Book review : Sister B by David Charles Hart

 

 Sister B by David Charles Hart is a beautifully written and well-researched historical novel about the life of the author's mother ( Willie-Mae / Sister B ) from the late 1930s in Mississippi to her death on 24th June 2017 at the age of 99!

Sister B is the true story of a truly amazing African/American mother who hates the discrimination faced by black people in Mississippi. After another young black man is lynched by white people she leaves her young son in the care of her mother and travels to California to seek a better life for her family. Sister B has to deal with prejudice and racism from all sides but she has an unstoppable strength that keeps her fighting for the things she believes in, standing up against injustice, and fighting for equality for all. 

A lot of the novel revolves around USA and Japan during WW2 mainly looking at Sister B's life but also bringing in other characters she has met along the way, comparing the different ways war affects people in USA and Japan. This is an impactful read about an awe-inspiring lady who succeeded in capturing the hearts of many and in the process managed to change many people's futures for the better. 

I found this book really enjoyable to read despite the fact that it covers some very meaty subjects: WW2, Hiroshima, murder, racism, apartheid, and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. All events and dates are historically accurate but this isn't a dry history lesson it is a thought-provoking story written by a loving son to celebrate the remarkable life of his inspirational mother. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historically accurate fiction, particularly those featuring strong black women. I grew to know Sister B so well through the novel that I am sad to have finished it and feel I am now saying goodbye to a friend.

I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to David Charles Hart for a free copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.