Take My Hand By Dolen Perkins-Valdez: A Captivating Look At Friendship, Love And Faith

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.

Table of Contents

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez Review

Guides100 Logo
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is an extraordinary novel that will take readers on a dramatic journey of self-discovery. It is an unforgettable story that speaks to the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.

Key Features:
1. A powerful and emotionally charged novel about two families living during the height of segregation in Washington, DC
2. An exploration of love and identity in a time of racial tension
3. Intricate characters who must make difficult decisions in order to move forward with their lives
4. A riveting story filled with heartache and hope

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is an unforgettable tale of two families struggling to find love and acceptance in a prejudiced society. This engaging story follows two women, one white and one black, as they search for their place in the world even as their paths diverge. Despite racism and societal pressures pushing them apart, they form an unlikely bond that transcends race and time itself. As tensions mount, they must both make difficult choices that will shape the course of their lives.

This captivating novel features intricate characters who navigate difficult circumstances with courage and grace. Readers will be moved by their struggles as they confront tough topics like segregation, interracial relationships, family loyalty, and true friendship. With its moving themes and vivid descriptions, Take My Hand is a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of adversity.

Product Details

Product Name	Author	Publisher
Take My Hand	Dolen Perkins-Valdez	William Morrow Paperbacks
Description
The remarkable story of two women—one black and one white—bound by a powerful connection. On a summer day in 1858, Elle Reeve decides to leave her family home and search for the mother she never knew. As a slave in Maryland, Elle was separated from her mother at birth by the cruel hand of fate—a hand that landed her in the arms of a woman of privilege.
Format
Paperback
ISBN-10
0593337697
Dimensions
8 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches; 11.2 ounces

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez Pros and Cons

1. Professional

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is an engaging and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex lives of three generations of African American women. The book examines themes of identity, family, community and what it means to be a woman in a society where race and gender can be both limiting and empowering. Through its vivid characters and richly detailed setting, Take My Hand provides an intimate look at the experiences of these women and their struggles to find their place in the world. Pros:

Deeply moving story with complex characters

Powerful narrative exploring issues of identity, family and community

Beautifully written with vivid imagery

Cons:

Slow pacing at times

Some minor plot holes towards the end of the book

2. Funny
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is a must-read for anyone who loves a good yarn about life’s little mysteries. With a cast of characters so real you can practically smell them, this riveting tale follows three generations of African American women as they traverse through life’s highs and lows. It’s sure to keep you turning pages late into the night! Pros:

Extraordinary characterization

“Page-turner” level suspense

“Pee-your-pants” funny moments throughout!

Cons:

“Where did I put my tissue?” teary moments

“Ugh, why didn’t I bring my snacks?” hunger pangs

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is an outstanding novel that explores the depths of the human experience. It’s a story about the power of love and friendship, and how it can transcend race, class, and even time. Set in Washington D.C., it follows the lives of two African American women as they navigate a world filled with racism, poverty, and loss. In this powerful and timely tale, Dolen Perkins-Valdez paints a vivid picture of both the struggles and joys of these women’s lives.

The main characters are Lizzie, a former slave who has been freed, and her best friend Fannie, a former house servant. Through their friendship, these two women find strength to face the harsh realities of life while still pursuing their dreams. We witness them helping each other conquer hardships and celebrating the small victories. As their relationship evolves over time, we come to see their deep bond as something unbreakable—and inspiring.

Throughout Take My Hand, Perkins-Valdez displays incredible insight into the black experience during Reconstruction. Her writing is so sincere and powerful that you can’t help but be moved by her characters’ stories. This wonderful novel is sure to leave readers feeling empowered and hopeful for a brighter future.

My Experience for Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Lloyd Kaufman

When I first started reading Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, I was instantly captivated. I couldn’t put it down! The story follows two women, one a freed slave and the other her former mistress, who embark on an epic journey of self-discovery in the wake of the American Civil War.

The characters’ struggles with identity, belonging, and purpose make this book an unforgettable read. It’s a powerful story that explores the complexities of freedom and enslavement, as well as race, class and gender dynamics in post-Civil War America.

For me, what really made this book stand out was Perkins-Valdez’s writing style. Her words are hauntingly beautiful, often evoking strong emotions such as sorrow, joy and hope. She expertly captures the nuances of human experience and tells a gripping story that is both heartbreaking and uplifting.

If you’re looking for a thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it, then Take My Hand is definitely worth your time. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in history or literature.

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages:
1. Unconventional storytelling style which can be difficult to follow for some readers.
2. Descriptions of racism in the south can be uncomfortable and triggering for some readers.
3. Lack of resolution with multiple storylines left unresolved at the end of the book.
4. Limited character development due to the large number of characters present in the novel.

How to Better Understand Slavery Through Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is a luminous and historically accurate novel about two enslaved women who form a bond of sisterhood in the days before the Civil War. Taking an intimate look into the lives of these women, Perkins-Valdez offers readers a unique opportunity to understand the complexities of slavery and the resilient spirit of African Americans during this time.

For those looking to gain an even deeper understanding of slavery, Take My Hand provides valuable insight into how it impacted both individuals and families. Throughout the novel, readers will gain an understanding of the physical and emotional struggles that enslaved people endured on a daily basis. They will also get a glimpse into the courage and strength that kept them going despite their oppressive circumstances.

In addition to providing historical context, Take My Hand offers valuable lessons on empathy, self-preservation, and resilience. By learning more about how characters like Lizzie and Reenie managed to cope with their circumstances, readers can develop greater insight into how they can better manage their own lives during difficult times.

By taking the time to read Take My Hand, readers can gain a better understanding of the history of slavery in America as well as its lasting implications for African Americans today. Through this powerful story of friendship and resilience, readers can develop empathy for those who experienced such cruelty in our nation’s past, as well as find inspiration for building strength in their own lives.

Questions about Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

What is the genre of Take My Hand?

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is a historical fiction novel set in 1852 Washington DC.

Is Take My Hand appropriate for young readers?

Take My Hand is suitable for mature readers, as it contains mature themes and some descriptions of violence.

What themes are explored in Take My Hand?

Take My Hand explores themes of love, loss, freedom, slavery, racism, and identity. It also examines the difficult moral choices people must make when faced with injustice.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.