The Reformatory: A Novel

Robbie and his journey through his time at the reformatory. The story is a telling of hope, commitment and courage during a time when he is only considered as black and being black in a time and place where you didn’t even exist to white folk. Being raised by his sister and coming into himself as a young black boy in the south. Life has dealt him a hand of cards and he has no choice but to play his hand, this game of survival in the dirty south. Evil is all around and for a boy who is left to figure things out on his own Robbie has to grow up faster than what his family would like. Robbie has a family that is determined to get justice for him. Gloria, Mizz Lottie, and uncle June but sometimes that’s just not enough, you have to get it for yourself. That’s the only way Robbie can make it out the Reformatory but he has to leave the 12yr old boy who first went in behind. He is has to fight against the devil himself and only one of them can win this fight.

This book was absolutely AMAZING! The author’s style evokes the feeling of being present and experiencing the events alongside the characters. This book has it all… grief, sadness, fear, racism, bigotry, murder, and abuse. On the other hand, the author was able to insert redemption, determination, resilience, and bravery. Though this is historical fiction, the author had a keen ability to draw from the experiences of real people and create a riveting depiction of the realities of this time period. I’m excited to read more from her!

Best book I’ve read in a while! T. Due is an amazing author. Her ability to bring words to life is top tier. This story was a heart wrenching thriller and historical fiction novel. You won’t want to stop reading once you start.

A very interesting story, depicting extremities of many things - of unfathomable cruelty, evil, injustice and inhumanity against man, just for the color of skin. This was a fictionalized account of the real life Dozier School for young boys in Florida. While the author had a great uncle who died at the school in the 1930’s, and did not escape, the story cast a more positive outcome - almost as a ‘what if’ depiction of her great uncle’s plight. And with this story, justice is finally served. A solid ‘10’ from this reader.

I was skeptical when I first started this book, but I absolutely loved it! It starts a little slow with introducing the characters and the world of Gracetown, then of course the Reformatory itself. However, the last 150 pages had me GAGGED - I couldn’t put it down! Although the story depicts fictional characters, I found this book incredibly difficult to read. It’s hard to face the world as it’s been (and let’s be real, it still can be) and see how the main characters were treated. From the disrespectful and inappropriate stares/advances that Gloria received, the unfair system that locked Robbie away, and the ultimate reason behind everything - their father’s attempts to create freedom for African Americans. I found myself increasingly frustrated for them and wishing I could do something to help. In the beginning, it was hard to distinguish between what was real and what wasn’t. There is a lot of depictions of haints/ghosts and I found it a little overwhelming while reading. However, it plays into Robbie’s development - it became clearer as the story went on because Robbie understood more of what was happening. But be aware that ghosts are a huge part of this story!! Overall, I was extremely impressed. This isn’t my go to genre and yet I was so captivated by the story that I stayed up till midnight to finish it. 10/10 recommend!! *spoilers ahead* Both of our main characters, Gloria and Robbie, showed incredible character development. I loved getting both of their POVs! Gloria went from maintaining the peace, trying not to cause trouble and do things the “right way” to fighting for her family and doing whatever it took in order to save her brother. And she did it alone, pushing through every obstacle and moving forward despite every set back. Every person that tried to help her ultimately couldn’t (Dorsey, Chan, even Miss Anne and Miz Lottie). Gloria took all those parts of each person and got one step closer and kept pushing despite losing her family, her home, and everything she’d ever known. Robbie started as this terrified kid that literally pissed his pants. He made friends and found a way to find joy and friendship, even when surrounded by nightmares. He navigated and survived the abuse because of his faith - specifically in his mom. The Robbie that fought to save himself and do what he needed to was brave and courageous. I was cheering for him the moment he decided to run. It was truly the happy ending that did it for me. Gloria and Robbie making it to the train and to Chicago and then finding their dad brought the biggest smile to my face. Despite the atrocities they just faced, they won. They were saved and got out. I was so sad they had to leave Miz Lottie and her adopted kids, but seeing this family reunited after losing so much was beautiful and the perfect ending in my opinion. And seeing a vision of her mama? *chefs kiss* Cannot say enough good things about this book!!!