Review of The Maple Grove

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Maple Grove" by Ron Kempton.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Title: The Maple Grove
Author: Ron Kempton

This story stayed with me for a long time after I had finished it. Yes, the story of the horrendous racism that targeted African Americans in the early twentieth century casts a dark shadow on human history. Still, despite this, I found the book uplifting and strangely comforting. The book opens with some descriptive prose that will carry on and run parallel with the story throughout the book. This prose, akin to poetry in many ways, sets an earthy, almost tribal tone, and I thought it increased the book's depth. I loved the 'maple trees' theme that ran throughout the novel.

We meet the innocent and well-balanced Aliyah, who is of mixed race (her heritage will be revealed as the book is read, and some surprises are in store!). She lives with her protective mother and wise grandmother, Nana Suga. Aliyah finds joy in simple things and will go on to excel at photography, which she loved to do from a young age. She will go to Africa as a photographer, and the reader will enjoy her experiences there.

I found that the first half sets the atmosphere of the book, and the second half is chock-a-block with what happens as she gets older and becomes an adult. There is grief, love, journeys, career choices, hereditary 'shocks' and more.

The book combines one woman's interesting heritage, growth and development, and eventual success with a narrative about recent American history. Its profound, spiritual, beautiful prose runs alongside the main story. The editing was perfect, and I really enjoyed the book, finding nothing to dislike. With this in mind, I will award it five out of five stars.

I would have loved a taste of life in those days, with some pictures and photographs.

Young adults and older will enjoy this book, but children might find it difficult to understand.

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The Maple Grove
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[Adina Lutinger]

This seems like a really interesting book. Your review made me really curious about the main character's heritage and the surprises you told us to expect. Thanks for the interesting and enjoyable review!