Year the Colored Sisters Came to Town

This was a touching and thought-provoking story. Guidry touches on the many prejudices and ingrained beliefs of small town Louisiana in 1957- from the boldest to the most subtle. The relationships and realities of the black and white citizens of that town are seen through the eyes of Vivien Leigh and her family and friends. Vivien Leigh is a lovable young girl who always finds a way to listen in on adult conversations. Unfortunately, this brings forth much information that her ten-year-old mind is not necessarily ready to handle. Aussie and Vivien's mother have been lifelong friends. The effect of the nuns' arrival on that friendship, and the friendship of Mavis and Marydale is realistic, yet heartbreaking. Equally heartbreaking are the show more results of the hatred of the Concerned Citizens and the KKK. I won't include spoilers. This book is, in my opinion, and accurate picture of the realities of black/ white relationships in the 1957 South.

Read this book if....
*you love southern fiction
*you have an interest in the racial issues of the South in the 1950's show less

“The Year the Colored Sisters Came to Town” is one of those books that flows relatively monotone – no heart raising moments, no sharp turns, no twist or surprise to the story. (At least not to me) Instead, it just flows, filled with life as it is, interspersed with events to the inevitable. It’s smooth; it’s chronological – as viewed from 10 yr old Vivien Leigh – covering more or less 1 year.

As each phase unfolds itself, the chapter name announces what is to come. Sometimes revealing; sometimes not. I find the friendship between Mom and Aussie buoyant, while “the lesson that must be learned” affecting.

The short Epilogue provided important closure. (Please don’t read it first; enjoy the book as the author has show more intended.)

The ‘Colored’ Sister Pat used two Langston Hughes poems to teach the 5th Graders, including Vivien Leigh. It might help you decide if you want to read this book.

The Dream Keeper by Langston Hughes

Bring me all of your dreams,
You dreamers,
Bring me all of your
Heart melodies
That I may wrap them
In a blue cloud-cloth
Away from the too-rough fingers
Of the world

Prayer [1] by Langston Hughes

I ask you this:
Which way to go?
I ask you this:
Which sin to bear?
Which crown to put
Upon my hair?
I do not know,
Lord God,
I do not know.

Vivien Leigh: Looked to me as if some days Mister Hughes, who was probably Catholic, was confused as me about where to go, what to do, which way was right and which not. show less

I struggled with it at the beginning, but by the end I really liked it. Tough subject.