Don't Cry for Me: A Novel

This story is so beautifully written. This story touched my heart in so many places… I understand the father’s struggles through life and how he raised his son. But struggled with the father. It being able to break the generational curses he endured before his end came. The love he had for his son and his son for him but they couldn’t never connect

As I read, I couldn’t help but think of my own brother and father who have no relationship. Being a first hand witness to such a strained dynamic made this book a bit realer than I would have expected. Of course, as a woman I never spent much thought on the expectations a man has of his son, therefore I would have never fully understood. As the child of an emotionally avoidant father, my daddy issues were triggered. By the end, I found myself almost sympathizing with Jacob. Almost. Do I think a man who consciously passes on generational trauma deserves the end Jacob received? Yes. Do I think a man who justifies that by saying he meant well, because he did want a father is supposed to do? Still yes. Admittedly, he waited until it was far too late and he passed the point of no return. This trope—letters? deathbead? (Idk, I’ll look that up)—made its first introduction to me here. I expected less dialogue, however, I became more appreciative of that. Usually, I wouldn’t like the mention of every small detail in books, I did not mind that here. All in all, I enjoyed every minute, I really can appreciate when a book makes me shed a few tears.

I’m writing this review with tears in my eyes. Reading this book was an incredibly moving experience. The emotional depth and authenticity of Jacob’s letters resonated strongly with me and the complexities of my own family relationships. No one can make you happy if you are determined to be miserable.

Great read!

Family dynamics and relationships are difficult. (If you have a wonderful relationship with a parent, I applaud you! Jacob Swinton lies dying. His wife is dead. HIs immediate family is dead. And, he doesn’t speak to his only son. This book is his letters to his son with hope to …. ~leave him knowledge of how he was raised; his history ~his family legacy; and how it affected his son’s childhood ~and in a sense, his apology Jacob grew up in Arkansas. His mother was shot when he was two, so he was raised by his grandparents in the 60’s. His ancestral legacy dates back to slavery. Jacob had a tumultuous relationship with his Rachel, his wife, and his son, Issac…possibly because of generational trauma. The letters explore the torment and sadness that Jacob felt for all that he lost because of (for lack of a better word) “ego”, “stubbornness”, and possibly just the way he was raised (no emotion, “men were men”, you worked hard for all you had…just to name a few). This is a love letter from father to son. It’s raw. It’s emotional. It touches on just how much slavery STILL affects and oppresses black families and women. 5 Star from me ... .this truly touched my heart. It was a rare insight into a black man’s untreated life. (The writing of this book was beautifully written!)