Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is an emotionally charged novel that will take you on a journey of love, loss and redemption. This heart-wrenching story follows the lives of three women from different generations who are all connected by one man. As their paths cross, they confront long-buried secrets and in the process, discover strength within themselves and each other. With its exquisite prose, thought-provoking themes and vivid characters, Take My Hand is sure to leave readers with an unforgettable experience.

The narrative alternates between two main protagonists – Lula, a former slave; and Tassie, an African American woman from modern day Washington DC. Both find themselves in situations where they must face their own personal demons while also confronting racism and sexism in society as a whole. Through it all, Perkins-Valdez deftly weaves together themes of family, identity and resilience with a powerful message about the importance of loving oneself first and foremost.

It is no surprise that this book has been praised by critics for its powerful storytelling. In Take My Hand, Perkins-Valdez skillfully crafts a multi-layered tale that explores difficult topics without ever becoming heavy handed or preachy. From start to finish, this is an engrossing read that will stay with readers long after they have finished the final page.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful exploration of love, loss and redemption then Take My Hand is definitely worth checking out. The next section of this review will look at the pros and cons of this book to help you make up your mind about whether or not it’s right for you.