What do you think?
Rate this book
The House of Eve
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Historical Fiction (2023)From the award-winning author of Yellow Wife, a daring and redemptive novel set in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington, DC, that explores what it means to be a woman and a mother, and how much one is willing to sacrifice to achieve her greatest goal.
1950s Philadelphia: fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college, in spite of having a mother more interested in keeping a man than raising a daughter. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed on to her like a birthright.
Eleanor Quarles arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his parents don’t let just anyone into their fold. Eleanor hopes that a baby will make her finally feel at home in William’s family and grant her the life she’s been searching for. But having a baby—and fitting in—is easier said than done.
With their stories colliding in the most unexpected of ways, Ruby and Eleanor will both make decisions that shape the trajectory of their lives.
1950s Philadelphia: fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college, in spite of having a mother more interested in keeping a man than raising a daughter. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed on to her like a birthright.
Eleanor Quarles arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his parents don’t let just anyone into their fold. Eleanor hopes that a baby will make her finally feel at home in William’s family and grant her the life she’s been searching for. But having a baby—and fitting in—is easier said than done.
With their stories colliding in the most unexpected of ways, Ruby and Eleanor will both make decisions that shape the trajectory of their lives.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published February 7, 2023
About the author
Sadeqa Johnson
9 books4,486 followersSadeqa Johnson is the New York Times best-selling author of five novels. Her accolades include being the 2022 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy finalist, a BCALA Literary Honoree, and the Library of Virginia’s Literary People’s Choice Award winner. She is a Kimbilio Fellow and teaches in the M.F.A. program at Drexel University. Originally from Philadelphia, she currently lives near Richmond, VA with her husband and three teens.
website: www.sadeqa.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadeqasays
https://linktr.ee/Sadeqasays
website: www.sadeqa.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadeqasays
https://linktr.ee/Sadeqasays
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,666 reviews
June 6, 2023
In a Nutshell: Works in bits and pieces but I wanted far more. Quite predictable. Covers important themes and certain elements of African-American history that I wasn’t aware of.
Story Synopsis:
PSA: The blurb reveals too much. (Yet again!)
Where the book worked for me:
😍 It is quite fast paced. The writing provides all necessarily details without bogging you down with frivolous details.
😍 Ruby’s track is much more interesting and cohesive than Eleanor’s. I loved the author’s choice of ending for Ruby.
😍 The story is divided in multiple sections, with each section dealing with a specific phase and event in the lives of the two girls. I liked this compartmentalisation.
😍 I’ve never read any book that details the lifestyle of the wealthy Blacks of the 1940s. Their classist thinking, their preference for ‘white’ or ‘light’ skinned people from among their own race, and their wannabe-white attitude is interesting to read.
😍 Without going into spoilers, all I can say is that the place where Ruby lands in the third section is a shameful part of American as well as Christian history. While the writing goes down the stereotypical part in its portrayal, milking every negative and ignoring any positive, it is still worth reading.
😍 The author’s note at the end adds the right tone of authenticity to the content.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
😐 Almost every character except for Ruby and Eleanor is clichéd and their behaviour, mostly guessable.
😐 The link between the two stories can be spotted a mile away, or rather, at least 50% before they actually intertwine.
😐 Eleanor’s story started off well, but her track with William soon becomes irritating, what with her thoughts about him going back and forth between trust and doubt. It becomes too repetitive after a while.
😐 There are no major surprises in the story except at the very end. Every part is predictable.
😐 Surprisingly for such an intense topic, the writing feels almost lightweight. Except in the above-mentioned third section, emotions aren’t explored consistently. The first half feels especially superficial.
😐 Though the writing is quick, the plot development is clunky in the first half. There’s a greater stress to the romantic relationships than to the social struggles.
I haven’t yet read the author’s most popular book ‘Yellow Wife’, so I can’t make a comparison. But based on what I had heard about that novel, I had expected this to create a far greater impact on my mind. I still can’t pinpoint what exactly about the writing left me like a bystander, but I couldn’t find myself gripped by the story or the characters at any point. I liked it enough, but other than Ruby, no one will make a mark.
Recommended to historical fiction lovers who want to read about a not-so-common angle of African-American history with a hefty dollop[ of romance.
3.5 stars.
My thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the DRC of “The House of Eve”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
1948. Philadelphia. Fifteen year old Ruby, the illegitimate child of a self-obsessed single mom and raised by her grandmother, dreams of going to optometry college. However, when she meets a white Jewish boy, her future threatens to spill away from her grasp. Can Ruby take a chance at forbidden love while retaining her ambitions?
1948, Washington. Eleanor has joined Howard University with great dreams. After all, her working class parents have slogged to send their only daughter for further studies. When she meets the rich and handsome William Pride, she falls for him despite the huge difference in their status. But to become the wife of the wealthy Mr. Pride while coming from a poor family isn’t going to be a cakewalk. What will Eleanor need to do to fit in?
How the lives of Ruby and Eleanor are interlinked is for you to find out by reading the book.
The story comes to us in the first person perspective of Ruby and the third person perspective of Eleanor, with the two perspectives presented in alternating chapters.
PSA: The blurb reveals too much. (Yet again!)
Where the book worked for me:
😍 It is quite fast paced. The writing provides all necessarily details without bogging you down with frivolous details.
😍 Ruby’s track is much more interesting and cohesive than Eleanor’s. I loved the author’s choice of ending for Ruby.
😍 The story is divided in multiple sections, with each section dealing with a specific phase and event in the lives of the two girls. I liked this compartmentalisation.
😍 I’ve never read any book that details the lifestyle of the wealthy Blacks of the 1940s. Their classist thinking, their preference for ‘white’ or ‘light’ skinned people from among their own race, and their wannabe-white attitude is interesting to read.
😍 Without going into spoilers, all I can say is that the place where Ruby lands in the third section is a shameful part of American as well as Christian history. While the writing goes down the stereotypical part in its portrayal, milking every negative and ignoring any positive, it is still worth reading.
😍 The author’s note at the end adds the right tone of authenticity to the content.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
😐 Almost every character except for Ruby and Eleanor is clichéd and their behaviour, mostly guessable.
😐 The link between the two stories can be spotted a mile away, or rather, at least 50% before they actually intertwine.
😐 Eleanor’s story started off well, but her track with William soon becomes irritating, what with her thoughts about him going back and forth between trust and doubt. It becomes too repetitive after a while.
