Customer Reviews

My Sister's Veil

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I was extremely surprised to find the story line and characters of this book so well defined and compelling. As an African American man, who does not usually read fiction, I was most satisfied to find three GOOD black men and three strong black women in this novel, breaking the traditional barriers and sterotypes. K.C. Marshall takes us into the root of some very deep, long seated issues in the African American community, and as we watch the characters struggle, motivates us to reach beyond our comfort zone to succeed. It is a book for all cultures and times!

This book displays the courage of three African-American women traveling along their journey through life. These women own similar characteristics that hinder success--self-destruction, self-hatred and substance abuse. These three characteristics cripple a soul forcing the negative self-image to prevail planting the seed in the cycle of poverty. This book left me breathless but refreshed on some level. The issues the author addresses are some that I feel personally affects the current status of African-Americans in our society today.

If one doesn't own self-love they will not succeed. In order to become successful one must first believe that they are worthy of success. I found myself getting lost in each page holding my breath at times waiting for the outcome of each woman's journey. I also became angry at how real each story was. We, in the African American community, hinder our success and the success of others by continually owning self-hatred. When we place value on the color of skin or hair texture rather than on character and integrity the results are disheartening resulting in violence, poverty, substance abuse, etc.

Each character faces racism in the larger society but also within their communities and families. However, they all become empowered and succeeded despite their circumstances. The author allows the reader a brief glimpse into life behind the walls at the Whittenhall. The characters and the baggage--stories-- they come with are very real. Ms. Marshall paints a clear picture of how things are and what is expected behind the Whittenhall Wall. In our society, life for some begins and ends behind a wall similar to the Whittenhall as they feel they deserve nothing more. They don't acquire necessary strength to tackle that wall. Whereas in other cases, people use all of their power--education, desire and will--to climb out of their situations creating a better life for themselves. These three women did just that.

The veil is a metaphor of the importance of knowing your true worth and value. When you believe that you come from greatness then you believe that you deserve the best that life has to offer. I highly recommend this book for all people, however, feel it will have its greatest influence on young women despite the color of their skin. When we teach young women to love and respect themselves they end up demanding it in their lives. This book is phenomenal and I hope the author gets the praise that she deserves for addressing serious issues in such a gripping way. As in life, each character has their own voice and I heard them loud and clear... bravo!

This is a collection of stories of some strong African American women who, like any human being, make some wrong choices in their lives. Unlike many of their neighbours, these women learn from their mistakes and, with the help of other strong women, rise above their circumstances.

Marshall goes beyond a simple telling of their stories. Through the stories, she examines the role that society in general (including the African American community) plays in perpetuating the cycle of poverty, and opens the reader's eyes to the underlying issues. A must-read for anyone interested in Black Studies, Sociology, Women's Studies, or any related subject.