Saved Folk in the House is Sonnie Beverly’s debut novel. Readers are introduced to a set of high school friends at the beginning of the novel. This group of friends and the Virginia community where they reside remain tightly knit through the ups and downs of life. The author focuses on three women from this community.
The first woman, Zakia Wilkes, are the eyes in which the reader is reminded how fickle relationships can be and how valuable family and friends are when we are down. As Zakia goes through her college years, gets married, has children and runs her business, she has an epiphany about what’s missing in her life. Zakia discovers the missing factor is faith. When she joins a vibrant church, her choice conflicts with her husband who is determined to remain at his family’s more sedated church.
In the second part of the novel, readers are introduced to Zakia’s high school friend and co-cheerleader captain, Nikki Riley. After moving on from her marriage, Nikki decides to start life for her and children fresh in Atlanta. This move brings a new career, friends and church home. Unexpectantly, Nikki finds this move will bring love as well.
The novel wraps up with the storyline centered around Lakisha Mitchell. Lakisha’s mom has been sentenced to prison. Lakisha and her brother are staying with their maternal grandmother. As a teenager, Lakisha has grown up way too fast and her attitude has a way of getting her in trouble. She is especially awkward as she longs to gain the attention of a certain young man.
The novel is split into three parts which were originally three novellas. I didn’t realize this at first, but it does explain a lot. The graphic artist did a wonderful job creating a book cover that excites the senses. Once I started reading, I was little let down. I had a difficult time getting connected to Zakia’s story. The events in her life seemed to go by way too fast. Nikki’s story was my favorite part of the book. The character development was definitely on point allowing the reader to connect to Nikki on an emotional level. In the third section of the novel many of the characters introduced in the beginning seemed to connect more smoothly. Lakisha’s story was often downplayed among the multi stories going on in this last section. Despite the minor difficulties with connecting to the characters, I enjoyed the author’s nostalgic writing (not many communities like this one today) and found the ending especially endearing.
Reviewed by Tyora Moody
Recent Comments