😐 There are no major surprises in the story except at the very end. Every part is predictable.
😐 Surprisingly for such an intense topic, the writing feels almost lightweight. Except in the above-mentioned third section, emotions aren’t explored consistently. The first half feels especially superficial.
😐 Though the writing is quick, the plot development is clunky in the first half. There’s a greater stress to the romantic relationships than to the social struggles.
I haven’t yet read the author’s most popular book ‘Yellow Wife’, so I can’t make a comparison. But based on what I had heard about that novel, I had expected this to create a far greater impact on my mind. I still can’t pinpoint what exactly about the writing left me like a bystander, but I couldn’t find myself gripped by the story or the characters at any point. I liked it enough, but other than Ruby, no one will make a mark.
Recommended to historical fiction lovers who want to read about a not-so-common angle of African-American history with a hefty dollop[ of romance.
3.5 stars.
My thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the DRC of “The House of Eve”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Read
January 27, 2023Ruby hopes to become the first in her family to attend college, but a taboo love affair threatens the future she’s worked for. In DC, after Eleanor falls for William, fitting in with his family proves difficult. Ruby and Eleanor’s stories intersect in surprising ways that change the course of their lives. A heartrending story.
February 15, 2023
4.5 stars! I was very excited to read The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson after having read her previous novel, The Yellow Wife. It was every bit as moving and compelling as I had hoped it would be. Sadeqa Johnson has proven to be a brilliant storyteller, in my opinion. The topics she covered and included in The House of Eve were both powerful and timely. The characters in The House of Eve were memorable and so likable. Her research for this book was impeccable and allowed me to learn so much about this time period. I was drawn into the story immediately and could not turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. The House of Eve was told through the voices of two distinctly unrelated black women at completely different times in their lives. However, there are several tiny threads that materialized throughout The House of Eve that knotted their lives together.
Ruby was a fifteen year old girl that lived in Philadelphia during the 1950’s. Her mother was Ruby’s age when she became pregnant with Ruby. Ruby’s mother, Inez, was still a child herself when she gave birth to Ruby. Inez was incapable of earning enough money to take care of Ruby properly so Ruby was brought up by her grandmother. Ruby remained with her grandmother until her grandmother developed glaucoma and couldn’t see anymore. At that point, Ruby went to live with Inez but between Inez’s many boyfriends and her lack of parenting skills, Ruby remained with her mother for only a short time. After an incident that Inez blamed Ruby for, she kicked Ruby out of her apartment. Ruby went to live with her aunt. All of the women in Ruby’s life had little education or skills. They all made money by cleaning other people’s homes. Ruby had dreams. She was smart, had made goals for herself and had aspired to become an optometrist ever since her grandmother developed glaucoma. Ruby had been accepted in the program, “We Rise” which granted full scholarships for all four years of college to the brightest and most deserving students in the program. There was no other option for Ruby. She wanted desperately to go to college and the only way to make it happen was by winning one of the scholarships. Ruby would be the first person in her family to have ever attended college. Then one day, Ruby met Shimmy. He was the landlord’s son. Shimmy was white and Jewish. In the 1950’s, it was not considered proper for whites to be friends with Blacks. There was extreme racism. Shimmy was so kind, thoughtful and attentive to Ruby. He only wanted to spend time with her. As much as Ruby knew it was wrong and that she should have known better, Ruby and Shimmy allowed themselves to fall in love with each other. Then, Ruby discovered she was pregnant with Shimmy’s child. What was she going to do? Abortions were illegal and dangerous in those days. What would happen to her dreams of attending college?
Alternating with Ruby’s story, Eleanor Quarles had arrived at Howard University, an all black college in Washington, D.C. Eleanor had grown up in a small town in Ohio. Her parents were hardworking and had to save and skimp to pay for Eleanor’s education. Eleanor was smart, hardworking and ambitious. One of Eleanor’s dreams was to join one of the most prestigious sororities on Howard’s campus. Unfortunately, Eleanor was passed over. Supposedly, Eleanor did not meet the necessary requirements. Eleanor possessed the grades and extracurricular activities that were warranted but not the social standards that were required. Her family was not a well known and established family with a great amount of influence and money. Eleanor worked at the University’s library. She was very interested in becoming an archivist after she graduated. Lately, Eleanor noticed the back of a certain male student who was always at the library when she was working. One day, that student approached the desk when she was working there. He approached Eleanor with the pretense of needing to sharpen his pencil. Eleanor could not believe how handsome he was. She had only seen his back and now he was standing right in front of her. Eleanor learned that his name was William Pride and that he was a medical student. She could not stop thinking about him. Eleanor spent most of her nights in the dorm studying. She needed to keep her grades up. Her parents had sacrificed so much for Eleanor to attend college that that was the least she could do. Eleanor’s roommate had other ideas for Eleanor, though. She convinced Eleanor to go to a dance with her that night. A little while after she arrived, Eleanor spotted William across the room at the same time he spotted her. Over the next couple of months Eleanor’s and William’s relationship became more and more serious. Eventually, William invited Eleanor to meet his parents. When William drove up to his parent’s house, Eleanor was taken aback by how massive and impressive their home was. William’s parents we’re hosting a brunch for their closest friends. When Eleanor first saw William’s parent’s friends, she thought that they were all white. After careful observation, Eleanor realized that all his parent’s friends were black but they all had the fairest complexions she had ever seen. William’s parents and their friends were members of the “elite” and wealthy black families of Washington D.C. William’s mother was not very welcoming to Eleanor. Despite William’s mother’s misgivings, Eleanor and William continued to see each other and they fell in love. One day, a few weeks after going on a romantic trip together, Eleanor became nervous. She could not remember the last time she had her period. Could she be pregnant? How would William react to her news? William was not expecting this but he loved Eleanor very much so he asked her to marry him. Of course William’s mother was not happy and guessed that Eleanor was pregnant. William’s mother took charge and advised having the wedding as soon as possible so no one would suspect that Eleanor was pregnant. William and Eleanor got married and William’s parents bought them a house. Then Eleanor miscarried. Both Eleanor and William were devastated. Several months later, Eleanor was pregnant again. This time, she had already entered her second trimester. She took a deep breath. This time she would carry the baby to full term and have a healthy baby. That was not in the cards for Eleanor and William. Eleanor lost that baby, too. She was so hopeful that a baby would somehow bridge the gap between Eleanor and William and his parents. Eleanor had also been harboring a secret that she had kept from William. How would William react when it was finally revealed? Would Eleanor and William ever be able to grow their family? Could Eleanor ever have a relationship with William’s mother?
