The Ebony Tree [Paperback]

Maxine E. Thompson (Author), Thompson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999

An African American novel about four generations of women in one family. It follows the mother-daughter relationship and how it was impaceted by slavery. It deals with family secrets, alcoholism, depression, poverty and finally, triumph.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book is a fast read as it is a first novel. The book is divided by a frame. It starts in the year of 1993, flashes back to 1950, then slavery and up through 1963. It ends back in 1993. Readers often reminisce over their childhood after they read this book. It is an intergenerational, intercultual, and interracial book. -- From the Publisher

About the Author

Maxine E. Thompson is the author of The Ebony Tree, Hostage of Lies, upcoming novel, LA Blues. She has also authored many short stories and poems. In 1998 She wrote book reviews on Netnoir.com. She had 2 columns on self-publishing on careermag.com and bwip.org. She also had her own column, called On The Same Page, at maxinethompson, where she interviews African American authors. She started a literary service in 1998, then later a literary agency. She has been hosting internet radio shows since 3-5-02. She currently hosts the Dr. Maxine Thompson Show on Artistfirst.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Milligan Books (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1881524442
• ISBN-13: 978-1881524441
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #992,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Can family secrets shape a woman's life?, May 5, 2003

By 

Jacquelyn C. Salomon-Miller (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ebony Tree (Paperback)

The Ebony Tree by Maxine Thompson is a journey back in time into the lives of The Shepherd family. Thompson does a wonderful job of placing you right into their lives as if you were a member of the family.

Jewel Shepherd has many secrets that she has kept from her kids. No one really knows the real Jewel, and at times she wonders if she really knows herself. She loves her children, and surprisingly, her husband, Solly - even though he has tried her patience time and time again. Jewel wonders what brought her to Delray, Michigan, and how will she get out with her children intact. Her youngest, Imani, has decided that it is time they find out how the Shepherd family came to be. Therefore, she tries to capture 53 years of marriage on tape. Unfortunately, being the youngest she does not know how to read between the lines of the web her mother has weaved. Only her older siblings know the truth.

I loved the history, loved the family life - even if it was not so perfect, it was real. This book will make you think about the relationship you have with your own mother, and wonder what secrets may be hidden between the stories she has told you. I recommend this book to all of those who are history buffs at heart. The Ebony Tree by Maxine Thompson won't disappoint you.

Jacki

APOOO BookClub

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling and Thought-provoking, June 13, 2003

By 

C. Curtis "cjcword" (Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ebony Tree (Paperback)

The Ebony Tree is a CLASSIC. I loved every drop of it. The author is TRULY and I mean TRULY a master at her craft. This book was wonderfully written, compelling and thought-provoking. I thoroughly enjoyed following on the journey of Jewel's life, the main character. Again, this book is WONDERFUL. Ms. Thompson put so much passion into writing this wonderful book. I cannot wait to read her other books. I'm a fan for life!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Spiritual Journey, November 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ebony Tree (Paperback)

The Ebony Tree uncovers the often rich, spiritual yet hidden layers of family dynamics. Written with visually captivating dialogue. Each character familiar. Maxine Thompson manages to do what a writer should always strive to do-- she tells the truth. There are lessons in the joys as well as the sorrows. You will come to care, as well as emphasize with the characters. Whether you are a female or a male---you will learn that family love and loyalty should be as strong as an "Ebony Tree." In particular, the relationship between mothers and daughters. Everyone will be hearing more about this dynamic writer.