and healing processes these two women go through.

The chapters in Epiphany Raynes alternate between the two perspectives, and the dual, almost parallel, plot lines maintain the pace of the story very well. Both characters are put in situations out of their control because of their gender and their race, and it is tragic to witness. However, I appreciate how the author does not sugar coat the violence, and demonstrates how some behaviors have not changed much in the past 175 years. I think it is important to acknowledge these types of atrocities so we are able to learn from them and then make progress.

The story is very intriguing and pulled me in almost immediately. I was pleased with how White explains the connection between both main characters, as well the connection between some secondary characters, throughout the story. I found the main characters to be strong and inspirational, and their ability to accept, forgive, and heal commendable. I have always admired historical fiction that is written with accurate dialect, and White’s 1842 southern dialect seems authentic, although it is not perfectly consistent. Still, it reminded me of reading Their Eyes Were Watching God at times.

I enjoyed the story very much, but there is room for improvement. For example, most of the dialogue seems unrealistic and reads awkwardly. The characters hold promise, but they could be developed more. In order to make them really come to life, I think the author needs to work on the dialogue and also make the journalistic narration more formal. As of now, it is written very casually, and does not read the most fluidly. While I appreciated the theme of healing and acceptance, I thought the talk of religion and God was overbearing at times. However, I am not the most religious person, and I understand that others might welcome the religious context White writes in. Finally, although the editing is not terrible, there were more errors than I cared to count, and the book seems to need professional editing.

I have decided to rate Epiphany Raynes by Laveau White 2 out of 4 stars. I had to lower the rating due to the awkward dialogue, the undeveloped characters, imperfect dialect, and need for professional editing. However, the story is original and interesting, and the pace makes the reader not want to put the book down. Despite only giving it two stars, I would still recommend Epiphany Raynes to those who enjoy historical fiction or books that deal with overcoming a hardship. Due to the presence of some graphic violence, I would not recommend this to young audiences.

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Epiphany Raynes
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Like godreaujea's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Spirit Wandering]

Alternating between the two women, whose stories are set 175 years apart, is an interesting way of showing how far we have and have not come as a society. Thanks for the honest and balanced review.

[godreaujea]

Thanks for taking the time to read!

[kandscreeley]

I hate it when the dialogue is unrealistic. It almost seems like that is the hardest thing to write well. Sounds like it has potential, but I think I'll wait for another editing. Thanks for the review though.

[godreaujea]

It is hard to get past the dialogue, and I hope the author goes through another round of editing because the story itself is really good. Thanks for taking the time to read and think about my review!