The chapters in The House of Eve alternated between Ruby’s life and that of Eleanor’s. Although they were at different stages in their lives, some of their experiences were similar. Sadeqa Johnson did such a good job incorporating issues like racism, prejudice, class distinctions, shame, sacrifices and life altering decisions into The House of Eve. Since The House of Eve took place prior to Roe vs Wade, there were not many choices available for unwed mothers that found themselves pregnant. The House of Eve explored one heartbreaking option that was available. Both Ruby and Eleanor proved to be stronger than they thought they could be. Each woman was shaped by the difficult decisions and choices they were forced to make throughout their lives. I really enjoyed reading The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read the book The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson through Netgalley in exchange for a voluntary and unbiased review.
Ruby was a fifteen year old girl that lived in Philadelphia during the 1950’s. Her mother was Ruby’s age when she became pregnant with Ruby. Ruby’s mother, Inez, was still a child herself when she gave birth to Ruby. Inez was incapable of earning enough money to take care of Ruby properly so Ruby was brought up by her grandmother. Ruby remained with her grandmother until her grandmother developed glaucoma and couldn’t see anymore. At that point, Ruby went to live with Inez but between Inez’s many boyfriends and her lack of parenting skills, Ruby remained with her mother for only a short time. After an incident that Inez blamed Ruby for, she kicked Ruby out of her apartment. Ruby went to live with her aunt. All of the women in Ruby’s life had little education or skills. They all made money by cleaning other people’s homes. Ruby had dreams. She was smart, had made goals for herself and had aspired to become an optometrist ever since her grandmother developed glaucoma. Ruby had been accepted in the program, “We Rise” which granted full scholarships for all four years of college to the brightest and most deserving students in the program. There was no other option for Ruby. She wanted desperately to go to college and the only way to make it happen was by winning one of the scholarships. Ruby would be the first person in her family to have ever attended college. Then one day, Ruby met Shimmy. He was the landlord’s son. Shimmy was white and Jewish. In the 1950’s, it was not considered proper for whites to be friends with Blacks. There was extreme racism. Shimmy was so kind, thoughtful and attentive to Ruby. He only wanted to spend time with her. As much as Ruby knew it was wrong and that she should have known better, Ruby and Shimmy allowed themselves to fall in love with each other. Then, Ruby discovered she was pregnant with Shimmy’s child. What was she going to do? Abortions were illegal and dangerous in those days. What would happen to her dreams of attending college?
Alternating with Ruby’s story, Eleanor Quarles had arrived at Howard University, an all black college in Washington, D.C. Eleanor had grown up in a small town in Ohio. Her parents were hardworking and had to save and skimp to pay for Eleanor’s education. Eleanor was smart, hardworking and ambitious. One of Eleanor’s dreams was to join one of the most prestigious sororities on Howard’s campus. Unfortunately, Eleanor was passed over. Supposedly, Eleanor did not meet the necessary requirements. Eleanor possessed the grades and extracurricular activities that were warranted but not the social standards that were required. Her family was not a well known and established family with a great amount of influence and money. Eleanor worked at the University’s library. She was very interested in becoming an archivist after she graduated. Lately, Eleanor noticed the back of a certain male student who was always at the library when she was working. One day, that student approached the desk when she was working there. He approached Eleanor with the pretense of needing to sharpen his pencil. Eleanor could not believe how handsome he was. She had only seen his back and now he was standing right in front of her. Eleanor learned that his name was William Pride and that he was a medical student. She could not stop thinking about him. Eleanor spent most of her nights in the dorm studying. She needed to keep her grades up. Her parents had sacrificed so much for Eleanor to attend college that that was the least she could do. Eleanor’s roommate had other ideas for Eleanor, though. She convinced Eleanor to go to a dance with her that night. A little while after she arrived, Eleanor spotted William across the room at the same time he spotted her. Over the next couple of months Eleanor’s and William’s relationship became more and more serious. Eventually, William invited Eleanor to meet his parents. When William drove up to his parent’s house, Eleanor was taken aback by how massive and impressive their home was. William’s parents we’re hosting a brunch for their closest friends. When Eleanor first saw William’s parent’s friends, she thought that they were all white. After careful observation, Eleanor realized that all his parent’s friends were black but they all had the fairest complexions she had ever seen. William’s parents and their friends were members of the “elite” and wealthy black families of Washington D.C. William’s mother was not very welcoming to Eleanor. Despite William’s mother’s misgivings, Eleanor and William continued to see each other and they fell in love. One day, a few weeks after going on a romantic trip together, Eleanor became nervous. She could not remember the last time she had her period. Could she be pregnant? How would William react to her news? William was not expecting this but he loved Eleanor very much so he asked her to marry him. Of course William’s mother was not happy and guessed that Eleanor was pregnant. William’s mother took charge and advised having the wedding as soon as possible so no one would suspect that Eleanor was pregnant. William and Eleanor got married and William’s parents bought them a house. Then Eleanor miscarried. Both Eleanor and William were devastated. Several months later, Eleanor was pregnant again. This time, she had already entered her second trimester. She took a deep breath. This time she would carry the baby to full term and have a healthy baby. That was not in the cards for Eleanor and William. Eleanor lost that baby, too. She was so hopeful that a baby would somehow bridge the gap between Eleanor and William and his parents. Eleanor had also been harboring a secret that she had kept from William. How would William react when it was finally revealed? Would Eleanor and William ever be able to grow their family? Could Eleanor ever have a relationship with William’s mother?
The chapters in The House of Eve alternated between Ruby’s life and that of Eleanor’s. Although they were at different stages in their lives, some of their experiences were similar. Sadeqa Johnson did such a good job incorporating issues like racism, prejudice, class distinctions, shame, sacrifices and life altering decisions into The House of Eve. Since The House of Eve took place prior to Roe vs Wade, there were not many choices available for unwed mothers that found themselves pregnant. The House of Eve explored one heartbreaking option that was available. Both Ruby and Eleanor proved to be stronger than they thought they could be. Each woman was shaped by the difficult decisions and choices they were forced to make throughout their lives. I really enjoyed reading The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read the book The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson through Netgalley in exchange for a voluntary and unbiased review.
