Review of The Truth Together
Posted: 25 Feb 2022, 04:56
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Truth Together" by Kelly Rodgers.]
In the early 1900s in America, one either had to be White or Colored. Everything was based on the two distinctions, making life difficult for Alonzo Herndon. He was born a slave and fathered by his White owner. Being biracial meant he did not identify with either of the groups and always had to fight for recognition. His daughter Effie Herndon also endured the same fate. However, she was headstrong and pursued her mission with determination. Nursing was her passion, and she made her way to Georgia State Sanitarium to serve and look after the Colored women in the facility. The sanitarium had an eerie reputation, and Effie quickly discovered its ugly secrets.
Fern Walker was born and raised within the facility’s walls. Her mother, who suffered a series of injustices, died of tuberculosis, leaving a young Fern behind with no one to care for her. At fifteen, she fell pregnant and was attacked just before she was full term. She barely survived the attack and lost her unborn son. Consequently, she became a loner and preferred to lurk in the shadows. Being White afforded her no privilege or place in society. Effie was intriguing to her, and she wanted to know everything about her. Effie was also curious about Fern and her unusual personality and story. As the two women figure each other out, they stumble upon gruesome secrets and operations within the institution, familial betrayals, and the possibility of the dead being alive. How far will they go to uncover every truth?
The author’s writing style is entertaining and immensely descriptive. The vivid description of each scene and setting allows one to visualize and experience life in the era. For instance, I could picture the simple technologies, volatile political climate, and the intimate nature of families and neighborhoods. The character introduction is equally excellent, creating a picture of who they are, their role in the plot, and their relation to each other. Additionally, every character surprisingly leads to Fern, including Effie, creating more suspense and drama.
I enjoyed the tantalizing revelations the most and the connections that came with each character’s story, the individuality of each story, and how they all converged into one fascinating plot. Additionally, I loved the alternating timelines between the past and current; for example, between Fern’s present life and Nora’s (her mother) story. Initially, I thought the characters were too many, but as the story progressed, the reason for every one of them became apparent. Therefore, I have no complaints about the book.
I did not spot any grammatical or spelling errors, evidence of the book’s exceptional editing. There is only one instance of profanity, and the language employed is intelligible and free of jargon. The Truth Together by Kelly Rodgers is a pleasing fictional novel that takes the reader through an incredible tale of resilience, physical and mental suffering, human cruelty and brutality, family drama, and some detective work. It also highlights a primitive era when racial diversity was frowned upon, and people had to fight for recognition. I recommend the book to anyone interested in historical fiction that highlights the political, social, and institutional injustices that characterize our society. The rating is 4 out of 4 stars.
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The Truth Together
View: on Bookshelves
In the early 1900s in America, one either had to be White or Colored. Everything was based on the two distinctions, making life difficult for Alonzo Herndon. He was born a slave and fathered by his White owner. Being biracial meant he did not identify with either of the groups and always had to fight for recognition. His daughter Effie Herndon also endured the same fate. However, she was headstrong and pursued her mission with determination. Nursing was her passion, and she made her way to Georgia State Sanitarium to serve and look after the Colored women in the facility. The sanitarium had an eerie reputation, and Effie quickly discovered its ugly secrets.
Fern Walker was born and raised within the facility’s walls. Her mother, who suffered a series of injustices, died of tuberculosis, leaving a young Fern behind with no one to care for her. At fifteen, she fell pregnant and was attacked just before she was full term. She barely survived the attack and lost her unborn son. Consequently, she became a loner and preferred to lurk in the shadows. Being White afforded her no privilege or place in society. Effie was intriguing to her, and she wanted to know everything about her. Effie was also curious about Fern and her unusual personality and story. As the two women figure each other out, they stumble upon gruesome secrets and operations within the institution, familial betrayals, and the possibility of the dead being alive. How far will they go to uncover every truth?
The author’s writing style is entertaining and immensely descriptive. The vivid description of each scene and setting allows one to visualize and experience life in the era. For instance, I could picture the simple technologies, volatile political climate, and the intimate nature of families and neighborhoods. The character introduction is equally excellent, creating a picture of who they are, their role in the plot, and their relation to each other. Additionally, every character surprisingly leads to Fern, including Effie, creating more suspense and drama.
I enjoyed the tantalizing revelations the most and the connections that came with each character’s story, the individuality of each story, and how they all converged into one fascinating plot. Additionally, I loved the alternating timelines between the past and current; for example, between Fern’s present life and Nora’s (her mother) story. Initially, I thought the characters were too many, but as the story progressed, the reason for every one of them became apparent. Therefore, I have no complaints about the book.
I did not spot any grammatical or spelling errors, evidence of the book’s exceptional editing. There is only one instance of profanity, and the language employed is intelligible and free of jargon. The Truth Together by Kelly Rodgers is a pleasing fictional novel that takes the reader through an incredible tale of resilience, physical and mental suffering, human cruelty and brutality, family drama, and some detective work. It also highlights a primitive era when racial diversity was frowned upon, and people had to fight for recognition. I recommend the book to anyone interested in historical fiction that highlights the political, social, and institutional injustices that characterize our society. The rating is 4 out of 4 stars.
******
The Truth Together
View: on Bookshelves