Monday, 26 July 2021

Review: Belle

Belle Belle by Beverly Jenkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I started reading Belle, I wanted to cry, because I knew this was a part of history that was so true. Belle, a 16-year-old child running for her life to escape slavery. Separated from her father during the escape and not knowing where to find refuge. Hungry and alone, until she is found by 18-year-old Daniel and his 12-year-old sister Josephine.

The romance was between Belle and Daniel, adolescent and innocent. Although this is a romance novel, it signifies much more, slavery, oppression, denial and isolation, family structure and support, friendship, trauma, and mental health. Jenkins also speaks of the Second Baptist Church which is in Downtown Detroit, which was part of the Underground Railroad. My favorite character was Mrs. Cecilia Best, Daniel, and Josephine’s mother. Cecilia had also escaped from slavery, the same as Belle. Mrs. Belle was an example of a loving, caring, and dedicated mother and wife. She was the one in the community that people could go to and depend upon. Mrs. Best was stern and someone you did not argue with. Especially in the case of her and Francine’s dispute. Francine was Daniel’s estranged girlfriend, which is a story within itself. Francine was an example of a spoiled and neglected child. Her father showered her love and attention through giving her things, instead of teaching her manners and discipline, which I guess was his way of making up for the fact that Francine was motherless.

I like this book and enjoyed it. I recommend this book.  However, the ending seemed a bit rushed.  I was a bit lost after reading the previous chapter because I was expecting more leading to the end of the story. Also, Francine was mentioned twice on Belle and Daniel's wedding day, which confused me because I thought she was out of the picture and wouldn’t be a topic of conversation on their wedding day.  Overall, this was a good book. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.


My choice for casting:
• Tabitha Brown as Mrs. Cecelia Best
• Diamond White as Belle
• John Boyega as Daniel

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