May 7, 2024
5/5 ⭐️ x ♾️ I’m kicking myself for not reading this book sooner! It was a true masterpiece and I loved it so much. The author is actually from Philadelphia and I grew up in North Philly so I HAD to read this book! It takes place in 1950s Philadelphia and it is told in the POV of Ruby and Eleanor.
This is about two young Black women and how they struggled with love, colorism, and so many other hardships in the 50s. My heart broke for them. It was also interesting and surprising how their lives intertwined towards the end!
I loved the writing and how connected I felt to both Ruby and Eleanor. Their struggles felt like they were my own. I truly can’t express just how much I loved this book. I can’t wait to read more books by this author. This one truly blew me away! ❤️🩹🥹
This is about two young Black women and how they struggled with love, colorism, and so many other hardships in the 50s. My heart broke for them. It was also interesting and surprising how their lives intertwined towards the end!
I loved the writing and how connected I felt to both Ruby and Eleanor. Their struggles felt like they were my own. I truly can’t express just how much I loved this book. I can’t wait to read more books by this author. This one truly blew me away! ❤️🩹🥹
March 7, 2023
Sadeqa Johnson has done it again. While I think that Yellow Wife is still my favorite out of the two, it is clear that Johnson has a knack for writing historical fiction. She is definitely an autobuy author for me at this point. CW: racism, colorism, classism, miscarriage, death due to abortion (not on page), ill treatment of pregnant Black girls, sexual assault, rape (not on page), parental neglect and abuse.
The House of Eve is a historical fiction novel told in dual perspectives following Ruby and Eleanor. Ruby is in high school attempting to make her way to college when her world is turned upside down after befriending a White Jewish boy. She also deals with the heart-aching abuse and neglect from her biological mother. Meanwhile, Eleanor lives in Washington, DC and is attending Howard University. She works two jobs in an attempt to put herself through school when she meets the wealthy and handsome William. The two are extremely different in terms of class and status, but instantly fall for each other. The two characters have separate narratives that ultimately connect in ways that they wouldn't ever expect.
What Worked: Johnson is an extremely gifted writer. Unlike Yellow Wife, I found the writing of this novel to be lighter and easier to follow despite it's complicated and dark themes. It made for an easier and faster paced read. I was surprised at the quickness with which I was able to consume this novel while also still recognizing and appreciating the complexity of the story. There were so many interesting elements to consider in this book including the colorism and classism that existed in the Black community at this time. As someone who has pledged a Black Greek Letter Organization (Delta Sigma Theta), I was particularly interested in Johnson's exploration of colorism and classism as it applied to her fictional sorority. While it is a small part of the overall story, those themes remain prevalent throughout the course of the novel as readers continue to follow Eleanor and William's story. There was also some commentary about a woman's relationship to motherhood and the desire to be a mother. I enjoyed the fact that we saw so many examples of motherhood attached to how complicated it can be whether a woman is or is not the biological mother. Johnson also illustrates that a woman's preparedness and/or desire for motherhood can change over time and falls across a spectrum. It creates these full circle moments towards the end of the novel. Johnson also doesn't shy away from addressing what happens to young women who get pregnant out of wedlock and the horrible things that the Catholic church would do under the disguise of attempting to "help" them. This wasn't something that I was familiar with as a reader and it's probably the part of the novel that broke me the most. Combine all of this with the shame of infertility and adoption that impacted the Black community during this time and readers will understand the amount of heart and soul that Johnson put into this book.
What Didn't Work: There weren't many parts of this book that didn't work, but one thing that did stand out was the "twist." Most readers will figure out the connection between Eleanor and Ruby before finishing 50% of the novel. I'm not exactly sure if that was the intention of Johnson, but it isn't something that is necessarily unexpected so some readers may find themselves disappointed.
Overall, this was another outstanding work of art from Johnson. I can't wait to see what she plans to write going forward because her talent is untouched. If you haven't checked out this book, I highly recommend it.
The House of Eve is a historical fiction novel told in dual perspectives following Ruby and Eleanor. Ruby is in high school attempting to make her way to college when her world is turned upside down after befriending a White Jewish boy. She also deals with the heart-aching abuse and neglect from her biological mother. Meanwhile, Eleanor lives in Washington, DC and is attending Howard University. She works two jobs in an attempt to put herself through school when she meets the wealthy and handsome William. The two are extremely different in terms of class and status, but instantly fall for each other. The two characters have separate narratives that ultimately connect in ways that they wouldn't ever expect.
What Worked: Johnson is an extremely gifted writer. Unlike Yellow Wife, I found the writing of this novel to be lighter and easier to follow despite it's complicated and dark themes. It made for an easier and faster paced read. I was surprised at the quickness with which I was able to consume this novel while also still recognizing and appreciating the complexity of the story. There were so many interesting elements to consider in this book including the colorism and classism that existed in the Black community at this time. As someone who has pledged a Black Greek Letter Organization (Delta Sigma Theta), I was particularly interested in Johnson's exploration of colorism and classism as it applied to her fictional sorority. While it is a small part of the overall story, those themes remain prevalent throughout the course of the novel as readers continue to follow Eleanor and William's story. There was also some commentary about a woman's relationship to motherhood and the desire to be a mother. I enjoyed the fact that we saw so many examples of motherhood attached to how complicated it can be whether a woman is or is not the biological mother. Johnson also illustrates that a woman's preparedness and/or desire for motherhood can change over time and falls across a spectrum. It creates these full circle moments towards the end of the novel. Johnson also doesn't shy away from addressing what happens to young women who get pregnant out of wedlock and the horrible things that the Catholic church would do under the disguise of attempting to "help" them. This wasn't something that I was familiar with as a reader and it's probably the part of the novel that broke me the most. Combine all of this with the shame of infertility and adoption that impacted the Black community during this time and readers will understand the amount of heart and soul that Johnson put into this book.
What Didn't Work: There weren't many parts of this book that didn't work, but one thing that did stand out was the "twist." Most readers will figure out the connection between Eleanor and Ruby before finishing 50% of the novel. I'm not exactly sure if that was the intention of Johnson, but it isn't something that is necessarily unexpected so some readers may find themselves disappointed.
Overall, this was another outstanding work of art from Johnson. I can't wait to see what she plans to write going forward because her talent is untouched. If you haven't checked out this book, I highly recommend it.
Shelved as 'dnf'
April 5, 2023DNF @ 25%
Too much melodramatic romance for my taste.
