The Darkest Child

The Darkest Child was an encore read for the club to celebrate the "Mad Mothers" theme for May 2017 and Rozelle Quinn, the matriarch, of the novel did not disappoint in the madness (or cruelty) category.

This was a grim, dark (no pun intended) tale set in 1958 rural Georgia told largely from the viewpoint of a 13 year old, Tangy Mae, a bright girl trapped in a world of extremely limited resources, racial and social discrimination, and unchecked segregation. The novel featured very graphic and multiple instances of child abuse, molestation/sexual exploitation, and reinforced the overwhelming low expectations of a darker-hued girl-child and the nearly impossible odds to overcome her circumstances. As the townsfolk grapple with the approach to demand their Civil Rights and usher integration into the school system, Tangy focuses on her education despite the overwhelming forces working against her in the form of her mother, poverty, and system racism.

It's been said that 'art imitates life' and we discussed and compared the parallel facets of this fictional world to what we've witnessed in the "real" world: from misguided parents, educational and cultural challenges, whites policing blacks (and the tragedies that often ensue), mental illness, family dynamics (parent-child relationships and their obligations to/from each other), and a myriad of other issues and themes. Phillips gives us memorable characters and a sliver of hope amid a depressing story and desolate landscape.

Congratulations to Stacey!!! She's this month's giveaway winner - a small journal to capture her thoughts for our upcoming reads!

Our Outtakes

Group Rating: 3.5

• Candi - 4

• Stacey - Hadn't read it at the time of the meeting; but plans to read it despite learning the spoilers

• Shun - 5; Thought the historical aspects were well done and shed light on the Southern plight during that era

• Ragan - Not sure if she wants to read it; sounds too depressing

• Richelle - 2; Although well-written; the excessive abuse was too much; abandoned the novel and won't return to finish it

• Phyllis - 3; Originally rated this book a "4" and wrote an Amazon review in 2004. Believes her reading tastes and/or critical thought patterns may have changed in 13 years because she didn't find the novel as gripping or engaging with the second reading. Although a a solid debut with good intentions, she was still left unfulfilled with a desire to understand Rozelle's mental diagnosis or the source of her excessive cruelty and a bit more closure on the fates of the entire Quinn clan. Unfortunately, the author passed in 2014, so the hopes of a sequel died with her.

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