The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers

“…you must find someone much fairer than yourself. You must think of your children” (p.108).

I took time reading this book because it was packed with goodness. I would read this novel up to 3 hours a day, engrossed in the writing and the evolution of the book. This is a solid novel by Poet Jeffers, spanning generations of pain, and injustice towards these women. I often wondered why Jefferes would make such ugly characters but then I realized, she was telling the parts of history that are hidden because of shame. She was telling the necessary.

It’s difficult to summarize this novel. What could I say that could convince the right readers to pick up this book? This is a book for daughters, mothers, and grandmothers, and for the people who care for them. I suggest this book to those who love women or say they love women the most.

Ailey is a character who is believable, especially in her wounds. She is well-rounded and real, which provided a jagged container for the story. Oh, there is so much to tell.

This is a book that ultimately changed my life and I hope it changes yours too.