Too much melodramatic romance for my taste.
March 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this and was immediately wrapped up in the story.
Alternating chapters for Ruby and Eleanor.. two black girls growing up in the 1950’s.
Ruby from Philadelphia, Eleanor from Washington D.C..
The boundaries of reproductive choices, color, class, and education and themes in this emotional tale.
So… now I certainly plan on reading The Yellow Wife by this author very soon!
Alternating chapters for Ruby and Eleanor.. two black girls growing up in the 1950’s.
Ruby from Philadelphia, Eleanor from Washington D.C..
The boundaries of reproductive choices, color, class, and education and themes in this emotional tale.
So… now I certainly plan on reading The Yellow Wife by this author very soon!
July 11, 2024
Well DAMN! This one is going to stay with me for a while!!
The House of Eve is about two strong willed women Ruby and Eleanor. Its the 1950s and Ruby is in Philadelphia trying to break generational curses and become the first in her family to attend college. But a forbidden trysts could potentially have her whole world falling apart. Then in Washington DC we have Eleanor, who has her ambition and knows what she wants to do with her life, but that all gets slightly pushed aside when she meets William Pride. William is from one of the wealthiest black families and he cant get enough of Eleanor. But will Eleanor a simple girl be able to fit into this family and what secrets are lurking that will collide both of these women together lives together?
Ok so having read Yellow Wife first by this author i was nervous to pick this one up and braced myself for again another heartbreaking read. Although this one is heartbreaking, it flowed so effortlessly and was intertwined with romance that i truly just couldn't put it down!
I was being told a story of two courageous women but was also experiencing what a lot of black women must've gone through back in the 50s and before that and to be honest even today!
I absolutely loved Ruby and Eleanor story, and although i knew where the story was heading, i didn't care. Ms Johnson writing is so addictive and entrancing you cant get enough of the characters.
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Dual POVS
➽ Very realistic plot
➽ Depiction of African American history in the 50s
➽ A one sit read
➽ William
➽ The authors note
➽ The Ending
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDNT LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Not a major dislike, but the twist is not a surprise. The author made it very obvious. Not sure whether it was intentional or not.
Although this covers dark themes and is depressing. It was more easily digestible than Yellow Wife. The chapters revolving around the Catholic Church chewed me up and spat me right back out. I was struggling to compose myself. Sadeqa Johnson is now an auto buy author for me. This woman covers book revolving around, racism, colorism, prejudice, class, power, abuse and marriage and does it so effortlessly well it has you reeling for a long time afterwards.
4.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
Trying to read one Historical Fiction once a month!
Have heard great things about this book!
Letsssss Goooooo! 😁🫶🏾🧡💙
The House of Eve is about two strong willed women Ruby and Eleanor. Its the 1950s and Ruby is in Philadelphia trying to break generational curses and become the first in her family to attend college. But a forbidden trysts could potentially have her whole world falling apart. Then in Washington DC we have Eleanor, who has her ambition and knows what she wants to do with her life, but that all gets slightly pushed aside when she meets William Pride. William is from one of the wealthiest black families and he cant get enough of Eleanor. But will Eleanor a simple girl be able to fit into this family and what secrets are lurking that will collide both of these women together lives together?
Ok so having read Yellow Wife first by this author i was nervous to pick this one up and braced myself for again another heartbreaking read. Although this one is heartbreaking, it flowed so effortlessly and was intertwined with romance that i truly just couldn't put it down!
I was being told a story of two courageous women but was also experiencing what a lot of black women must've gone through back in the 50s and before that and to be honest even today!
I absolutely loved Ruby and Eleanor story, and although i knew where the story was heading, i didn't care. Ms Johnson writing is so addictive and entrancing you cant get enough of the characters.
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Dual POVS
➽ Very realistic plot
➽ Depiction of African American history in the 50s
➽ A one sit read
➽ William
➽ The authors note
➽ The Ending
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDNT LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Not a major dislike, but the twist is not a surprise. The author made it very obvious. Not sure whether it was intentional or not.
Although this covers dark themes and is depressing. It was more easily digestible than Yellow Wife. The chapters revolving around the Catholic Church chewed me up and spat me right back out. I was struggling to compose myself. Sadeqa Johnson is now an auto buy author for me. This woman covers book revolving around, racism, colorism, prejudice, class, power, abuse and marriage and does it so effortlessly well it has you reeling for a long time afterwards.
4.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
Trying to read one Historical Fiction once a month!
Have heard great things about this book!
Letsssss Goooooo! 😁🫶🏾🧡💙
June 21, 2024
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson would be a great choice for book club discussions. Set in the 1950s, it follows the lives of two young Black women. One, born into poverty in Washington, D.C., seizes an opportunity to break the generational cycle of hardship. The other, from a lower-middle-class, blue-collar family in Ohio, faces her own challenges.
Their lives intertwine through unexpected pregnancies—one with a white Jewish boy, the other with a light-skinned, upper-class Black boy. This narrative delves deeply into the complexities of class privilege and racism during the 1950s, making it a thought-provoking read that sparks meaningful conversations.
Their lives intertwine through unexpected pregnancies—one with a white Jewish boy, the other with a light-skinned, upper-class Black boy. This narrative delves deeply into the complexities of class privilege and racism during the 1950s, making it a thought-provoking read that sparks meaningful conversations.
February 13, 2023
“Knowing about racism and being abused by its wrath were two different things.”
It’s difficult to review a book like this. Difficult because it encompasses so much. It explores a lot of the hardships women, but Black women in particular, had to go through in order to just survive. To have a decent life.
It shines a light on parts of history that are ugly, quite frankly. Historical fiction stories hardly paint a pretty picture but I don’t think that’s ever the aim. It’s about uncovering facts and facing realities and it’s a heartbreaking story to read. I hate that some of these things ever had to be a thing, but they were thing.
The writing and the execution of this story were really well done. This was my first Sadeqa Johnson and it definitely won’t be my last. I admire so much of what she’s researched and written here. There was depth and passion to her storytelling.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you have to read this. It’s too good of a story to pass up.
It‘s a really thought-provoking read. You get to the end of it and it leaves you hungry and curious for more. It’s one that stays with you and I think I’ll remember our main characters, Ruby and Eleanor, for a while.
Thanks a lot to Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC.
