Customer Reviews

Tempest Rising: A Novel

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Tempest Rising was an absolutely intriguing novel brimming with lively and realistic characters. Being a Philadelphia native, I was especially delighted to read the author's familiar portrayal of the city, and the life of an affluent black family prospering during the time set in the novel.

The timeless romance of Clarise and Finch was heartwarming, as much as the struggle by Shern, Victoria, and Bliss, the unwavering love of the aunts and unlces for their family, made the novel a definite page turner.

One review I read that I had to agree with was the initial dislike for Ramona invoked in the reader, which subsides as the story progresses, with one hoping for a positive outcome for the character.

This was actually the first novel of McKinney-Whetstone's that I had the pleasure to read. Tempest Rising will not disappoint for first time readers of McKinney-Whetstone's, her depiction of Philadelphia 1965, well thought out excellent prose and realistic characters was a rewarding read.

Our Group Just For Fun just finished this, it was my second time reading, and the story was wonderful, emotional story...I would love to see the story continue. Ms. Whetston-Mckinney you are truly a gifted storyteller! I know your characters, can taste and feel what they are feeling... you are able to reach inside a character and make the reader feel their emotions. We are reading your latest book Blues Dancing and I'm sure it's excellent! as all of your books are. If you've not read Diane McKinney-Whetstone's books, you must! the characters will be with you long after the story.

All hail the Queen!!! Diane McKinney-Whetstone has done it again! I read Tumbling and thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommended it to anyone who would listen. I anxiously awaited the author's second novel and. I was not disappointed!! The characters in this book were so well-written that I was instantly drawn into their world. I wanted to dislike Ramona, but was so intrigued by her that I found myself hoping that something good would happen for her. Shern, Victoria and Bliss were so brave and loyal to one another that I knew they would make it. And the Aunts and Uncles--- what characters!!! If you haven't read this book, run out and buy it right now!!! Ms. McKinney-Whetstone, keep doing what you're doing!!!!!!!!! Hey Oprah - how about making this a selection for your Book Club???

Everyone in my book club enjoyed this book....I was pleasantly surprised to find that the love between Clarisse & Finch & their daughers stayed intact throughout the book. I've read too many books where the love between the husband & wife fizzles out as the marriage ages. The relationship between the three sisters is also beautifully written. My only complaint is that the story ended too abruptly. That was really a let down. It left me wondering about different scenarios for an ending. This is a book where a sequel is a must...bring Finch and the romance back, Ms. Whetstone

I liked Tumbling so much that I wanted to read all of McKinney-Whetstone's books - but I was prepared to dislike this one because of several reviews on this site. Surprise surprise! I liked it better than Tumbling. Sure, the beginning was slow, because she was setting up the perfect family situation, only to see it fall and rise again in a different way, including a totally different family in its circle. Yes, Ramona is the center...but the book is not just about one character but about walls falling inside people, walls that they have built up to deal with what life has dealt them. Ramona's growth, from a person that you find it hard to like, to a person that you truly love and empathize with, is the center of the book. This is a heartfelt book but it's not sappy. It's harder to appreciate because it's a lot more complex than Tumbling. There are characters who just stay the same (Addison) and characters whose growth surprises you -- Mae. There are characters who rise to the challenge to be better than they are -- Tyrone's daddy Perry. The rich girls turn out to be survivors, even though they ARE kinda spoiled -- this is a rare and realistic portrait of sisters whose personalities complement each other, even though they are all quite different. McKinney-Whetstone IS deep, and she is wise. Her writing takes you back in time but leaves you with hope for the future. And I congratulate her for writing the people inside her and making it work, even when the relationships are complex.

(originally posted June 2, 1998)

I read this wonderful novel in 2 days! This tale shows us that love is tie that binds strong families. This is a heart-warming story of a family's love, pain and jubilation! An excellent and creative work of art that brings the characters to life. They become so real, you even feel their love, joy, fear, passion-without vulgarity, and anger-without too much profanity. Creatively and vividly written for appreciative audiences (thirtysomething and up).

Diane, I wish you wrote them as fast as we read them. You are a gifted artist, and hopefully you will include Atlanta on your tour. How about a collection of short stories? I love your writing style.

When Clarise left the home of her Aunts and Uncles with her beloved Finch, she knew she had someone special and was happy just be with him. Finch knew he had someone special too and wanted to do all he could to please her, and please her he did.

