Loving Donovan: A Novel in Three Stories

by Bernice L. McFadden

Book Overview

"Bernice L. McFadden was one of the best writers to emerge in the post-Waiting to Exhale explosion that introduced at least a dozen Black female novelists. Loving Donovan has generated near-cult... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 052594706X
• ISBN13: 9780525947066
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 226 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Loving Donovan: Fresh, well-written...Wonderfull!

In a style so simple but rhythmic, Bernice L. McFadden takes readers on an unforgettable journey. Loving Donovan is a captivating novel about two people's journey to each other. We are shown from childhood into adulthood what has shaped and influenced the 2 main characters, Donovan and Campbell, to be the persons they are when they meet. From childhood abuse, infidelty and a whole lot of family dysfunction, readers are taken on a well-written rollacoster ride through the lives of these 2 people and the people around them.McFadden is simply a lyricist. She has the skill to turn a phrase into a thing of beauty. In this captivating novel the part when Campbell allowed herself to fall in love with Donovan was sheer brilliance: "Campbell lets herself fall off the cliff of safety that she had been hanging on for years, and let herself fall in love with Donovan" (I am paraphrasing here not word for word) I felt like I was on a cliff myself falling in love with Donovan too, that's how good McFadden is as a writer. This book will touch your soul and will surely remind you of past loves.

Unforgetable Love...Unforgetable Story!!

If you have never read anything by Bernice L. McFadden, Shame on you!! You have to pick up a copy of Loving Donovan.Have you ever wondered what ever happen to that first first love? No matter what time of day, week, year, or hour, just the thought of that person sends goose bumps up your spine. This is the type of love that is shared by Campbell and Donovan. Before the reader can actually find out about this incredable love, you have to know who they are and how they came to be.McFadden introduces the reader to each character in chapters perfectly named "Her" and "Him". In each chapter, you discover a young Campbell and Donovan and their desparate desire for approval, acceptance and love. Each has been been damaged in some way. Yet, unknowingly, they are present when each has been violated. Campbell and Donovan struggle throughtout the book to find themself and each other. In the chapter named "Them" Campble and Donovan come together and share a love that is so true. But because of their past they can never come together.McFadden will make you laugh, cry, get angry, and love. Her writing is poetic, simplistic and speaks to the reader through her acuate visual images. You will also remember the love that you let get by and wonder in the same manner as Campbell in the prologue ... Would I .. Could I .... leave for that same love all over again??Peace and Blessings!!

Love Found, questioned, and lost............

Ms.McFadden has again painted a vivid portrait that every person who reads this wonderful novel can relate to! She is a writer for the ages and the future, her prose is so well thought-out but easy to read and relate to. This novel is another "you cannot put it down" book so be prepared! Anyone who has had issues growing up that carry over into their personal relationships will find this not only mirroring, but healing in some ways. Read it today....you won't be disappointed!

Another Great Novel!

Ms. McFadden has woven a tight dramatic story of love and survival with Loving Donovan. It is a book you cannot put down and will be discussed for some time to come. I had the pleasure of being at her booksigning at Barnes and Noble Astor Place January 27 and her aura, warmth and insight warmed an otherwise frozen New York evening! I recommend this novel to anyone who has had to question and endure trials in love and life! Read it and enjoy!

My Heart Belongs To You

Loving Donovan is the story of survival of the fittest while falling in love along the way. Campbell is a smart girl who was raised in a home with a heartbroken mother and a father who wouldn't know the meaning of being faithful if it bit him in the face. In spite of her parents example, Campbell still believes in the power of love. She has her share of men friends but has yet to meet that special someone to knock her off her feet, that is until she meets Donovan.Donovan is also from a broken home. His mother is too busy running the streets to be a mother to him and his father is busy working and checking up on his mother. His parents' relationship ends bitterly, leaving Donovan and his father to go to live with his grandmother. As a child, Donovan endures one of the worst forms of abuse and it affects the adult he becomes. Regardless of the obstacles that come his way, Donovan still one day dreams of marrying and possibly playing in the NBA. His relationships never last more than a few months because he is deeply affected by his past. He doesn't think he will ever be able to love a woman fully until he meets Campbell.Although Donovan and Campbell grew up not too far from one another, a chance meeting brings them together as adults. Can two people in love look beyond their unhappy pasts and have a future filled with happiness? Or will the past continue to haunt them and block their blessings of love?Bernice McFadden has done it again, Loving Donovan is yet another excellent novel. From the first page to the surprise ending, this is a book you CAN NOT put down.Reviewed by Eraina B. TinninThe RAWSISTAZ Reviewers