It’s difficult to review a book like this. Difficult because it encompasses so much. It explores a lot of the hardships women, but Black women in particular, had to go through in order to just survive. To have a decent life.
It shines a light on parts of history that are ugly, quite frankly. Historical fiction stories hardly paint a pretty picture but I don’t think that’s ever the aim. It’s about uncovering facts and facing realities and it’s a heartbreaking story to read. I hate that some of these things ever had to be a thing, but they were thing.
The writing and the execution of this story were really well done. This was my first Sadeqa Johnson and it definitely won’t be my last. I admire so much of what she’s researched and written here. There was depth and passion to her storytelling.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you have to read this. It’s too good of a story to pass up.
It‘s a really thought-provoking read. You get to the end of it and it leaves you hungry and curious for more. It’s one that stays with you and I think I’ll remember our main characters, Ruby and Eleanor, for a while.
Thanks a lot to Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC.
August 6, 2023
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson is a Beautifully Written African American Historical Fiction Story!
I love this author, her writing style, storytelling, diverse characterizations, and the thoughtful reasons she shares for writing each of her two Historical Fiction novels. It feels like she's sharing part of herself.
Her first HF novel Yellow Wife, set in Virginia in the 1850's, was my favorite book of 2021. It's one I think about often and compare every book I read to how this book sparked deep emotions within me. Yes, the bar is set high with this one.
The House of Eve, is her second HF novel, set in Philadelphia and Washington DC in the 1950's. The story centers on the lives of two Black women, Ruby Pearsall and Eleanor Quarles, and it's not so much a comparison between these two women, as it is about how the decisions they make change the arc of their lives in unexpected ways.
In Philadelphia, seventeen-year-old Ruby has a strong chance of being the first in her family to attend college. A risky love relationship could quickly dash her hopes and keep her in the depths of poverty her family has always known...
In Washington DC, Eleanor attends Howard University where she meets William Pride who's from a wealthy Black family. As they fall in love and marry, Eleanor struggles fitting into William's family and hopes a baby will secure her place in the life she's reaching for...
The House of Eve is beautifully written with two main characters that couldn't be more different yet the struggles of these two Black women have a common ground. What I enjoyed most about this story was how broadly the author dove into the personal challenges and family elements of both main characters. This intentional focus gave additional layers and depth to the story.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ariel Blake and Nicole Lewis. I enjoyed Ruby's narrator, however Eleanor's narrations were a bit melodramatic, especially towards the end. With that said, it was still a solid listen.
The House of Eve was a strong story, and although it wasn't the stellar performer Yellow Wife was for me, it's a read I will remember. Sadeqa Johnson will continue to be a favorite author and I'll read anything she writes in the future. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy Historical Fiction with a diverse blend of characters.
4⭐
I love this author, her writing style, storytelling, diverse characterizations, and the thoughtful reasons she shares for writing each of her two Historical Fiction novels. It feels like she's sharing part of herself.
Her first HF novel Yellow Wife, set in Virginia in the 1850's, was my favorite book of 2021. It's one I think about often and compare every book I read to how this book sparked deep emotions within me. Yes, the bar is set high with this one.
The House of Eve, is her second HF novel, set in Philadelphia and Washington DC in the 1950's. The story centers on the lives of two Black women, Ruby Pearsall and Eleanor Quarles, and it's not so much a comparison between these two women, as it is about how the decisions they make change the arc of their lives in unexpected ways.
In Philadelphia, seventeen-year-old Ruby has a strong chance of being the first in her family to attend college. A risky love relationship could quickly dash her hopes and keep her in the depths of poverty her family has always known...
In Washington DC, Eleanor attends Howard University where she meets William Pride who's from a wealthy Black family. As they fall in love and marry, Eleanor struggles fitting into William's family and hopes a baby will secure her place in the life she's reaching for...
The House of Eve is beautifully written with two main characters that couldn't be more different yet the struggles of these two Black women have a common ground. What I enjoyed most about this story was how broadly the author dove into the personal challenges and family elements of both main characters. This intentional focus gave additional layers and depth to the story.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ariel Blake and Nicole Lewis. I enjoyed Ruby's narrator, however Eleanor's narrations were a bit melodramatic, especially towards the end. With that said, it was still a solid listen.
The House of Eve was a strong story, and although it wasn't the stellar performer Yellow Wife was for me, it's a read I will remember. Sadeqa Johnson will continue to be a favorite author and I'll read anything she writes in the future. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy Historical Fiction with a diverse blend of characters.
4⭐
February 10, 2023
The house of Eve’s narrative is told from two young women’s points of view, it takes place in the 1950's, where racial prejudice is rife and even amongst colored people.
Ruby Pearsall is a teenager living in Philadelphia, she was born to a young single mother, who is more interested in finding a new boyfriend than taking care of a baby. Ruby is intelligent, she’s taking extra classes to help African American teenagers attend college and it’s called, We Rise Program.
Eleanor Quarles comes from a tiny town in Ohio, and she’s the first member of her family to attend college. Eleanor is a motivated person, she works at the college library, and here she meets the handsome William Pride. He’s studying medicine at Howard University, his fathers a doctor and William's mother Rose is a snob. Eleanor wants to major in history and become a library archivist and Ruby dreams of being an ophthalmologist.
Ruby moves in with her aunt Marie, living in the same building is Shimmy, a white Jewish boy, they fall in love and history repeats itself. Eleanor falls in love with William, he comes from a different social class, Rose is horrified when she meets Eleanor and finds out her father works in a factory and her mother is a cook. When Eleanor falls pregnant, she and William marry and his family are unhappy, Eleanor does everything she can to try and fit in and nothing she does is good enough. Ruby is sent to a home for unwed mothers, it’s run by Catholic nuns and it’s nothing like it's promoted to be in the glossy brochure.
The decisions Ruby and Eleanor make as teenagers, set them on a path and their lives become connected in an unexpected way.
I received a copy of The House of Eve from Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review. Sadeqa Johnson’s research is through, I like her writing style, the narrative is easy to follow and holds your attention. The story covers topics such as, escaping poverty and stereotypes, body shaming and keeping secrets, ambition, miscarriage and pregnancy loss, motherhood, adoption, forbidden love, prejudice and coercion. Ms. Johnson latest book is based around her own family history, it’s about the difficulties and challenges African American women faced and still do. While I enjoyed the authors previous book, The Yellow Wife, I was completely captivated by, The House of Eve and five stars from me.
