The Wedding

Rating:
Summary: It was on Oprah, however, I still rate it highly.
Review: I was grabbed by the title; I had just recently been married when I bought it. It gave me a view into a world with which I have little in common, and I found it to be very interesting. I enjoyed the images, I liked the story.

Rating:
Summary: Third time's a charm
Review: I've read this book three times - once by choice and the other two for book clubs. This last time I actually enjoyed it the best. In my first reading it was more difficult to follow the "family tree". After my second reading my primary criticism was that the ending was too abrupt. However now I feel as though the story is a crescendo that ends with the bang of the cymbals. West paints a fascinating story that embodies many issues that African Americans still face today. Her writing is flawless and poetic. You also can see her strength as the author of myriad short stories. The Wedding is almost a collection of short stories seamlessly woven together.

Rating:
Summary: Dorothy West: Harlem Renaissance Literary Genius
Review: Ms. West has written a compelling portrayl of African-American life set in Martha's Vinyard during the 1950's. The theme of color complexes in the African-American community hits home-hard. Her novel is insightful and emotionally moving. If you're looking for a good read about the man /woman relationship during those long summer nights, this is the novel to buy. It will have you wanting more.

Rating:
Summary: Simple story, complex characters (mellion108)
Review: Shelby Coles chooses a husband, and this should be cause for a glorious celebration for the pampered summer residents of The Oval at Martha's Vineyard. However, it is the skin color of her beloved that unravels the underlying issues of race, identity, and history among these people. Set in the 50s, The Wedding portrays generational and contemporary issues among a group of upper-class African-Americans. The reader is allowed to glimpse into the most personal of issues with the various characters including Shelby herself, her mother, her father, and her grandmother. When a horrible tragedy is introduced into the mix, we also see how these characters either pull together or fall apart.

Yes, this is a novel that touches on racial issues and "place" in society. It is difficult to present these characters without also presenting the way that skin color affects all aspects of their lives. However, I really appreciate the intricate family relationships that are presented in this story. West does an amazing job of painting some realistic people during a very confusing time in American history.
(mellion108 from Michigan)

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating tale worth reading again and again!
Review: The following are my thoughts as shared and published in the "Los Angeles Times Book Review Reading L.A." section on Sunday, March 15, 1998: Brace yourself to become enveloped by this fascinating tale. Miss West eloquently escorts you through five generations of a family's rise from slavery to prosperity. Give your pal a copy: You'll be anxious to share your thoughts after sitting at the feet of this masterful storyteller. Kimberly Stansell, entrepreneurial trainer & author of Bootstrapper's Success Secrets: 151 Tactics for Building Your Business on a Shoestring Budget (Career Press)

Rating:
Summary: Heart Warming Tale- Color Relationships
Review: The Wedding
The Wedding by Dorothy West is a very well written piece of literature. The southern influence in her writing is very obvious and adds to the overall effect the book gives. Even though the book is mainly focused around the Wedding itself there are many underlining topic and themes. These give the reader a better understanding of the whole family history and the characteristics of individual people in the book. The upper class setting of the oval island makes the prejudices people have for one another stand out. I thought that this book was very enjoyable and would recommend it to any who wishes to read it.


Rating:
Summary: Rare Insight
Review: The Wedding By Dorothy West was one of the most interesting, insightful and entertaining books I have encountered in a long while. I have to drive for 45 mins to work daliy and so, I had the pleasure of listening to the audio book version, read wonderfully by the very talented Cynthia Jones! This look into the inter-racial melting pot that is our beloved country, is truly eye opening! Ms. West let's us in on the inter-workings of a very affluent family that has roots on both sides of the black and white color lines. From the south of the 1800's to the upper-class black mid 50's, she takes us on a journey though the mind sets of people going through racial metamorphosis. It was excellent.

Rating:
Summary: An enthralling tale of romance and reflection.
Review: The Wedding by Edna West is an enthralling and refreshing tale of romance and self-examination set in 1950's Martha's Vineyard. The story centers around a wealthy Black family preparing for the wedding of their popular and beautiful oldest daughter. As the daughter returns to this insular community with her white intended, she forces her family and friends to examine their individual ideas of race, class, and love. Edna West tells her story with a lyrical zest without waxing too poetic. She builds the tale cleverly with characters who are multi-dimensional and complex. The reader is allowed to meet each as they pause for reflection throughout the book. I thought this book was interesting, thought-provoking and inspiring. It is the subject of our book club's next discussion. Kudos to a Harlem Renaissance alum for her very timely piece. [e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: poetic language and a compelling story
Review: The Wedding is a book I would recomend to people who want to read a compelling story about people in different historical and social settings. I love the language, the poetry within each sentence. Sometimes I did find it a bit hard to follow the actual story though.

Rating:
Summary: A brilliant weaving of generational race and social status
Review: The Wedding is a thoughtful integration of race and social class. West does a splendid job of unfolding family history in a way that proves that "class" is much more than social standing. The authors treatment of racial issues are emotional and very introspective. The large cast of characters can be a bit confusing, but the author includes a family tree at the beginning of the book to keep things straight. West is a wonderful writer who pulls you in with her imagery and literary style. Exceptiona