From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…

Patsy

Nicole Y. Dennis-Benn

Start date: October 15, 2021

Finish date: November 15, 2021

Discussion: Group Reads Discussions

Why we're reading this: October 2021 selection for Jamaica.
[close] October 2021 selection for Jamaica.

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Group Reads Discussions

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last updated Jan 18, 2013 07:12PM

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What Members Thought

Jul 21, 2019 Beverly rated it really liked it

Shelves: family-drama, cross-cultural, jamaica, 2019, immigrant, nyc

thoughts coming shortly

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Feb 10, 2021 Sunflower rated it liked it

Shelves: e-books, fiction-read-2021

There is a lot to like about this book, after a slow start. A Jamaican woman emigrates illegally to the US, leaving behind her young daughter, and eventually finds her self in her adopted country. It's the middle bit I struggled with: in my world leaving a child in another country, in less than ideal circumstances with people who didn't really want to look after her seems incredibly selfish. My sympathies were with Tru (the daughter) and her struggles throughout. Meanwhile Patsy has found that t ...more

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Feb 20, 2021 Julie rated it really liked it

So powerful, this story of a mother and daughter separated by miles and lifetimes was compelling and moving. Immigration, queerness, and the perseverance of women all factor into a novel that explores gender, love and forgiveness from differing perspectives. Highly recommend and great on audio!

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Sep 18, 2019 Nikki Morse rated it it was amazing

Shelves: caribbean

I devoured this wonderful book. I loved Dennis-Benn’s first novel Here comes the sun, and felt like the writing and character development were even better in this. Like that novel, characters are complex and real and not always likable. I did feel like this got wrapped up quickly and tied up a little too cleanly. But overall one of my favorites this year.

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