River, Cross My Heart

by Breena Clarke

Book Overview

The acclaimed bestseller -- a selection of Oprah's Book Club -- that brings vividly to life the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC, circa 1925, and a community reeling from a young girl's tragic death. When five-year-old Clara Bynum drowns in the Potomac River under a seemingly haunted rock outcropping known locally as the Three Sisters, the community must reconcile themselves to the bitter tragedy. Clarke powerful charts the fallout from Clara's...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316899984
• ISBN13: 9780316899987
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Back Bay Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A definite winner

Author Breena Clark tells a delightful tale set in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington. Many rich characters live and thrive in the all black area in and around 1925 ish. Each has an interesting background. I recommend the enchanting story.

Excellent

While River, Cross My Heart brims with metaphorical significance, particularly the many references to the Potomac, the novel would benefit from a more cohesive narrative. In her debut effort, though, Breena Clarke delivers a worthwhile offering. The extensive research into the early African-American community of Georgetown is resoundingly evident, as the streets come alive. Moreover, the confident manner in which Clarke explores Johnnie Mae's inner turmoil will resonate for anyone who has had to cope with loss.

Emotionally Riveting

I loved this book, probably more than the past 30 books I've read. It was so easy to relate to the 12 year old tom boy protagonist. She was 'real' enough to touch - and hold. The characters were well drawn and the story 'flowed' beautifully. This book was a gift, in more ways than one!

For 2 days I became a young black girl

Unbelievably beautiful, poignant writing that managed to transfer this reader right onto the pages of this author's very first book. The loss of a child, a daughter, a sister, is realistically achieved (and this reader knows of what she speaks). But, hope, love and survival shine through along with a caring community - despite pervasive racism and achingly heavy burdens. The funeral of 6 year old Clara was more a painting than a chapter, beautiful vivid and comforting.A book to dwell in, not an easy, fluffy read at all. Right up there with TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD - truly great literature, and hopefully the first of many from this author.

Johnnie Mae and Clara...

I have to say that this book may be one of the best that I have read this year! It is a beautifully written work in which readers are able to easily identify with the characters at all levels. From the struggling Johnnie Mae to the eccentric Ella, readers find themselves sympathizing and caring a great deal about the characters. Clarke's portrayal of Georgetown in the 1920's makes you want to go back and experience everything from the swirling waters of the Potomac, to the unrelenting river rats that have no fear. This book is definately a wonderful read and as a English Literature student, it definately tickles my fancy!