Betsey Brown

When first assigned this book, I thought it would be another book with language I didn’t understand or have a storyline I couldn’t follow. At first I was unsure of the whole situation in the book. From Greer not being home a lot and not seeking to find time with his family to Vida complaining left and right about how the children were chaotic and were out of control and acting like “niggers”. Then I discovered that Greer was merely trying to progress their family with him being a black doctor he needs to spend his time with his work and he is helping the family with the money input. I personally did not like Vida in this novel. She seemed to get into everyone’s business where she was not needed. Although she was only looking out for her family, she should have avoided getting into Carrie’s and Regina’s business with their men. Vida did not want the children to be exposed to this type of behavior, which is understandable, but they were not sheltered however from everyone else they are around participating in this type of behavior. The children are growing up and are curious about new things in life concerning boyfriends and girlfriends. They cannot be sheltered forever. My favorite character in this novel was Betsey Brown. She was portrayed as a typical black girl growing up in the time of integration. Betsey is a very strong willed, smart and determined young girl. She showed that she was just a child when she revolted against Bernice for revealing her hiding spot, but working and helping around the house comes naturally to her. She stands up for what she believes and expresses her opinion. She is very curious and adventurous. You can see how Betsey grows up in the novel and how she is discovering things in life and becomes more of a woman. I actually enjoyed reading this book. It kept me interested the whole time and I kept reading to see what was around the corner and on the next page.