Ruby Pearsall is a teenager living in Philadelphia, she was born to a young single mother, who is more interested in finding a new boyfriend than taking care of a baby. Ruby is intelligent, she’s taking extra classes to help African American teenagers attend college and it’s called, We Rise Program.
Eleanor Quarles comes from a tiny town in Ohio, and she’s the first member of her family to attend college. Eleanor is a motivated person, she works at the college library, and here she meets the handsome William Pride. He’s studying medicine at Howard University, his fathers a doctor and William's mother Rose is a snob. Eleanor wants to major in history and become a library archivist and Ruby dreams of being an ophthalmologist.
Ruby moves in with her aunt Marie, living in the same building is Shimmy, a white Jewish boy, they fall in love and history repeats itself. Eleanor falls in love with William, he comes from a different social class, Rose is horrified when she meets Eleanor and finds out her father works in a factory and her mother is a cook. When Eleanor falls pregnant, she and William marry and his family are unhappy, Eleanor does everything she can to try and fit in and nothing she does is good enough. Ruby is sent to a home for unwed mothers, it’s run by Catholic nuns and it’s nothing like it's promoted to be in the glossy brochure.
The decisions Ruby and Eleanor make as teenagers, set them on a path and their lives become connected in an unexpected way.
I received a copy of The House of Eve from Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review. Sadeqa Johnson’s research is through, I like her writing style, the narrative is easy to follow and holds your attention. The story covers topics such as, escaping poverty and stereotypes, body shaming and keeping secrets, ambition, miscarriage and pregnancy loss, motherhood, adoption, forbidden love, prejudice and coercion. Ms. Johnson latest book is based around her own family history, it’s about the difficulties and challenges African American women faced and still do. While I enjoyed the authors previous book, The Yellow Wife, I was completely captivated by, The House of Eve and five stars from me.
February 11, 2023
Wow❣️ I really enjoyed this book and learned new history about infertility, adoption, and the shame most African American women had to endure if an unexpected pregnancy occurred. The women alone were humiliated and had to live with the cohesion and manipulation to give a child up for adoption. This was set in the late 1940’s, so was at a time when Black and White People often were not allowed to marry even if they wanted to.
This story takes place in 1948 and explores the story of Ruby, who longs to be the first woman in her family to go to college and become a doctor. This may turn out to be much more difficult then she planned when she meets a young Jewish boy and their relationship develops. She thinks she should pull away since it is impossible for a Black Girl and a White Boy to be together. If anything goes wrong, she will be the one to bear the consequences and is determined to find a way out of the poverty and neglect she has lived with when her own mother got pregnant as a young teenager. I found her story quite compelling.
Then there is the story of Eleanor, who is going to Howard University. However, life is not as she expects. Her mother has spent years saving for her to have this opportunity, so she does not come from the privilege many of her classmates take for granted. Eleanor has to confront prejudice from fellow students and their families since the shade of your black skin matters a lot. So, she is surprised when William is interested in her. Although he is the love of her life and plans on becoming a doctor, this still does not ease much pain that is to come.
So, both Ruby and Eleanor experience different types of shame and silencing.
Certain subject just weren’t talked about in the late 1940’s. Topics I did not know much about were explored and I found this compelling. Both Ruby and Eleanor are very bright women, yet even the smallest slip up can derail their ambitions.
The biggest complaint I had with this story was it explored many serious topics, yet I found the ending wrapped up too neatly. The experiences both Ruby and Eleanor went through I think would have caused much more grief and hardship. Some of the characters too neatly changed and fell into place for me just to make for an easy ending. I think the characters feelings and decisions were taken too lightly.
Overall, though I find Sadeqa Johnson to be an excellent storyteller and enjoyed learning about events I had no idea occurred at that time period. I was engrossed in the book and read it quickly. I just wish the book explored hard topics with a bit more depth.
Thank you NetGalley, Sadeqa Johnson, and Simon & Schuster for this book. I always leave reviews of books I read.
This story takes place in 1948 and explores the story of Ruby, who longs to be the first woman in her family to go to college and become a doctor. This may turn out to be much more difficult then she planned when she meets a young Jewish boy and their relationship develops. She thinks she should pull away since it is impossible for a Black Girl and a White Boy to be together. If anything goes wrong, she will be the one to bear the consequences and is determined to find a way out of the poverty and neglect she has lived with when her own mother got pregnant as a young teenager. I found her story quite compelling.
Then there is the story of Eleanor, who is going to Howard University. However, life is not as she expects. Her mother has spent years saving for her to have this opportunity, so she does not come from the privilege many of her classmates take for granted. Eleanor has to confront prejudice from fellow students and their families since the shade of your black skin matters a lot. So, she is surprised when William is interested in her. Although he is the love of her life and plans on becoming a doctor, this still does not ease much pain that is to come.
So, both Ruby and Eleanor experience different types of shame and silencing.
Certain subject just weren’t talked about in the late 1940’s. Topics I did not know much about were explored and I found this compelling. Both Ruby and Eleanor are very bright women, yet even the smallest slip up can derail their ambitions.
The biggest complaint I had with this story was it explored many serious topics, yet I found the ending wrapped up too neatly. The experiences both Ruby and Eleanor went through I think would have caused much more grief and hardship. Some of the characters too neatly changed and fell into place for me just to make for an easy ending. I think the characters feelings and decisions were taken too lightly.
Overall, though I find Sadeqa Johnson to be an excellent storyteller and enjoyed learning about events I had no idea occurred at that time period. I was engrossed in the book and read it quickly. I just wish the book explored hard topics with a bit more depth.
Thank you NetGalley, Sadeqa Johnson, and Simon & Schuster for this book. I always leave reviews of books I read.
March 11, 2023
5 brilliant stars!
I’m definitely not crying right now. That’s a lie. I totally am. This book was ALOT! I don’t know how I will write this review, but I will try my best. This is set in the 1950’s and follows two women from different sides of the tracks. Ruby & Eleanor both are my sheroes. The character development, impeccable writing and fleshed out story makes this book a stand out. I will be back when I have more words, but just know that this will be in my top 2023 reads at the years end.
I’m definitely not crying right now. That’s a lie. I totally am. This book was ALOT! I don’t know how I will write this review, but I will try my best. This is set in the 1950’s and follows two women from different sides of the tracks. Ruby & Eleanor both are my sheroes. The character development, impeccable writing and fleshed out story makes this book a stand out. I will be back when I have more words, but just know that this will be in my top 2023 reads at the years end.
