Customer Reviews

No Pockets in a Shroud

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Like so many, I read Maxine Thompson's "The Ebony Tree" before "No Pockets In A Shroud." The characters, Jewel Shepard and others, took us on an emotional rollercoaster with leaps and bounds through shame, betrayal and secrets. However, I wanted to know what started this journey of disgrace. The answer is given in "No Pockets In A Shroud," the forerunner of "The Ebony Tree."

"No Pockets In A Shroud" is the ultimate definition of ...."What's done in the dark will come out in the light." It is written with the boldness and tenacity that has become the signature for Maxine Thompson. Imagine Nefertitti, absent from her family because of her imagined shame. She returns only to find that she was the only one who didn't have a reason to be ashamed.

This is 244 pages of fast-paced drama, with one secret after another being uncovered. You cry, you laugh, you challenge your own motives of keeping secrets. But, you will also wait at the bookstore for another riveting book from Maxine Thompson.

One decision sets in motion a ripple that will affect a family for years, until finally a daughter is faced with the decision whether to break the chain, even at the expense of her own future. This book is deep, but written in a style that is easy to read.

Maxine Thompson is an excellent storyteller for the new millinneum! I couldn't put this novel down. She draws you into her work of fiction immediately along with dropping tidbits of African American History that must be told. I must admit, I was still thinking of the people of Shallow Grove and their problems days after I finished reading. If this is a sample of Ms. Thompson's literary works, I can hardly wait for her future novels.

I work in an elementary library and I think this will one day be a required reading for high school students. The story is a fast read, and I was thoroughly engaged from beginning to end!

In a story in which the protagonist, Nefertiti, seeks to uncover the secrets of the past and understnad how they affect her present life, many painful and important pieces of her story emerge. Maxine Thompson's characters are vividly crafted. They each play a vital role in the unfolding of Titi's discoveries. Thompson covers the pain of teen pregnancy, chilbirth, ignorance and initiation into sexuality with realistic detail and sensitivity. She handles issues as wide-reaching, yet essential, as slavery and modern sexual mores. Ultimately, Titi learns who her ancestors were, and how all the strands of several family histories tie together. A very good read.

Dr. Thompson at her best! Every reader will be able to relate to the characters in some way. It is well written and is truly a page turner! This is a must read!

Hostage of Lies
Maxine Thompson
ISBN: 978-1-59983-095-7
Urban Books

Hostage of Lies was a pretty good book. This book touches bases on slavery, voodoo, interacial marriages, and prejudice. The family in the book has alot of issues and secrets.Titi gave birth at a tender age and gave the baby up for adoption. On her father's 75th birthday she chooses to come home and search for the baby she gave up.Her current husband, her second, does not know she had gave birth to a 3rd child, and is multi-racial, though she passes for white. Two men want her back, one her first husband, the other is the father to the baby she gave up for adoption.
Titi's father is out-right mean to her and Titi never understands why she is being treated this way. She knows she messed up her father's standing in their community as minister.

This book describes the events as they unfold, the secrets are the best as you never know what is coming next. This book is intriging to the last page, and secrets all the way. I highly recommend this book to everyone, no matter their race, or thoughts.

Maxine Thompson's extraordinary writing skills is demonstrated in this very heart felt book . The reader is captivated by this page turning novel that makes one anxious to keep on reading . I highly suggest this book to anyone who is looking for a great book with an facinating story. Truly one of my favorite books.

Maxine Thompson is an excellent writer. The moment I began to read Hostage of Lies, I was immediately transported to the place and time of the event and relived Titti's mishap with her. I was pulling for her throughout the novel, wanting her father to forgive, although for those who read the story, we know the root of his anger. Titti's relationships with her ex-husband and even her siblings endured me to her.

When I'm caught up in a story as I was with this one,the power of the story is hard to not notice. Thanks Maxine for helping us to answer some unfinished stories in our own lives.

This book was such a great read. I really enjoyed the multigenerational aspect of the book and the way that each character's full story was slowly revealed in the plot. The author has a way of bringing in unique tibdbits of African-American culture that makes this a little bit of an anthropology lesson too! All around an interesting, well-written piece of fiction!