The Living Is Easy

I really liked this book by Miss Dorothy West! The characters were real to me. I kept up with everyone and the storyline was good. I was angry with main character but that's the way she was. I will be reading Miss West's other books. It was an honor to get to know read an author from the Harlem Renaissance! Check it out for yourself.

I like Cleo because she doesn't settle for the role that society has laid out for her, as a black woman(maid, etc.). Neither does she except it for anyone in her family. She strives to know the best people, improve her vocabulary, etc. However, she does this at the expense of losing her husband and possibly her daughter. This is the main drawback. Moreover, she believes in family. But, she expects those around her to allow her complete control. Even to the point of breaking up marriages that may or may not be in trouble. And, separating children from fathers.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Wedding" but "The Living is Easy" is brilliant. Cleo is excellently portrayed....the kind of person that you want to hate but you can't help but admire her determination to attain her goal. Dorothy West skillfully reveals to us the inner woman of Cleo and we see that she is not so cold-hearted but has her share of hurt, pain, vulnerability etc. Her way of dealing with her emotions which to her is a weakness, is incredible. Her anguish when her husband leaves is the most revealing because she has become dependent on his strength.The story deals with the universal problem of skin color and status in an upper-class society...this ongoing problem brings about such a sadness....such a waste of energy.....will it ever go away?

The main character has little feeling and reading about how she came to be that way was great. The entire plot was wonderful, cleanly written with nothing left hanging and Cleo was endearing but maddening. The author's description of the era and township was flattering and understandable. You will never forget Cleo.

I read this book months ago and it stayed with me. Her characters are fully drawn, not two-dimensional caricatures. The writing displays all sides of this complex heroine and her ultimately devastating impact on everyone associated with her. Also, a fascinating look into a society not portrayed elsewhere.

The experience of reading this book was nothing less than rich. There is such intelligence in the author's voice, and no unnecessary apologies or explanations of her character's behavior. The book was such a pleasure to read, that when I accidentally left it behind during my commute, I picked up another Dorothy West book from my bookshelf to temporarily take it's place in my "life" (The Wedding), then immediately replaced my copy of 'The Living is Easy" when I'd finished that book. The characters are fully drawn and the story of their lives is captivating.