Marked by Fire

Marked By Fire moved my spirit like the tornadic winds Joyce Carol Thomas so eloquently describes. One is easily caught up in the poetic language she uses to tell the story of Abby and an entire community as they learn lessons in restoring faith, not only in God but also in themselves. In reading this book, I am reminded of the complexities of nature -- its destruction and its creation, but more compelling in the story are the complex characters she ably draws. When my book club read the book, all of the women gathered shared how easy it was to relate to the struggles of the people in the novel, especially to Abby's pain. We recommend the book for other mother-daughter book clubs, or for anyone who wants a truly human experience. Marked By Fire is just that good! And then some.

I like the way Joyce Carol Thomas' language sings. It is vibrant with color and emotion. Her technique is lyrical and finely woven. Her characters too are memorable. Trembling Sally, her nemesis, makes the hair stand up on your head. Mother Barker, her mentor and guide, is full drawn and echoes the wisdom of old women. Her father, named Strong, is just that, a strong character with the best qualities of African- American males as well as the limitations that we all, men and women, suffer. Marked by Fire is an American novel flavored by African-American culture. Marked by Fire can be enjoyed by all: women, men, and folks of all persuasions.