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This one, from all that I’ve heard, is a dead ringer for The Help. It’s about race relations in the south, New Orleans this time, during the height of the Civil Rights movement. I had hopes — perhaps not high ones, but hopes nonetheless — that this one would be good.
It’s the summer of 1964, and the main character, Ibby (short for Liberty), is dropped off at her grandmother’s house. She’s all of 12 years old and her father has recently died in a freak accident. So, Ibby’s mother, who hates the idea of being a single parent (“hates” is too mild a word), foists Ibby on her mother-in-law, Fannie, without warning. It doesn’t start off well, mostly because Fannie is one of those eccentric Southern ladies who believes in being proper and feisty and doesn’t trust anyone except her help, who are pretty much like family. (But heaven forbid if her granddaughter takes up with a colored man, as she tries to do when she’s older.)
Dollbaby is full of those quirky Southern characters, doing quirky Southern things, but that wasn’t enough to hold my interest. The plot was lacking, and I didn’t connect with the characters at all. The racism grated — I know: it’s supposed to grate — and I didn’t feel McNeal gave her black characters any depth. Perhaps it’s just been too long since I’ve lived in the Deep South, because instead of charming me, this one just bored me.
Rated: Moderate, for 5 to 6 uses of strong language, other milder language and a rape scene, in addition to mild racist violence and insinuations as well as some more adult themes.
I just finished this book and I wouldn’t call it mild. There was a detailed rape scene, 5-6 f bombs, plus other profanity including a words. Did we read the same book? I trust these reviews when picking a book and usually they are pretty accurate. You were way off on the content of this book, but not on your review. It was only ok. I agree that the plot was lacking, never really figured out who the main character was supposed to be, characters weren’t developed and it wasn’t that charming like I had expected. Please be careful with your ratings. I come here so I can avoid these kinds if books. Oh and it’s nothing like The Help. That one was charming with great developed characters and a driven plot.
Thank you so much for bringing that to our attention. Rating is now changed!
I apologize: I actually didn’t finish this book, so I must have missed all of that. What I did read was mild. But things like ratings can easily be changed and we’ll happily change it. Thank you for bringing that to our attention.
Just wanted to apologize, as I re read my comment…I really sounded snotty and a bit rude. The written word is a funny thing and I didn’t mean it as quite as snippy. Usually the ratings on here have been pretty spot on. This one was the exception I’m sure. Thanks