Official Review: A Portrait of Mommy by JL Coston
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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Portrait of Mommy" by JL Coston.]
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Otherwise known as Ellawese Darden, Mommy’s life begins in rural Jacksonville, Georgia in 1929. Ellawese is given the nickname “Peas” by her parents because she is a thin and small child. The first half of the book focuses on her childhood and her relationship with her parents. Earlie and Maggie Darden have a volatile relationship fraught with anger, jealousy, infidelity, and violence. They move often, and because of Earlie shooting and blinding a man, they leave Georgia. With Peas in tow, they settle in Chester, Pennsylvania where they are happy for a while.
Peas is raised in Pennsylvania and relates her memories of learning to work at the young age of six, of going to school and ultimately dropping out. Her parents work hard and save their money until they finally buy their own house. This is a great achievement for them. Eventually, Maggie’s infidelity causes her to leave her family and return to Georgia.
The second half of the book focuses on Peas’ life as an adult. As a young woman, she returns to Georgia in search of her mother. She soon lands work as a cook and begins to earn money. She remains in Georgia for years until Earlie has a stroke. At this time, she returns to Pennsylvania to care for him. There she works, marries and becomes involved with her church where she becomes a ‘prayer warrior’ known for her abilities to heal people.
I cannot say enough good things about this book. Written by the author in a straightforward chronological style, it is clear and concise. Peas shares her memories in an unvarnished style that gives the reader a distinct idea of what it was like to live a simple but poor existence at the beginning of the last century. She does not harp on the many difficult times she had and the injustices she saw but relates her memories in a thoughtful way that is not nostalgic or cynical.
Though the majority of the book is focused on Peas’ memories of her parents, her education and her work life, we get a picture of what it was like for poor African American families. Though they live in Pennsylvania they were still subject to discrimination and unequal treatment. For example, when a neighbor witnesses a local white man stealing a flock of ducks from their yard, Earlie is told by the Sheriff that nothing can be done because “It’s your word against his.”.
You might expect Peas to become jaded or angry, but she never does. Her life is filled with unexpected sorrows and heartaches. Friends and family members die suddenly, her desire to marry and have a family of her own is thwarted, the lack of money makes life difficult, and always there is hard work. But Peas perseveres with her down-to-earth attitude and her constant desire to take life as it comes.
The author delves into many sensitive topics with an easily readable and relatable style which is non-judgmental. Though the Bible is quoted, and the miraculous healing of her critically ill young daughter is related, the style remains positive and uplifting without being preachy.
I highly recommend this book to all readers. It is a short quick read with no grammatical, spelling or formatting errors. Those interested in American history, especially African American history will find a gem here. Those interested in women’s history will also enjoy Peas’ story. Readers of inspirational and Christian literature should also be very happy with this biography.
I rate A Portrait of Mommy, as 4 out of 4 stars.
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A Portrait of Mommy
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Otherwise known as Ellawese Darden, Mommy’s life begins in rural Jacksonville, Georgia in 1929. Ellawese is given the nickname “Peas” by her parents because she is a thin and small child. The first half of the book focuses on her childhood and her relationship with her parents. Earlie and Maggie Darden have a volatile relationship fraught with anger, jealousy, infidelity, and violence. They move often, and because of Earlie shooting and blinding a man, they leave Georgia. With Peas in tow, they settle in Chester, Pennsylvania where they are happy for a while.
Peas is raised in Pennsylvania and relates her memories of learning to work at the young age of six, of going to school and ultimately dropping out. Her parents work hard and save their money until they finally buy their own house. This is a great achievement for them. Eventually, Maggie’s infidelity causes her to leave her family and return to Georgia.
The second half of the book focuses on Peas’ life as an adult. As a young woman, she returns to Georgia in search of her mother. She soon lands work as a cook and begins to earn money. She remains in Georgia for years until Earlie has a stroke. At this time, she returns to Pennsylvania to care for him. There she works, marries and becomes involved with her church where she becomes a ‘prayer warrior’ known for her abilities to heal people.
I cannot say enough good things about this book. Written by the author in a straightforward chronological style, it is clear and concise. Peas shares her memories in an unvarnished style that gives the reader a distinct idea of what it was like to live a simple but poor existence at the beginning of the last century. She does not harp on the many difficult times she had and the injustices she saw but relates her memories in a thoughtful way that is not nostalgic or cynical.
Though the majority of the book is focused on Peas’ memories of her parents, her education and her work life, we get a picture of what it was like for poor African American families. Though they live in Pennsylvania they were still subject to discrimination and unequal treatment. For example, when a neighbor witnesses a local white man stealing a flock of ducks from their yard, Earlie is told by the Sheriff that nothing can be done because “It’s your word against his.”.
You might expect Peas to become jaded or angry, but she never does. Her life is filled with unexpected sorrows and heartaches. Friends and family members die suddenly, her desire to marry and have a family of her own is thwarted, the lack of money makes life difficult, and always there is hard work. But Peas perseveres with her down-to-earth attitude and her constant desire to take life as it comes.
The author delves into many sensitive topics with an easily readable and relatable style which is non-judgmental. Though the Bible is quoted, and the miraculous healing of her critically ill young daughter is related, the style remains positive and uplifting without being preachy.
I highly recommend this book to all readers. It is a short quick read with no grammatical, spelling or formatting errors. Those interested in American history, especially African American history will find a gem here. Those interested in women’s history will also enjoy Peas’ story. Readers of inspirational and Christian literature should also be very happy with this biography.
I rate A Portrait of Mommy, as 4 out of 4 stars.
******
A Portrait of Mommy
View: on Bookshelves |
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