Customer Reviews

Being Plumville

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In 1953, a white man in love with a black woman was unheard of, or shall I say never mentioned in mixed company. However, Benjamin Drummond and Coralee Simmons were an exception to the rule. At seven and four-years-old, respectively, Benjamin made known his intentions to marry Coralee. To keep things from progressing any further, Benjamin's mother forbade her maid to bring her daughter, Coralee, to work with her again.

Fast-forward fifteen years, Benjamin and Coralee are united again, this time attending the same college. Segregation, now sugarcoated as desegregation, forced them to become passing strangers in the night. However, after one chance encounter, the love they shared years ago turned into an undeniable lust, neither of them could control. So they fall in love all over again. Only this time, they plan to keep their relationship a secret...Or will they?

My hat goes off to Savannah J. Frierson for a job well done. The love affair found within the pages of this novel is awe-inspiring to say the least. Benjamin's love for Coralee was so strong, he wanted the whole world to know. I would recommend couples involved in interracial relationships to read this book. It will serve as a testament that no matter what others may think or say, true love conquers all.

Reviewed by Pamela Bolden
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This was a wonderful book. The characters were very believable and the relationship between Benny and Ceelee was realistic. I bought the book 2 weeks ago and I have read it 3 times.

After getting past the fact that a four year old child would have such vivid memories of her childhood friend, she's a prodigy which explained it to me at least, I found I couldn't put the book down. It's an appealing romance set in the midst of realistic racial tensions of a small southern town in the 60's.

The characters are well developed and rather intriguing most especially Ben. He was just so earnest in his love with the total cluelessness of a white person who's never experienced racial difficulties before thus having a very unrealistic perspective of what might happen to him and CeeLee because of their love. One thing I really enjoyed was that the relationship moved at a wonderful pace full of respect and the mores of the late 50's, early 60's which added to the realism.

Starting this book I was a little uncertain but by time I finished it I thought about this book for days afterwards. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is that it was just a little too romantic for my taste, a lot, and I do mean a lot, of sweet touchy feely moments such as cupping cheeks etc. That was the only thing I felt was over done but for those who enjoy the little romantic touches lovers make this will appeal mightly.

It's been a long time since I have read a book that would stay in my library. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. The characters and plot are fully developed and believable. It's good to have an IR story with meat for a change. A truly excellent read.

This book details an interracial love story of two true soulmates. Two indiviuals destined to be together since childhood it seems. Set in the turbulent 60's on a college campus the two main characters grow into their own identities as they fall in love. I was hesitant about reading this book, because usually books set in the 60's don't "get it." But this book was dead on. The references to the times, the speech patterns of the characters, the attitudes of the small southern towns where it was set and idealistic bullheadedness of the students was right on target! The characters and their conflicts were realistic, their difficulties believable. This author is deserving of the accolades she has received and I look forward to seeing more from her in the future.

This is a well written work of fiction that stands apart from the rest of the I/R books. Unlike the others, this book has a well-developed, believable storyline told during a time of racial turmoil in the country. The story draws you in and you find yourself rooting for Coralee and Benny. The loves scenes were extremely passionate, without being tasteless, like I/Rs tend to be. Kudos to Ms. Frierson!

When I read the final page of this book, the first thing that came to my mind was...MASTERPIECE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can actually picture this being someone's true story back in history. Very intelligent read!!! A Superbly Written Unique Masterpiece!!! Characters outstanding!!! OMG!!! This was a TRUE ROMANCE story..simply UNTOUCHABLE!! I have Never read a romance novel this intense in my life. And I read tons of romance novels. This is by far the best romance novel to date. What a journey this story brings.. you laugh, you cry, you smile, you get angry, you get scared, and most of all your Satisfied at the end. What a work of art. I'm Speechless......WOW

A must read for anyone that's involved in an interracial relationship.
MASTERPIECE!!

WOW...what a HIGHLY emotional roller coaster ride...this book evokes so many emotions...it makes you angry, makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes you sigh, and makes you think...this is the third book I've read by Savannah J. Frierson...and it is DEFINITELY my favorite of the three...a strong and TOUCHING storyline...an engaging and MEMORABLE well-developed cast of characters...and some SURPRISING and unexpected twists that keep me turning the pages to see what will become of Benjamin and Coralee...a WORTHWHILE read!

This book is by far the best romance novel I have read in a very long time. I absolutely loved the true love of Benny and CeeLee. The characters were very well developed. I loved that Benny was so sweet, gentle, respectful, and loving towards Ceelee. Hats off Ms. Frierson!! This is my new favorite book!!!

What can I say about Benjamin and Coralee, they were pue gold. Their love for each other was pure and encompassing. Benjamin was so strong, no way was he going to give up what he was feeling but Coralee, although she loved him was afraid and could not see a furtue for them and I could understand why she felt that way.

Considering the fact that this story occured mostly in the 60's, I give Benjamin all the props for sticking to his convictions, realizing that he loved Coralee and wanted a life with her, no matter what anyone else said the guy followed his heart. I could definitely feel the love of Coralee and Benjamn coming off the pages.

This book is definitely a good read, I absolutely loved it.