Stand the Storm by Breena Clarke (Book Review by Deb Smouse)
Stand the Storm: A Novel
by Breena Clarke
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If you are a fan of Oprah Winfrey, you may know the name “Breena Clarke”. Her first novel River, Cross My Heart, was chosen for Oprah’s book club. Coming to a bookstore near you at the end of July is Ms. Clarke’s sophomore novel, Stand the Storm.
Like her first novel, we are given to a realistic look at the lives of black folks set against the historic setting of (mostly) Georgetown. Stand the Storm is set against the backdrop of The Civil War where we meet the Coates family. The matriarch, Annie, is a slave on the Ridley Plantation who is known as “Sewing Annie”, as she is very gifted in that area. Her children, Ellen and Gabriel are taught the craft. As a young man, Gabriel is hired out by Mr. Ridley to a tailor shop in Georgetown. After the tailor shop owner retires, Mr. Ridley’s nephew takes over the shop, and brings Annie along with him. Ellen is able to join her mother and brother, and the family is soon together as they work towards buying their freedom.
What unfolds is a poignant story of a slave family, working to buy their freedom during a time of upheaval in their world as well as the world around them. After their freedom is obtained, they still struggle, but always are a loyal family, as they help others, such as runaway slaves and struggle to make a life for themselves. You get a glimpse into all of the details: political, domestic, religious. The historic details are accurate, but it is the deliberate narrative and intriguing characters stepping out of human bondage that make the book a treasure to read.
In bookstores July 28th. Be sure and check out the interview with Breena Clarke - and watch the blog for your chance to win a free copy.
Deb Smouse is the Editor in Chief for All Things Girl. She’s just touched her toe over the “40″ line….and often indulges her in her love of books. She reads between 4 to 8 novels a month, depending on how much flight time she has…. Find out more about Deb on our about page
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