Weeping Willows Dance

by Gloria Mallette

Book Overview

In 1929, by the age of fifteen, Mozelle already knew that she did not want to grow up to be like her mama, a sharecropper's wife. She did not want to get married and, for certain, she did not want... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0967878918
• ISBN13: 9780967878911
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Gemini Press (NY)
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

MORE ABUSE THAN THE COLOR PURPLE

This is a true story of Ms. Mallette's grandmother Mozelle Tate. In my opinion this woman lived 2 steps above slavery. Mrs. Tate was marrried to a no good cheating "husband" at the age of 15 who never encouraged anything Mozelle wanted to do or get. He was 25 yrs older. It's a shamed she lived her life being punished by her husband because Randell, Mozelle's husband, couldn't marry the woman he really wanted. As a woman living today, it was very difficult to read this novel and not get angry and cry. Many times I said to myself, I would have...she should have..., but the truth be told, I have no idea of how to handle Mozelle's life since I've never been in her shoes. Mozelle made a promise to God that once Randell was out of her life (one way or another), she would never take another man or husband. In the end, she was really married to God. Talk about having strong faith. Ms. Mallette is a wonderful writer and story teller.

I REFUSE TO BREAK!

Weeping Willows Dance will gently pull readers into the recession of 1929 where abuse, poverty, suffering, and above all, the depth of faith in the Almighty God, are key elements in the life of Mozelle Parker. This gripping tale about her plight will saddle readers' hearts and penetrate their souls. One thing Mozelle knows is that she does not want a husband, children, or farm life. With 11 siblings, she already spends her days performing like a mother. So, it is quite a shock for her when on a warm Sunday morning she looks fleetingly at her destiny when a dashingly handsome man makes something in her flutter. At age 15, against her parent's wishes, Mozelle is briefly courted and wedded to Randell Tate, 22 years her senior. She leaves home with the message that Randell is her husband for life no matter how rough times get. Mozelle wants to blame the Great Depression on the jeckel/hyde person her husband becomes. But in truth, she was too young to know and understand what caused his change. The writer introduces several secondary characters, and as necessary as these characters were to the story, they remained secondary; appropriately stopped at their boundaries. This is a riveting, haunting story that underlines Mozelle's struggles to rise above the tragic place where she is lodged. No one told her that her life was going to be easy, but the life of drudgery as sharecroppers did not prepare her for the backbreaking struggle of her own life to survive. She knew whatever she got out of life she would have to work hard for it. She didn't think she should have to do it alone when she had an able-bodied husband; but that was the bed she'd made. Like the weeping willow tree on a breezy day, she stood her ground against all obstacles that came her way, proving just how strong she was. She would let nothing and no one keep her from her goal. This was a personal story for Ms. Mallette and as she writes, her words literally dance across the pages. Pick up a copy of Weeping Willows Dance and share a true family saga. This is my first book by Gloria Mallette, but without a doubt, I will find and read her other works. This story begged to be toldand this book deserves to be read. I wanted to give this booka rating higher than five.Reviewed by aNN Brown

Struggle, struggle, then struggle some more!

Mozelle's story is sad and endearing. Everyone who knew her, loved her, except Randell. (He loved only himself.) Mozelle lived through his shortcomings and became a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother of principle. Pass this book onto mature women who may relate to her trials and tribulations. They may identify the way to renew their lives.

Captivating!

This was an excellent read. Very sad but real story of Mozelle growing up in the South. I felt so hurt for her for all the pain her "husband" brought forth in her life. You feel so connected to this story while reading it. All in all through everything, her strength and faith in God is what brought her through trials and tribulations. Excellent book. Keep up the good work Ms. Mallette!

A Genuine Reading Experience

My Book Club SISTERFRIENDS (New Jersey) just finished reading a dynamic story of strength, inspiration and courage. "Weeping WIllows Dance" by Gloria Mallette was a genuine reading experience. Mozelle's (the central character) life leaped from the pages and the reader was transported thru time to be an eyewitness as she dealt with unsurmountable obstacles time and time again. This woman's true story, is a must read. Everyone goes thru periods in life when we question the decisions we make and the course our lives have taken as a result of those decisions. Sometimes we hit bottom and feel there's no way out, that no one has ever dealt with the issues we face. The courage and determination demonstrated by Mozelle is a testimony to womanhood. Mozelle has left us the legacy of her life as a gift. Ms. Mallette visited our October book club meeting. She graciously shared from her heart her own experiences with her grandmother shedding even more insight and love for this powerful woman. Honor yourself and read Mozelle's story. You will never be the same!