W3Counter Web Stats

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan


5 comments:

Anonymous said...

just finished reading it today. Loved it! Still think Guernsey is better RARI choice though. But this book is beautifully written and very powerful. Racial issues in the south post WWII, farming, family, poverty, even after effects of soldiers returning from war. But some folks might get a bit squeamish at the very vivid KKK stuff at the end.

Justine Karmozyn said...

I could not put this book down and I loved the way the author used a simple technique of labeling the chapters, so that you could follow the perspective of different characters. Everyone could identify with at least one of the characters in this book, whether you were the disatisfied housewife, the stable farmer, the maltreated war hero, the proud mother, etc... I HOPE people are squeamish regarding the horrific acts of the KKK - these atrocities, hatred and ignorance still occur (UNFORTUNATELY!!!) We can't just turn the other way and this book reopens your eyes to a time period that was not very long ago.

Pam said...

I loved this book and think it would make an excellent RARI choice. While there are some difficult and violent scenes, I think the story is very powerful and would lend itself well to discussion/teaching. The story was engaging right from page one and my interest never waned. This book was also a favorite of my book club. Another excellent RARI choice.

Maxine Willliams said...

Mudbound deals with the return of two soldiers from World War II, one black, one white, and what happens to them as they resume their lives in the South. The chapters are written in the "voices" of different characters in the book, so the reader gets a number of perspectives. Both men and women play significant roles in the story.

I see the book as a very strong contender for RARI because:
-The characters are very engaging. (They are complex enough to be "real" but not distractingly complicated.)
-The story deals with racial relationships, family relationships, the post-World War II era, and the South.
-There is a good blend of character development, ethical questions and "action."
-The story would appeal to all ages and to both men and women.
-The author lives in New York and the book is available in paperback.

Colleen said...

This would certainly be my choice! I was engrossed from the first sentence. Wonderful story, powerful and beautifully written. This book would be a great choice and be wonderful for discussions. My book club read this book and everyone overwhelming loved the book. I would recommend this book without a doubt to anyone.

A book that tells a great stroy for all time and makes us all aware of other people and circumstances. Who could ask for more in a book.