Where The Line Bleeds by Jesmyn Ward
By Darnetta Frazier • Feb 22nd, 2009 • Category: Book Review 2009 •
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Jesmyn Ward created a nice story that depicted life in the south according to fraternal twins, Christophe and Joshua. Abandoned by their mother, Cille, and drug-addicted father, Sandman, the twins struggled with coming-of-age issues and tried to get in where they fit in. But, that was the problem; where did they fit? With both of them doing virtually everything together, it was hard for Christophe to accept that Joshua got a job and he did not. Then when romance was added to the mix, Christophe could not help but see his brother gaining autonomy and see himself as a detriment to their home life. In an effort to help pay bills and keep food on the table, Christophe resorted to selling drugs. Little did he know how much this would change his life. Bit by bit, the twins witnessed their grandmother’s, Ma-mee’s, failing health, the extent of their mother’s detachment, and the devil in their father, but how would it end? Would Christophe and Joshua overcome the emotional and physical scars of the hand life dealt them? Or would they wither away in the sea of misfortune, compromise, and burden?
Ward painted beautiful pictures that made me escape mid-sentence. That was also the downfall of an otherwise colorful story. I was so entranced by the imagery, I often forgot the point of the reading and had to re-read quite a few passages to find out what was trying to be relayed. The timing was a bit off and the flashbacks did nothing to advance the plot. I liked how the author wrote enough to give another one of her novels a chance and I would recommend this novel with some warnings. If escaping through imagery is what you like, then give Where the Line Bleeds a chance. If you like excitement and overt drama, then this is not the novel for you.
Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier
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Darnetta Frazier is an Ohio-born, spoken-word poet who has composed poetry since she was able to hold a laddie pencil. As reviewer for A Place Of Our Own (APOOO) and aspiring novelist, she dabbles in the literary scene from all perspectives. She has been published on www.thebacklist.net, interviewed on www.blogginginblack.com, and is currently submitting fiction manuscripts to publishers while juggling daughterhood, sisterhood, wifedom, parenthood, and of course, writing. Outside of family and all things literary, Darnetta overindulges in Hip-Hop, dabbles in computer graphic design, and creates handcrafted cards, candles, and jewelry.
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