Mother of Pearl

Views were polarized between members. We had 2 members who rated it at less or equal to 2, and 5 members who rated it at 9+. Concensus of those who rated it 9+ was that there was definite connection to the characters; it was hard to believe that this was Haynes' first book. Her ability to write so that the reader could visualize was excellent; in most cases during most passages, readers all felt as though they were right there, experiencing events along with the characters. Haynes offered universal truths through Canaan, Joody, Even and Valuable and the book was absolutely "rich". My own experience with this book gives it a 9.5; I was taken with many of the characters. I was saddened by Luvenia's father - he had what seemed to be a God-believing spirit and yet to have been a murdering member of the KKK; and Joody's insight into what made up a "six-sided woman", her relationship with Even Grade, and my wondering as to whether or not I was or am a six-sided woman myself, along with her insight into Luvenia and her lack of understanding of the "fluids". Joody had intuitive insight into the importance of fluids (e.g., Valuable's birth and her "marking" the quilt - so insightful). I was taken with the stupidity, ignorance and prejudice of Beryn; the beauty of Beryn's sister Louise, her manner and her eventual relationship with the mortician; with the wonder of Joleb - who he was (so overcome with feeling the responsibility of the deaths of those he loved) and who he became through his relationship with Valuable and with Russ; the relationship between Valuable and Jackson and the beauty it held - their child relationship and it's evolution into a love relationship (and the repercussions of who they were to each other); the ties between Grace, Valuable, and Joleb - Totally unexpected.THIS IS A GREAT BOOK!Although this book is difficult to get into and to settle into it's cadence, it is well worth the challenge. There is "stretch" in reading this book, and Haynes pulls it together beautifully and with such visualization that i hated to have it end.This is probably one of the best books (in my own estimation) that our book club has read. I would encourage you to read it, enjoy it, and to fall in love with all of the characters.(One question that the club had was left unanswered. Therefore, if anyone has any insight into the pigs and their significance, please let us and everyone else know . . . these visions were one of the few confusing elements.)Beautifully written in my estimation and emotionally draining for me. I hated for it to end. Excellent read!

It is hard to know how to put my thoughts into writing. I read this book twice one right after the other in the summer of 1999. I am dumbstruck by the skill and complexity Melinda Haynes was able to come up with in her debut novel. I almost want to call her and discuss the book. It is real, funny, warm, loving and heartbreaking. How can one book be all of that? I am now in a book group and am recommending this to them to read. I know that everyone sees things differently so I just hope others find the humor and love between these two races. I am still a bit confused by some issues and hope a group discussion will clear that up.

I too am a voracious reader. I very, very, seldom read a book a second time (too many books, too little time). I will however, make an exception for this book. Read it twice...the first time for the story; the second time for the language. I notice that none of the previous reviewers are from the south...maybe it helps to be southern to read, enjoy, and perhaps to understand this book. I loved it.

Best book I've read in a very long time! It was hard to put down and just extremely captivating.