A BOOK BAR REVIEW: CONFESSIONS IN B-FLAT BY DONNA HILL
Updated: Dec 1, 2020
Essence bestselling author Donna Hill brings us an emotional love story set against the powerful backdrop of the civil rights movement that gripped a nation—a story as timely as it is timeless...
The year is 1963. In Harlem, the epicenter of Black culture, the fight for equality has never been stronger. The time is now. Enough is enough. Yet even within its ranks, a different kind of battle rages. Love thy neighbor? Or rise up against your oppressors?
Jason Tanner has just arrived in New York to help spread the message of his mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., of passive resistance, while beat poet Anita Hopkins believes the teachings of Malcolm X with all her heart: that the way to true freedom is “by any means necessary.” When Jason sees Anita perform her poetry at the iconic B-Flat lounge, he’s transfixed. And Anita has never met anyone who can match her wit for wit like this…
One movement, two warring ideologies—can love be enough to unite them?
Confessions in B-Flat is a celebration of the hard-won victories of those who came before us, and a stark reminder of just how far we still have to go.
Confessions in B-flat released at what I like to call "such a time as this" as we see the things happening in our world today. It was a memorable tribute to those who stood in the gap back then, and its nuggets will stay with you even after you've read the last words.
The author did a great job of developing the main characters, Jason Tanner and Anita Hopkins. I enjoyed their journey. The reader can visualize how strong their convictions, much like the American icons they followed. We travel back to 1960, during the time of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing; assignations of then-President John F. Kennedy and Malcolm X, riots, the many deaths of black people due to social injustices and prejudice. Jason and Anita offered an experience of the sacrifice endured and their political and religious difference, and the messages from the perspective of Dr. Martin Luther King (non-violence) and Malcolm X (by any means necessary).
This one had many takeaways; what I liked most was how the author took us back to a time of unrest, seeing how far we've come, but reminded of work still needed; the variety of contributions made by Black Americans, the landmarks, and the pictures provided throughout the story. I think Anita and Jason were perfect for this journey, and their worlds have the potential to collide, but, despite the differences, it was the love for each other carried them through it all.
If you love elements of Historial Romance, American History, or just a great story you can sink into, I encourage you to get a copy of this one.