Customer Reviews

Blackgammon

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just love reading books with settings in other countries. This is the story of Michael, and Chloe. Michael and Chloe are two women who meet in the states, and from that moment on consider theirselves sisters. Both of the ladies leave the US, Chloe to leave Paris to try to Paris where she assumes people will be more accepting of her paintings. Michael ends up teaching at a college in England, goes against everything she believes in an marries a white man. Chloe is keeping a terrible secret that hinders all her relationship with the men that comes in her life. Michael never really get's over that she marries a white guy, especially when a new teacher from the states come in the picture, and it causes big problems in her marriage. It was interesting in reading what the two women went through to finally find their place in the world. By reading Blackgammon you get to learn something of other cultures, and prespective of black people. A great book, can't wait for her next one.

Blackgammon is a page turner that most women will be able to indentify with, and will want to read. The story centres around two African American women who have made a pact that they will not allow any man they enter into a realionship with, to control them or hinder them in their quest for fullfiling their dreams, ambitions and their careers.

The story is fast paced as Chloe the elder, flees from her ex-husband in Washington for France to pursue her talent as an artist. Living in Paris Nice and Aix, she falls in love many times over but is she able to keep this pact with her soul-sister? The two women communicate constantly by letter, telephone or visits, but protege Michael a professor in England who fashions her life after Chloe relies heavily on that moral support and advice.

There are lots of surprises in this wonderful book with it's share of disappointments, lies, shame deceit and plenty nostalgia. You'll love all the artists, the poets the actors, and the entire creative shebang.

Most women will read this book and say "yes, I remember when something like that happened to me too." or "I almost did the same very thing, are they writing about me?" Heather Neff's Blackgammon is that real.... with real life characters that will certainly fill your senses. Take a bow Ms. Neff and come again soon.

nutface
February 10th 2002

BLACKGAMMON is a lustrous mediatation on race, love, sisterhood success and life, and I fell headlong into its exotic world from the moment I began reading it. If you've ever lived outside of the United States -- or wondered what it must be like -- then BLACKGAMMON is a must-read. Heather Neff is a unique voice in African-American fiction.

I found this novel to be an incredibly well-written, profoundpiece on the lives of black women. It explores and details the eventsof two black women's lives, while weaving a story that incorporatesthe social, the political, and the very personal discussion that willresonate with countless readers. It is a powerfully told tale! IHIGHLY recommend it. END

This book was very interesting and kept me reading it until I could finish it. I love Ms. Neff's writing style and her accurate descriptions of places. This book quelled all of the doubts that I'd had about it initially. Wonderful job!

It was the most awesome book I have ever read coming into the new year 2001. I started it 2 days before New Year and finished it that day. It was definately an eye opener on love and relationships. Well worth the read, you can't put it down once you get started. I am looking forward to other books by Heather as her debut has got me wanting more. Well done!!!!!!

The synopsis on the back flap pulled me in. The first chapter set me up...by chapter three, i was blown away! I could not put this book down. Ms. Neff's writing is honest, geniune and powerful. Her characters have yet to escape my mind. For those of you who enjoy relaxing to jazz, with a glass of wine and an incredible read, this book is for you! Thank you Heather!

I enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. As an African American woman who is a jewelry maker (as an avocation), I take art/craft/jewelry courses all the time. I meet many "artistic" black women. This book rang true. I have also never been to Paris or Europe, but from reading this book, I feel like I was there. The characters came across as interesting people - hurt, confused, but ultimately talented and able to pull it together. I hope Heather Neff writes more books.

Blackgammon is written in such a way which takes you from wherever you're reading it, to Paris, the Aix and Nice. I've never been there, and I have to say, I wish I could go even more now than I ever have before. The way the characters are woven together, you never know what's going to happen. The love, lust, happiness, tragedy and struggles are so real. I totally felt like I was right there, watching every event as it takes place. The way Neff wrote this book, is the same way she teaches, with strength, power, and passion. The story is believeable, and the book is phenomenal!

BLACKGAMMON is a phosphorescently intelligent novel. Heather Neff weaves her language and her narrative from gilded threads. This is a debut of momentous ambition and winged achievement. Her characters are rendered with assurance and detail. Her descriptions glimmer like gems.