On Palm Sunday, 1936, a devastating tornado ripped through Tupelo, Mississippi. Dovey smelled the storm coming and was pulling in the wash when the winds kicked up. Sixteen-year-old Jo was just returning from church.
Though the two share connections - both normal and dark - the tornado throws them together in a way they never could have expected. Jo's family has not been spared by the massive force of the tornado and Dovey, on her way to find her own granddaughter and great-grandson, learns that their own new baby has disappeared in the storm. The two are drawn together as they both search for their loved ones. But it's Jo who finds her brother first, promising to care for the boy no matter what. Even when his own mother won't claim him...
It's easy to see the biggest aspect of this story coming from a mile away. But it's not meant to be a twist. It is a story of loss and tragedy, and ultimately one of hope.
Gwin's latest is based on a very real event. Dubbed the fourth most deadly tornado in US history, the author learned that the storm's body count was grossly inaccurate. Incredibly, only the white fatalities and injuries were counted - the affects to the black community in Tupelo were not tracked.
The story is in part driven by this historical fact. It's also inspired by Gwin's own grandmother's stories about the storm as well as local coverage. Again, though, it's the human aspect and, in particular an attempt to give voice to the untold history of the storm, that is the story.
This isn't an easy read. We know from the beginning that Jo's oldest brother is Dreama's child's father by force. We also know that Jo herself has suffered at the hands of her brother. Even his own family may publicly deny his crimes, but secretly pays Dreama money each month. And all of that's told before the storm even hits.
While Promise may not be a happy tale or even a pretty one, it is one about human spirit and undying hope. Brought to life by Rose's lyrical prose and intricate detail, Promise is about race, women, and family all wrapped up in a retelling of one horrific event in Mississippi history.
I'm giving away one copy of Promise today. To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below before Monday, March 12.
To see more stops on the tour be sure to check out the official TLC tour page here. And for more on Minrose Gwin and her work you can visit her website here.
10 comments:
Thanks for this compelling and emotional novel which interests me greatly and sounds memorable.
I’ve been reading rave reviews .
Wow. I haven't read outside my genre in a while. This might just be the book to tempt me. Thank you for putting this one on my radar! :)
The book sounds sad, but also interesting. I would enjoy reading it.
This book sounds powerful and not just because of the storm--the emotion that this story already brings out in me makes me know I have to read this book. Thanks for the post today about a book I might never have known about without your blog.
Looking forward to reading Promise. Thank you
The fact that the black victims weren't counted is horrible, but of course indicative of the time period. :( This is definitely my kind of book though - based on real events and crafted into a compelling story.
Thanks for being a part of the tour!
I like when a story has historical fact woven into it. Makes it so engaging!
I've heard so many positive things about this book -- so happy I caught the chance to win here on your blog, Becky! Cheers, Kara S
I really must read this book! I love the title and the cover is beautiful. It draws me in and I want to know more. I love historical fact and fiction woven together. It makes for such a good read.
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