Bloodline : Five Stories

Rating:
Summary: A collection of stories characteristic of southern lifestyle
Review: Although Ernest Gaines manipulates the subjects of his former novels into this novel, it accurately portrays a side of southern life which extends beyond the general theme of racism. In addition to depicting honorable morals, Gaines portrays the black race as a generally honorable people. Despite shortcomings and tribulation, the main characters of the novel produce an honorable aura about man and his accepted levels of change.

Rating:
Summary: Great Short Story Collection
Review: Bloodline is an excellent collection of 5 short stories that describe interesting plantation life in rural Louisana. As usual,Mr. Gaines, brings dignity , respect, and admiration to the ordianry African American characters. None of the characters are victims who are wise, who understand the system that has been designe to keep them oprreseed. In the genius understanding, they weave the situation sot hat they are clearly the winners even though the oppressors never recognize it. Above all, Mr. Gaines portrays African American males as real men inspite of the odds they encounter. This is a wonderful read and is a must. I have read Catherine Carmier(love it) and Lessons Before Dyinng. Plan to read The Gathering of Old Men and Of Love snd Dust next.

Rating:
Summary: Familiar places
Review: Mr. Gaines writes aboout places and people who my family readily recognizes. We are first generation Californians and our family base is in Louisiana. All the places,faces and social situations are so familiar that in my lit class I was able to answer questions from other students. This book is wonderful reading. If you want a sense of Louisiana without the travel time, read anything written by Ernest Gaines.