4 out of 4 stars
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Darkness on the Delta by G. E. Johnson tells the story of Bern who grew up in Mississippi during the 1960s and 1970s. He experienced all the racial turmoil of the time. His parents were civil rights activists and lawyers. Though he did not go the same route as they, he became a man with a strong desire to help people and to never discriminate against others for the color of their skin. He started a career in teaching and proceeded to change the lives and broaden the views of the children he taught.
G. E. Johnson takes her readers on a journey through a time and place troubled by prejudices. However, Darkness on the Delta is not just a story of political movements. It is the story of man who is slightly broken by the events in his life, but still hopeful for the future. It is a book full of relationships and emotions.
What I found most enjoyable about this novel was the poetic way in which it was written. The story is told by Bern in the third person. Both his character and the author are poets. I loved the way the words painted a beautiful picture even when describing something tragic. The author also created very believable dialogue with an authentic use of dialect.
I really find it difficult to say something negative about this novel. I can't really say I had a least favorite part. About three quarters of the way through the book, the story gave the impression of changing from one of purely fiction and drama to one of thriller and suspense. I found this change a bit odd but not unwelcome. In the end, the story wrapped up nicely, and everything came full circle back to the main theme.
I think this book can be enjoyed by a variety of readers. It reads almost like a memoir and I have the feeling the author drew from personal experiences. So, fans of that genre or of real-life fiction would enjoy it. I'm not sure people who like purely fantasy fiction or a lot of action would appreciate it as much. I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was beautifully written and edited well. It kept me engaged until the last page, and I appreciate the important messages it conveyed. I would call this book a must-read for anyone at all interested in life on the Delta.
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Darkness on the Delta
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