The Wedding: A Novel

I have read works from the following female authors from the Harlem Renaissance era: Zora Neale Hurston, Ann Petry and Dorothy West. So far, my favorite is Ann Petry. This is my first read from Dorothy. The theme of this book is not one of highly relevance in this era, but it takes us back to a time when it was relevant. The story is about colorism and social status. The majority and the main characters seem to be multiracial and their interactions with black folks. From this era, it is quite relevant to be lighter than a paper bag to be accepted and climb the social character. The author spends an entire book leading up to an upcoming wedding and all the key players and how they function. Chapter 11 of this book is sooo long and boring. There are many left unanswered questions like: (a) how did Isaac really die, was it a heart attack? (b) why was Isaac wife just referred to as the schoolteacher? (c) I wanted to know what happened to Isaac's wife. Shockingly, there were a lot of infidelity. I am glad that it was short read. If the story was told from a chronological order, it would have flowed much better.

Well written, perfectly balanced, clear themes. This book was a joy to read.

I watched the movie, The Wedding when it was shown on ABC through the Oprah Winfrey Studios and I truly enjoyed it. Decided to read this novel since I'm beginning to read novels by authors of the Harlem Renaissance for my own personal enjoyment since I never read them when I went to school. This novel was as good as the movie! Ms. West was a very good writer and should be read by everyone of color!

Dorothy West shines in this novel about the African American middle class. Because so much of our history has been downplayed or dismissed, this book provides a breathtaking glimpse into a world that many African Americans never even knew existed. THE WEDDING is the story of Shelby Cole, beloved daughter of the prominent Coles family. But more than that, it is the story of black culture, that part that both embraced and rejected itself. It is the story of love outside of the color-divide and it is the story of how no matter how hard we try and how hard we try to dismiss it---color is, and will always be an issue. It's not a white issue or a black issue but a human issue. Dorothy West presents it in a way that is upfront and honest. She doesn't try to "whitewash" the history of color-struckness that continues to plague many in the African American community. Through the story of the Coles family, she began to hack away, even if only a little, at the very core of what continues to divide and in some cases conquer the African American community's ability to move on from our shackled past.

"The Wedding" took me back to my childhood days at home on the islands. Life was lonely for a little black girl with fair skin who didn't have the right kind of hair or enough money. The dark-skinned children felt that I'd think myself better than they and for the "near whites", I wasn't pretty enough nor spent my vacations in some foreign land. But as I read "The Wedding", the memories came rushing back and I had cause to smile. "The Wedding" is an accurate depiction of our legacy!....the off-spring of colonization is confusion and madness no matter the bodies of water that separate us! The prejudices that prevailed then and even today, continue to fester, destroying communities, countries, and nations! I wept for little Tina, the little innocent who only wanted love, for Isaac who could only understand that his role was to care for the weak. I felt anger for Lute who was relentless in his pursuit of what he felt was his not caring who was destroyed in the process. In effect he only acted as a white slave owner would've acted. And most of all, I felt a deep sadness for all the "colored" folks who were so confused they didn't know what to think and the "whites" who were too tunnel-visioned to see us all as human beings. It is a story too, that young black people should read and learn from (as I needed a reminder).....that the riches and freedom that we enjoy today came about through the sweat and blood of our ancestors!

I have never read a book that touched my heart, made me laugh, made me cry, and written with such great depths of reality as "The Wedding". I could not put this book down because of the special relationship of Shelby and her sister. Shelby is the exact opposite of her sister. Shelby marries for love while her sister marries for class status and acceptance. The bond and relationship that these sisters share enhances the book further by showing the intricate relationships in the family. It has been a year or more since i've read this book, so you'll have to pardon me if i have any facts wrong, and yet i long to read it once again. Shelby shows her family that love is not determined by race or class but it is defined by truth. Shelby's character shows strength even at times when she is unsure of her own identity. I especially remember the time when shelby ran away and the people in the town couldn't find her because they thought Shelby was white. The story has a tragic ending which I did not anticipate unlike many books or movies which are so predictable. Each character in the book has their own flaws, strength and beauty. Although it is a work of fiction, this book is educational by the fact that it shows how assumptions, ideologies and expectations of class, race,gender, marriage damage,corrupt and influence people in society. Dorothy West's writing is simplistic yet eloquent as the story is constructed and built upon the lives and history of a family. The telling of the story through a family tree concept is not only original, but intellectual. It is a great work of literature that transcends time by the lessons it teaches. This book is "Unforgettable".

Ms. West has written a compelling portrayl of African-American life set in Martha's Vinyard during the 1950's. The theme of color complexes in the African-American community hits home-hard. Her novel is insightful and emotionally moving. If you're looking for a good read about the man /woman relationship during those long summer nights, this is the novel to buy. It will have you wanting more.

The following are my thoughts as shared and published in the "Los Angeles Times Book Review Reading L.A." section on Sunday, March 15, 1998: Brace yourself to become enveloped by this fascinating tale. Miss West eloquently escorts you through five generations of a family's rise from slavery to prosperity. Give your pal a copy: You'll be anxious to share your thoughts after sitting at the feet of this masterful storyteller. Kimberly Stansell, entrepreneurial trainer & author of Bootstrapper's Success Secrets: 151 Tactics for Building Your Business on a Shoestring Budget (Career Press)