The Year of Jubilee by Cindy Morgan
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Web ID: 16836256Compelling Read!
A Southern coming-of-age story about love, loss, forgiveness, hope, and growing up in the early 1960's. A character driven read set during a time when racial tensions were high, Grace Mockingbird is a young woman growing up in the South, estranged from her mother and trying to find her out path. One of the bright spots in her life is her younger brother Isaac, who is something of a prodigy. But when he takes sick, the eggshell-thin walls begin to crumble even more. A well written read, with characters that detach themselves from the page with their sorrows and contradictions. We see a lot of folks acting out of their hurt, as well as others who despite all of their pain and suffering choose to lift others up and show kindness instead. I enjoyed the complex characters. I also found it interesting that this story was based loosely on the author's life, and her growing up years. Overall, this was a touching coming of age tale, more character driven, and Grace is a compelling voice. I loved getting to know the characters through her eyes, and I could understand why she made the choices that she did. Heartbreaking and healing, this book definitely takes you through an emotional gambit! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
There is a familiar mood that drew me in
Cindy Morgan’s debut novel THE YEAR OF JUBILEE was a delight! Set in the 1960s Jubilee, Kentucky, there is a familiar mood of innocence, family sorrow, with the brutality of racism. I say familiar because Morgan’s writing is reminiscent of Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird. The protagonist, fourteen-year-old Gracie, rambled the dusty path of a complex coming-of-age story vividly painted with the emotions of family and racism. An influential character in Gracie’s life is Miss Adams, Gracie’s teacher. Miss Adams has a strong sense of justice in an unjust south. The KKK has a stronghold on Jubilee and any who stand against it are targets for the brutality of hatred. There is so much going on in THE YEAR OF JUBILEE that each plot thread could be its own story. However, like a skilled teacher, Morgan was able to keep them from getting rowdy and creating chaos in the “classroom”. With reminders of the past—good and bad—the novel is a memento of what we’ve gained and what we’ve lost. Still, those reminders also challenge us that even the seemingly most ordinary of people can make a difference. Just by doing the right thing. Beautiful debut novel. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. If you love historical fiction that addresses difficult themes, yet carry a sense of innocence, THE YEAR OF JUBILEE is a must read. I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Don't Miss This One - Wonderful!
Cindy Morgan has won thirteen Dove awards, including Songwriter of the Year. She has written two adult non-fiction books, and one children's picture book. The Year of Jubilee is her debut adult fiction novel, but it reads like the work of a seasoned author. This coming-of-age story is told through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Grace Mockingbird who is growing up in the small town of Jubilee, Kentucky in 1963. Her story focuses on challenges to the relationships within her family and among different parts of her community. Those having grown up in the south during the civil rights movement will identify with the struggles, as unfortunately will some who still see or live with disparities. Morgan deals with the theme of the purpose of suffering within both of these storylines, doing so with great wisdom and empathy. Her character development for both primary and secondary characters is skillfully accomplished resulting in strong emotional reactions on the part of the reader. Even though we are only a third of the way through the year, I believe The Year of Jubilee will be one of my top five book at year's end. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com