The rawness of this story reminded me of a Donald Goines novel from the 1970's. But I connected with this more, because a Black woman wrote it and made sure to tell this story from the perspective of the less often heard Black girl. A man's world--specifically a white man's world is witnessed through the lens of a Black girl coming of age in New York, and it was at times, hard to read about the matter-of-fact ways girls and women were sexually and physically assaulted. But hard truths often need the most exposure, because they are so frequently covered up. I absolutely loved this novel and now know why it is considered by many a literary classic. ( )

Set in Depression era Harlem, this is a coming of age novel, narrated by 12 year old Francie Coffin, daughter of a poor black family. Her Christian name's the same as the similar-aged heroine of 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' but her life seems very different.
Gangs, casual violence and racism figure majorly, luring even brighter kids into the better-paid if risky criminal underworld. And even dreams of moving up the ladder are soon brought crashing down:
"If you would take more time with your backstitch, Francie, you might make a good seamstress one day. That's a very good living, you know."
"I don't think I'd like it, Mrs Abowitz. I want to be a secretary when I grow up."
"Well, Francie, we have to be practical. There aren't very many jobs for Negroes in that field. And while you're going to school you should learn those things which will stand you in good stead when you have to work."
"I like shorthand and typing, Mrs Abowitz," I said, suddenly stubborn, "and I'm gonna be a secretary."
She sighed. "I don't know why they teach courses like that to frustrate you people."

Francie's parents strive to provide for their family, whether it's her father's work for an illegal gambling syndicate or her mother's pittance from cleaning...and the humiliating battle with the Poor Relief people. Perhaps most surprising to the 21st century reader is the ubiquitous sexual abuse, where holding one's tongue and playing along might net the child a dime or an extra cookie.

It's quite well written and brings to life another time and culture, but I didn't find the characters particularly memorable or compelling. ( )

4.25/5.00 Stars

Set during the early years of the Great Depression, Meriwether paints a grim portrait of Harlem through the eyes of 12-year-old Francie that includes persistent racism, job scarcity, awful schools, police brutality, corrupt politicians, suspicious social workers, rat-infested apartment buildings, and a gambling epidemic that gives many people the only hope available to them. People barely subsist, and no one gets ahead.

Part of a loving, yet rapidly disintegrating, family unit, Francie is forced to grow up quickly. One of most disturbing themes running through the story is the seemingly non-stop predatory sexual advances that Francie is forced to deal with on a daily basis. The blasé attitude with which she accepts and knows how to deal with these advances is truly heartbreaking. On a positive note, my favorite thing about this novel is the way the author shows Francie's developing (radical) social consciousness, over the course of a year, as she takes note of what is going on around her. Recommended. ( )