Clarise, Finch and their three daughters eventually were able to enjoy a life that many folks dreamed of. They had a great family, successful business and a beautiful home in an upper crust neighborhood. When business slows down however, Finch in his quest to keep his wife and daughters in the life they were accustomed to had an idea that he was sure would put them all back on top. Finch unfortunately doesn't get to see his plan to fruition. As a result the "tempest rises" for Clarise who struggles to keep her mind and her family together after Finch's untimely death but fails at both.

An old vendetta against her one her aunts and a mistaken mental diagnosis sends Clarise's daughters Shern, Victoria and Bliss head first into the foster care system. The girls end up with Mae, a wannabe good mother, who's actually a gambling card shark with a secret. Her daughter Ramona is "saddled" with the day-to-day care of the three, yet she too is troubled due to the abusive relationship she has with her mother. The arrival of the girls in this home turns the lives exposes the secrets of the past and eventually turns tragedy into triumph.

McKinney-Whetstones strength is her character development. She gives her characters a unique voice and successfully intertwines them without causing confusion for the reader. This particular story is touching because it deals with the perils of the foster care system without issuing any brutal indictments against it and it speaks to how a mother's love can transcend the toughest of obstacles and tragedies.

I enjoyed this book tremendously! My bookclub chose it as our Feb. selection. I was apprehensive about the choice because I did not like Tumbling at all. It felt like events instead of a story. Tempest Rising was wonderfully warm and so amusing at times. Mc Kinney seems to be hitting her stride. I have already recommended this book to my mother and co-workers. Very well done!

Ms McKinney-Whetstone always satiates my reading palate & Tempest Rising: A Novelis no different. The story opens with the reader enveloped in the wonderful love Clarise grew up with her aunts and uncles who made a living making fine soaps, coconut and honey, by hand. Being raised by her four uncles and four aunts gives Clarise her eccentric flair for life.
Clarise and her husband Finch also lives a comfortable lifestyle in West Philadelphia with their three daughters; Shern, Victoria and Bliss. All three siblings are as different as night and day. However different they are you can feel the same message espoused by all; respect love and obedience. Finch starts a catering company called Heavenly Caterers named after his and Clarise house they call "Heaven" life is good for them. That is until Finch begins to think on the times and where folks are spending the bulk of their money and it's not with Heavenly Caterers.
One day Finch decides to go crabbing to enhance his catering business; he decides to call it a "crab fest" The more he thought about it the more excited he got. Sometimes excitement gets us in situations we cannot walk away from. One that day in 1965 Clarise and her girls were introduced to despair, death and separation.
Will Clarise be able to remove the haze in her head and care for her girls as she once did before the tragic accident? Will the aunts and uncles nurturing be enough to bring Clarise back?
The lost many of the characters felt throughout Tempest Rising is devastating. Each character has his/her way of dealing with lost but not without the help of family and strangers. What truly encapsulated me was the reconciliation throughout the book. The lost was big but the finding of souls, spirits and hearts will stay with the reader for a long time.

Absolutely engaging story with characters that surprise you and others who continue to grow with every page you turn. An absolute MUST READ!!!


Missy
Readers Paradise

In Tempest Rising, Dianne McKinney Whetstone brings back the same indelible knack for superb characterizations that was evident in her debut novel, Tumbling.

Set in Philadelphia in the 1960's, Tempest Rising is the tale of three sisters forced to live in foster care because of their mother being erroneously diagnosed with mental illness. When these sisters meet up with their foster family, they are distraught and stricken with the reality of being separated from their kin. The girls endure hardship after hardship, but manage to stick together in their time of trial.

Ramona, the foster "sister", if you will, is cold and emotionless toward the girls as well as toward her beau, Tyrone. She is forced to do all of the "grunt work", while her mother, Mae, takes all the glory of caring for the fosters that pass through their home. However, we are enlightened as to the demons haunting Ramona and Mae, and taken deeper into a secret that has permeated her being for decades.

Bold, lively characters such as the girls' aunts Til and Ness and uncles Blue and Show, the mysterious Mister who helps them out in times of danger, and the whole cast shed light on the plot, rather than deter the reader from it.

A delightful, suspenseful, emotional read, Tempest Rising ranks among the best.

Reviewed by CandaceK