Mother of Pearl by Melinda Haynes

This book served me a whole lot of southern vibes!

Set in Mississippi in the 1950s, it tells the story of a small town where the color of your skin dictated the treatment you got. Old family secrets and poor choices are the makings of this story. When, Valuable, a sixteen year old girl, gets pregnant and everyone in town knows that she’s no stranger to her boyfriend Jackson, because ’em gray eyes speak of the same father. An unlikely friendship forms between Valuable; Joody Two Sun (who seems to know everything including the future), Even Grade, Canaan, Grace and Joleb.

The events after this build up on a simple question ‘how far would you be willing to go for the one you care about?’

I loved the accent of the characters. Canaan is judgmental and he offers no apologies for it. Grace is forthright and forceful and she talks back to any white folk, including her employers when they make wrong decisions. Joody is mystical, what with the visions, rocks and chanting around open fire? Even…well, he’s contemplative and I enjoyed their bantering with Canaan! Honey, Even thought, Lord have mercy, the man said honey.

This book is not for the impatient- entertain me now, kind of reader (if there is such), but it is a book that tells of the story of humanity, a true form of kindness that springs up in people we least thought it would.

Review posted on: Goodreads

Available on: Amazon