Title: Greenwood
& Archer
Author: Marlene Banks
Pages: 352
Year: 2012
Publisher: Lift Every Voice
Greenwood & Archer is
the sequel to Son of a Preacherman. Though fictional, the story is borne out of an
actual historical event. One of the
reasons I love historical fiction is learning about history I have forgotten or
was never taught. Many historical events
can be lost due to the nature of the multitude of everyday life happenings. It seems that we are accustomed to seeing
something on TV and then forget about the event unless it is brought to the
forefront of our life through some report, novel, or other medium.
In this story, readers are thrust
back into the year 1921, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Characters introduced in the prior novel are again present here. (I read this novel without having read Son
of a Preacherman.). It may have
helped to read the first book in order to understand some of the references in
this novel that characters made to prior events, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. Reading a tale based on actual events reminds
us that what we have today has not always been the case whether it is good or
bad.
There are two main families
learning and grappling with differences of just believing in Jesus and living
for Jesus. Women in the story suffer
some horrendous trials and watching how the author developed their response was
intriguing. Some of the lead male
characters are at different times at odds with each other, a couple even more
intensely angry and unforgiving until a life-threatening loss awakens
them. During the timeframe of the novel,
women are learning to break out from what they see as confining
boundaries. One woman’s endeavors come
at a very high cost, especially when women aren’t allowed to have a profession
outside the home. Just what is this
female character willing to do that will come to be known by many, and eventually
causing her to disappear from the story?
One of the challenging themes in
the story is learning to be obedient to the Holy Spirit even when no one seems
to support the decision. There are many
examples of characters in the story pressured to choose differently than they
desire because of race and laws at that time.
Add to the story’s dimension mob violence and a mob boss moving into the
small area, bringing big-time crime and trouble to an area that had already
suffered from local riots.
Though many other themes exist in
the story, I will highlight two more.
The themes of sacrifice for the love of another and the willingness to
ask for forgiveness when the flesh cries out for a different direction are
carried throughout the book. Marlene
Banks is a new author for me. I know she
has another novel or two coming out, if, in fact, they aren’t already available
to the public. I recommend Greenwood
& Archer for those who love a fictional telling of an actual event.
My rating is 4 stars.
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on
Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457
