This Side of the Sky

by Elyse Singleton

Book Overview

In her funny, moving, and ambitious debut, Elyse Singleton introduces us to two inseparable and hard-minded idealists. Young Lilian endures the tribulations of Nadir, Mississippi, on the purity of her faith in people and her growing belief in herself. Her best friend, Myraleen, gets by on her sharp tongue and her unwillingness to give in-and perhaps because Lilian is always with her. In this lifelong story, Lilian and Myraleen struggle through dramatically...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399149201
• ISBN13: 9780399149207
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Blue Hen Books
• Length: 326 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 14 years and up
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 8

Customer Reviews

Unique part of Black History

I enjoyed this book very much. As other reviewers commented the characterization could have been stronger but put that aside and this book stands out. It's well written. The little known history of the Black WACs was fascinating. Ms Singleton was able to swiftly take the lives of two little girls all the way through to their 80s with little to no effort at all. The novel breezed along! Myraleen and Lilly's lives spanned decades but never once bogged down. Really, a great book!

Historical Fiction at Its Finest

While the above title may not sound interesting to some, Elyse Singleton's This Side of the Sky, is a glimpse into the complex lives of Black women during the 1930s and 1940s. Singleton creates an epic story of the lives of two women, capturing their tumultuous childhood and adolescence and their remarkable lives as adults. Throughout their childhood, Lillian and Myraleen believe that there is more to the world than what Nadir, Mississippi can offer. As Lillian says, "...Mississippi was just the slow, painful way of spelling hell." Lillian's inquisitive spirit cannot soar to it's full potential with the limitedopportunities that life in rural Mississippi offers. The customs and expectations of life in Nadir continually stifle Myraleen's feisty and headstrong nature. What Nadir lacks in opportunity, it is enriched with characters who shape Lillian and Myraleen's lives - Mudear and Mercy, Lillian and Myraleen's well-intentioned mothers; the Taylors, the only Black family in Nadir to own their own farm, and Kellner, a mysterious German POW, who works on the Taylor's farm. At 26, Lillian and Myraleen act on the realization they have held since childhood, and head for Philadelphia. Here they find the hustle and bustle of city-living exciting, but still encounter the harsh realities of life in the North as Black women. When the opportunities in Philadelphia do not meet their expectations, they take another bold step, and join the Army, towards the end of World War II. Although they spent their time in the military away from the battlefield, the lessons learned in war leave an indelible impact in their lives. At the end of the War, Lillian stays in Europe, going to school and searching for a lost love, while Myraleen returns to Philadelphia, regretting the marriage proposal her willful nature would not let her accept. Singleton is truly a gifted writer. The structure of this book held my attention and kept me turning the pages to find out what happens next. Her descriptions were so vivid that the heat of Mississippi, the confines of tenement living, the exhilaration of doing the jitterbug for the first time, the fear and exhilaration of falling in love, and the war-torn streets of London came to life as I read this book. In fact, I strongly believe that this book would make a wonderful television movie or miniseries. TameshiaR.E.A.L. Reviewer

compelling and beautifully crafted

This is a story of two young black southern women determined to leave the south and make life work for them. It is written in a fresh, intelligent, witty and honest voice, compelling and beautifully crafted. The characters are colorful, adventuresome, strong-willed, bright and intriguing. Singleton is a wonderful storyteller. I'm waiting for more.

Excellent Look into African American History

I just completed this novel and I must say that it was excellent. It was quite obvious that the author had done extensive research into her subject matter. It was a poignant look into history and how African American women had to struggle in a world where they were often looked upon as inferior. Everything from the descriptions to dialogue was well-written and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Singleton's work.

Poignant Look into our History

What first time author Elyse Singleton has done within the pages of This Side of the Sky is truly remarkable. She has taken missing events from a history book detailing the impacts of poverty, puberty, and racism of two African American women and the events leading up to World War II and afterwards. Singleton has written a story that isn't easily labeled because it is so much more than simply a historical fiction novel. It touches on the love and friendship between two best friends, Lilian Mayfield and Myraleen Chadham, their joint and individual triumps, hardships, and romances in a small town in Mississippi. It also shares their contribution to history as WACs and their efforts in the war, stationed at a base in England. Additionally, we see the lengths they'd go to support each other, in spite of the economic times during the war. The story is written in a warm, poignant and enlightening literary tone while at the same time it entertains, educates, and portrays more about this time frame in history than the average history books. It also does a wonderful job of sharing the lesson of looking beyond a person's skin color to determine their value. The characters are well developed and will stay with you long after you've finished reading. I definitely recommend this book and would encourage anyone to pick it up regardless of your preference in genres.Reviewed by Tee C. Royal