Maxine Clair (1939–2025)

The setting, a Black neighborhood of Kansas City, is the primary character in this series of connected short stories. Irene Wilson is the adolescent daughter of two hardworking, stubborn parents, who love their three children but rub against each other like sandpaper. Irene is very cognizant of her place in her community as a smart girl, but keeping her head while defying the temptations of teen love and recognizing her core strength makes for tough choices. The reader feels comfortable in show more each household and in Irene's church and school, and is relieved when adults recognize her possibilities. There's so much to cherish here. show less

Rattlebone is a well written, engaging story about a woman's journey from childhood through adolescence. Maxine Clair captures all the trials and tribulations of the universal stepping stones of growing up - friendships, family, puberty, love and sex. Interspersed throughout are chapters from the point of view of other Rattlebone town members, allowing the reader to get a clearer view of the events around town, especially having to do with the world of adults that so often mirrors the show more awkwardness and impulsiveness of the children they take care of. Well written, smart and entertaining, Rattlebone is a wonderful novel by a writer that I'm surprised not to have heard of sooner. Taking place during the time period of Brown v. Board of Education in a small town in Kansas, it gives a look into the mind of a town that is just trying to survive in life in all that it encompasses - love, grief, temptation, struggle, and the meaning of family and self. show less

The subject of Rattlebone is a black community north of Kansas City in the 1950s. I liked this book, and recommend it.