Louise MeriwetherCritiques
Auteur de Daddy Was a Number Runner
8+ oeuvres 275 utilisateurs 4 critiques
Critiques
Daddy Was a Number Runner (Contemporary Classics by… par Louise Meriwether
Signalé
LakitaWilson | 2 autres critiques | Jan 6, 2024 | Set in Depression era Harlem, this is a coming of age novel, narrated by 12 year old Francie Coffin, daughter of a poor black family. Her Christian name's the same as the similar-aged heroine of 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' but her life seems very different.
Gangs, casual violence and racism figure majorly, luring even brighter kids into the better-paid if risky criminal underworld. And even dreams of moving up the ladder are soon brought crashing down:
"If you would take more time with your backstitch, Francie, you might make a good seamstress one day. That's a very good living, you know."
"I don't think I'd like it, Mrs Abowitz. I want to be a secretary when I grow up."
"Well, Francie, we have to be practical. There aren't very many jobs for Negroes in that field. And while you're going to school you should learn those things which will stand you in good stead when you have to work."
"I like shorthand and typing, Mrs Abowitz," I said, suddenly stubborn, "and I'm gonna be a secretary."
She sighed. "I don't know why they teach courses like that to frustrate you people."
Francie's parents strive to provide for their family, whether it's her father's work for an illegal gambling syndicate or her mother's pittance from cleaning...and the humiliating battle with the Poor Relief people. Perhaps most surprising to the 21st century reader is the ubiquitous sexual abuse, where holding one's tongue and playing along might net the child a dime or an extra cookie.
It's quite well written and brings to life another time and culture, but I didn't find the characters particularly memorable or compelling.
Gangs, casual violence and racism figure majorly, luring even brighter kids into the better-paid if risky criminal underworld. And even dreams of moving up the ladder are soon brought crashing down:
"If you would take more time with your backstitch, Francie, you might make a good seamstress one day. That's a very good living, you know."
"I don't think I'd like it, Mrs Abowitz. I want to be a secretary when I grow up."
"Well, Francie, we have to be practical. There aren't very many jobs for Negroes in that field. And while you're going to school you should learn those things which will stand you in good stead when you have to work."
"I like shorthand and typing, Mrs Abowitz," I said, suddenly stubborn, "and I'm gonna be a secretary."
She sighed. "I don't know why they teach courses like that to frustrate you people."
Francie's parents strive to provide for their family, whether it's her father's work for an illegal gambling syndicate or her mother's pittance from cleaning...and the humiliating battle with the Poor Relief people. Perhaps most surprising to the 21st century reader is the ubiquitous sexual abuse, where holding one's tongue and playing along might net the child a dime or an extra cookie.
It's quite well written and brings to life another time and culture, but I didn't find the characters particularly memorable or compelling.
Signalé
starbox | 2 autres critiques | Nov 26, 2018 | 4.25/5.00 Stars
Set during the early years of the Great Depression, Meriwether paints a grim portrait of Harlem through the eyes of 12-year-old Francie that includes persistent racism, job scarcity, awful schools, police brutality, corrupt politicians, suspicious social workers, rat-infested apartment buildings, and a gambling epidemic that gives many people the only hope available to them. People barely subsist, and no one gets ahead.
Part of a loving, yet rapidly disintegrating, family unit, Francie is forced to grow up quickly. One of most disturbing themes running through the story is the seemingly non-stop predatory sexual advances that Francie is forced to deal with on a daily basis. The blasé attitude with which she accepts and knows how to deal with these advances is truly heartbreaking. On a positive note, my favorite thing about this novel is the way the author shows Francie's developing (radical) social consciousness, over the course of a year, as she takes note of what is going on around her. Recommended.
Set during the early years of the Great Depression, Meriwether paints a grim portrait of Harlem through the eyes of 12-year-old Francie that includes persistent racism, job scarcity, awful schools, police brutality, corrupt politicians, suspicious social workers, rat-infested apartment buildings, and a gambling epidemic that gives many people the only hope available to them. People barely subsist, and no one gets ahead.
Part of a loving, yet rapidly disintegrating, family unit, Francie is forced to grow up quickly. One of most disturbing themes running through the story is the seemingly non-stop predatory sexual advances that Francie is forced to deal with on a daily basis. The blasé attitude with which she accepts and knows how to deal with these advances is truly heartbreaking. On a positive note, my favorite thing about this novel is the way the author shows Francie's developing (radical) social consciousness, over the course of a year, as she takes note of what is going on around her. Recommended.
3
Signalé
DorsVenabili | 2 autres critiques | Jan 3, 2015 | Well researched historical novel. Inspired by the true life escape of Robert Small. As a Confederate Navy pilot, he escaped slavery with his family and friends by stealing a Southern gunship.
I admire the author for her throrough research and how she successfully blended historical information in the plot.
It was also refreshing to read a story based during the Civil War in which black folk are not slaves during the entire novel! I don't know if there are many fictional books written during Reconstruction from a black p.o.v. but I believe this novel gives you a true to life glimpse into this time period.
I admire the author for her throrough research and how she successfully blended historical information in the plot.
It was also refreshing to read a story based during the Civil War in which black folk are not slaves during the entire novel! I don't know if there are many fictional books written during Reconstruction from a black p.o.v. but I believe this novel gives you a true to life glimpse into this time period.
Signalé
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