Today’s recommendation is one of our ReadSoulLit read along books from a few years ago called Some Sing, Some Cry. This epic multi-generational family saga written in tandem by two sisters Ntozake Shange and Ifa Bayeza tells the story of an African- American family of women from Reconstruction to just before the beginning of the 21st century. Strong characters and great pacing, Some Sing, Some Cry is full of rich language and will keep readers engrossed. The Mayfield family sees it all. It’s very hard to put this book down. It’s just over 500 pages but really you won’t even notice its size. The only thing this book is missing is a family tree. Although I have a sneaky suspicion it was left out on purpose to maintain an element of surprise. It was also really cool having real life people being mixed into the story with made up characters. That added an excellent authentic touch and an excellent way to instruct readers who may not be familiar with them.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading multi-generational stories, stories that contain music, stories that contain amazing characters, and historical fiction.
Overview:
Opening dramatically at Sweet Tamarind, a rice and cotton plantation on an island off South Carolina’s coast, we watch as recently emancipated Bette Mayfield says her goodbyes before fleeing for the mainland. With her granddaughter, Eudora, in tow, she heads to Charleston. There, they carve out lives for themselves as fortune-teller and seamstress. Dora will marry, the Mayfield line will grow, and we will follow them on a journey through the watershed events of America’s troubled, vibrant history—from Reconstruction to both World Wars, from the Harlem Renaissance to Vietnam and the modern day.
Some Sing, Some Cry – Ntozake Shange and Ifa Bayeza
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pages: 558
My rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
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This is one that’s been on my TBR for a long time now. I’d love to read it.
I hope you get to it. I’m sure you’re going to like it.
I’ve been meaning to read this book every since you first mentioned it a few years ago. 2020 will be the year I finally read this one.
I bought this chunker a few years ago after you recommended it but it’s still waiting for me….!
I love how – when Ifa Bayeza reads an excerpt with that pain accompaniment – I feel some of that familial energy that she shares with her sister, Ntozake’s Shange💞.
Me too. I marveled on how they were able to write this chunked together. Although their writing styles were different I loved how they melded. I had no problems with being able to distinguish who was writing.