Customer Reviews

Redemption Song: A Novel

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This splendid fictional debut puts two strangers at the same place, for the same purpose and puts them on the same mission-to change their lives to help the enigmatic future of African-Americans. Ross Buchanan and Josephine "Fina" Chambers fall in love as they realize their meeting was not happenstance. The two meet at the African-American bookshop Black Images and reach for the same book at the same time. Both are determined to keep the book, so the owner Miss Cozy must solve their quandary. The book is not for sale but she allows them to come everyday to read the book together. Miss Cozy participates with the couple as they all become closer, especially Ross and Fina, turning the pages of a book written by a slave woman. With each experience Ross and Fina find their own characteristics that were once confusing to them and experiences that can be compared with Iona, the slave whose gift of writing came to her when she picked up some paper and a writing utensil. Each discovers that their connection to their ancestors is the key to changing the future for the better. The lesson to be learned is that we as African-Americans must learn from our history and ancestors if we want to progress, and we must start with our seeds, our children. Also, we must learn to love and accept that we are entitled to happiness. I enjoyed this book because it challenges you to delve deep within yourself and see what has been holding you back over the years.

I finished reading this book yesterday and felt like I needed to tell someone, anyone about it! I 'm an avid reader, but few books have moved me like Redemption Song did. I've read the last chapter 3 times already. The book really spoke to me about what we as the black race and the human race need to do to save our own.

You've gotta read it!

A friend gave me this beautiful book, which I read over the last couple of evenings. I hope potential readers don't presume that because the book is written by an African American woman the reader should also be female and black. I'm a 43-year-old white guy and I was moved, touched, delighted and inspired. I encourage others who may not fit the likely "target market" to pick up this book. You won't be sorry.

This was a beautifully constructed fable/love story/inspirational/historical piece. Miss Berry really put her heart and soul into a story that will resonate with the reader for a long time. Josephine (Fina) and Ross are brought together one morning in a book store. This is just not any bookstore, but none other than Black Images, run by Miss Cosina Brown, Ms. Cozy, if you please. She is a wise soul who posseses a book, a special rare book, that promises to change these three main characters lives. Anthropolist Ross and advertising exec Fina reach for the book at the same time only to be told it isn't for sale. That settled, they sit down with Ms. Cozy and read the story written by a former slave woman. Little do they know how her story interconnects with them all. As the story weaves a heart wrenching story of the pain and hardships of slavery and its legacy from the past to the present, the three characters must examine their own lives and their future. I like the fact that the better part of this story took place in a book store. This small book packs a lot in its pages.

What an awesome read! I couldn't put this novel down until I was finished. The next day I had to read it again and share it with others NO MATTER where I am. I've emailed, called and wrote family and friends to tell them about Bertice Berry's truly redeeming book and how blessed they will feel during and after reading it as well. The story shares and shows the obstacles that "true love" can overcome even in slavery. The love that Joe and Iona shared is inspiring and makes you ache for them. The lessons and blessings that Miss Cozy, Ross and Fina come to share touch the very core of your being. This story encourages you to do 3 things: look within yourself, find truth and know your true purpose.

I am a librarian and read a galley of this book and couldn't put it down! I wish that it had lasted longer, because I finished it so quickly. This book is a reminder of what we already know as African-Americans, but often forget. Thanks to the author for reminding me that "We are free not to do what we want, but what we are supposed to do"

When I finished Redemption Song I felt satisfied, I felt enriched, I felt breathless! Redemption Song is a historical novel written with a romantic flair. Is it Fate or Coincidental that two people would meet at Miss Cozy's bookstore looking for the same book-Children of Grace. Children of Grace is a love story that encompasses generations and decades that was written by a slavewoman named Iona. As Fina and Ross journey together through Children of Grace with the help of Miss Cozy they discover how their lives are intertwined by coincidence and the union of Iona and Joe. Redemption Song is redemptive in that while discovering and reading the story, Fina and Ross gain an understanding about how to better love each other, their race and especially African American children. For a chance of pace, read Redemption Song a story about the unconditional power of love. It's a small book with a powerful message and one that will leave you with an important history lesson as well as knowing that you are truly loved.

A wonderful book to read. This book contains 181 pages of joy, pain, sorrow and love. Two of the main characters, Ross and Fina, have what they believe is a coincidential meeting. They are in search of something, a book, which leads them to Miss Cozy's bookstore - Black Images. They both want the same book, which is not for sale, which then leads them on a journey. This journey is back in time, discovering their ancestors and connections of the past, and a journey into themselves - a quest for a vision - a vision that will give hope, love and a future.

The book recognizes how we are connected to our past and how we must each understand it, along with our purpose in life to have a productive life. The book further demonstrates how, culturally and historically, we have always taken care of the children, whether they were ours or not. From slavery up, the children were cared for, and that in order to succeed and have a future, we must return to caring for our children.

It is a powerful book about love, but not just love for self, love for our history, love for our people, love for our children and then relationship love.

When my brother first gave me this book I looked at it and thought that it was too slim to have any substance. How wrong I was. It is rich and it is full. It is a great book. I like the characters they interact so well together. What really affected me was that I could envision the story line happening to me. I liked Bertices use of colloquialisms and I can stillhear my grandmother using some of Ms Cozy's same warm familiar words. You have a true fan in me Bertice and that is real.

Books can really influence your life as this one has done its job. I was moved with tears as I read every single page of Ms. Berry's debut fiction novel. This book is more than outstanding it's like Ms Berry was given this as a message for all of us to take a look back in order to move forward. If you are looking for the type of book that will make you dig deep down into your soul and look at life different..This is a MUST READ. I can only ask that she continue with what she has started with this one because you have just tipped the ice on the message you've shared. This is one that I will always be led back to read over and over. Thanks Bertice for an awesome book and I look forward to many more like this one.