Review of A Touch of Gray

[Praise GodWord]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Touch of Gray" by Lou Vickery.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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A Touch of Gray: A Great American Story Revisited is a historical fiction written by Lou Vickery. It is a compendium of moments, adventures, heroism, tragedy, hope, loyalty, bravery, affection, and benevolence. It tells of a world on the farm built in the sense of responsibility for survival in the face of social chaos caused by racism.

It all began with Victor's early days in the big house owned by "Momma" and Daddy with a large farm of crop and livestock production until the climax of a fulfilled life in the Gulf Coast home. Victor and Tater started as lads when Tater’s mother, Rosie, was employed to work on the farm belonging to Mr. Anderson. Rosie raised her children while she served on the farm alongside other laborers in the old house. She had suffered severely in Tater’s bravery and heroic gestures displayed at various occasions and even lost her daughter Mary Jane. Victor and Tater grew so fond of each other. But what would be the outcome of their lives?

This book is full of suspense, and quite enjoyable to assimilate every concept of it in bits for a better understanding of the author’s tone. I love the author’s choice of the simplicity of words in communicating his ideas in the book. Also, the fact that this book teaches some moral lessons drawn from history makes it exceptional. I'm most enthralled by the author’s ability to recall the dates of some story episodes. September 29, 1950, was an example of a significant event.

However, I wish to declare my dislike for the author’s choice of using the informal style of speech in conversations between folks in the story. "Y'all musta bes ridin' in th’ same old bus me and Betty Ann rides ta schul in, Thair has to be mor’ to it,” were examples of such statements. I found it a bit difficult trying to fathom some of the ideas communicated in the discussions and I think some readers would experience similar difficulty in grasping the meaning of such.

I feel it's appropriate to rate this book three out of four stars due to the issue above. If you are interested in historical fiction that is based on long-term friendships, then this book is for you. I will also recommend this book to those who have negative opinions towards social segregation and racism. It appears the book was professionally edited.

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A Touch of Gray
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[Hussein21]

Thanks for the review, I like the cover photo and the theme illustrate that it is an historical fiction. however, i did not really get the concept of the book as you only explain how he grew up is that all the book is about?

[Paluk Pathania]

So many emotions and diversity in one book. I need to have this book on my shelf. Thanks for the recommendation!^^

[José Cortez]

I would definitely want to read this book. It seems like a perfect fit for someone like me who enjoys historical fiction book.

[Darlings O]

I think the informal choice of conversations must have been the choice of the author. I'm still curious to read this book. Thank you for recommending.

[Oscar E Gomez]

It is real that sometimes authors try to give more flavor or ambient to the books, putting in the chat between friends some kind of informal argot. It is real too, that when used correctly, this kind of license can help, but in this case I received the same impression of the reviewer: It is a little to much and goes in detriment of understanding. Any way, after reading this excellent review, I think the book is full human content and just having two kids from different racial and economical backgrounds, growing together in that time of profound racism and keeping that frienship during the adult years is a lesson that can teach to everyone that brotherhood can beat any barrier where goodwill and justice exist. By the way, the ilustration from the front cover of the book take me a bit to Mark Twain. Congratulation to Reviewer100 for this review. Was a real pleasure to read it...