January 3, 2023
I read this book in one sitting and loved it!!
Set in the late 1940s, House of Eve alternates between the perspectives of Eleanor and Ruby, two young and intelligent black woman who are both looking for a brighter future. However, when forbidden love and unplanned pregnancies present an obstacle, these women are forced to make decisions that will shape their future and possibly impede their dreams. With that, Eleanor and Ruby’s stories collide in the most unexpected of ways.
I went into this book blind after loving The Yellow Wife. While it was not what I expected at all (maybe I should read plot synopses), I was blown away. Sadeqa Johnson is a fabulous storyteller, and I loved how this story highlighted the strength of women, their resilience, themes of motherhood and the sacrifices Black women made for education. I was not expecting the cameo of Pheby from Yellow Wife at the end, but it made the book!
Read if you like:
-US 1950s historical fiction
-Black representation
-DC and Philadelphia settings
-Women’s rights
-Stories about motherhood
-Diane Chamberlain books
Thank you Atria and Book Club Favorites for the ARC!
Set in the late 1940s, House of Eve alternates between the perspectives of Eleanor and Ruby, two young and intelligent black woman who are both looking for a brighter future. However, when forbidden love and unplanned pregnancies present an obstacle, these women are forced to make decisions that will shape their future and possibly impede their dreams. With that, Eleanor and Ruby’s stories collide in the most unexpected of ways.
I went into this book blind after loving The Yellow Wife. While it was not what I expected at all (maybe I should read plot synopses), I was blown away. Sadeqa Johnson is a fabulous storyteller, and I loved how this story highlighted the strength of women, their resilience, themes of motherhood and the sacrifices Black women made for education. I was not expecting the cameo of Pheby from Yellow Wife at the end, but it made the book!
Read if you like:
-US 1950s historical fiction
-Black representation
-DC and Philadelphia settings
-Women’s rights
-Stories about motherhood
-Diane Chamberlain books
Thank you Atria and Book Club Favorites for the ARC!
June 18, 2023
I read this book within a day. It’s one of those books I’d love to be able to read for the first time again!
Alternating Ruby’s and Eleanor’s chapters offers an exceptional device for drawing out these parallel stories and building tension as to when and how they will intersect ... Johnson’s approach reinforces this impulse by having Ruby narrate her own story, while a close third person speaks for Eleanor. The House of Eve spotlights many thorny issues, including... countless layers of absorbed racism ... The House of Eve leaves readers with a yearning for closure, for something tidy and reassuring, which of course is not at all how the world works.
Alternating Ruby’s and Eleanor’s chapters offers an exceptional device for drawing out these parallel stories and building tension as to when and how they will intersect ... Johnson’s approach reinforces this impulse by having Ruby narrate her own story, while a close third person speaks for Eleanor. The House of Eve spotlights many thorny issues, including... countless layers of absorbed racism ... The House of Eve leaves readers with a yearning for closure, for something tidy and reassuring, which of course is not at all how the world works.
August 28, 2024
Well-written and character-driven novel that follows two Black women as they navigate romantic and familial relationships and choices that uproot their lives. I thought Sadeqa Johnson did an excellent job writing about how colorism, class, and gender dynamics affected our protagonists without diluting the story or taking us out of the narrative. While I found the prose smooth and easy to read, it lacked that little extra oomph to really wow me or make me feel even more strongly about the story as a whole.
March 30, 2023
The House of Eve is a historical fiction story set in the 1950s and follows two women — Ruby, in Philadelphia, and Eleanor, in Washington, DC. Ruby is 15 and determined to be the first person in her family to attend college. She wants to be a doctor. She stays with her aunt often as her mother is more interested in men than parenting. Ruby doesn’t have an easy life and a forbidden romance threatens everything she’s been working toward for her successful future.
Eleanor is attending Howard University, keeping a few secrets tucked away. When she meets and falls for William Pride, his family isn’t thrilled. The Prides are an elite, wealthy Black family in DC and aren’t convinced Eleanor is good enough for them. She hopes having a baby with William will change their mind.
While Ruby and Eleanor’s stories alternate throughout the book, it becomes clear they will intersect at some point and I enjoyed reading to find out how. Life doesn’t always go according to plan and both women faced numerous difficult challenges. I liked them both and was rooting for them.
The House of Eve is an absorbing story. After loving this book and Yellow Wife, I am a huge fan of Sadeqa Johnson.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Eleanor is attending Howard University, keeping a few secrets tucked away. When she meets and falls for William Pride, his family isn’t thrilled. The Prides are an elite, wealthy Black family in DC and aren’t convinced Eleanor is good enough for them. She hopes having a baby with William will change their mind.
While Ruby and Eleanor’s stories alternate throughout the book, it becomes clear they will intersect at some point and I enjoyed reading to find out how. Life doesn’t always go according to plan and both women faced numerous difficult challenges. I liked them both and was rooting for them.
The House of Eve is an absorbing story. After loving this book and Yellow Wife, I am a huge fan of Sadeqa Johnson.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2023
If you loved Yellow Wife, then please, lower your expectations.
This is not a bad book.
It’s just that it was not for me. It’s more like a romance, a genre that I don’t read.
The writing is really good and the author is a good storyteller, but my problem is that I found a lack of originality.
There was nothing new in this romance/drama around race and interracial relationships.
Also, it did not feel like a historical fiction. The House of Eve enter the story in the last 25% of the book (if not later).
I think that this book will please young readers, especially girls.
I can say that it is far from boring and that there are some good parts. It definitely started well, but at the end I thought that it was predictable.
Regardless, you shouldn’t avoid this book based on my opinion.
Trigger warnings: teen’s pregnancy, miscarriages
This is not a bad book.
It’s just that it was not for me. It’s more like a romance, a genre that I don’t read.
The writing is really good and the author is a good storyteller, but my problem is that I found a lack of originality.
There was nothing new in this romance/drama around race and interracial relationships.
Also, it did not feel like a historical fiction. The House of Eve enter the story in the last 25% of the book (if not later).
I think that this book will please young readers, especially girls.
I can say that it is far from boring and that there are some good parts. It definitely started well, but at the end I thought that it was predictable.
Regardless, you shouldn’t avoid this book based on my opinion.
Trigger warnings: teen’s pregnancy, miscarriages
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2023
4.5 Stars!
I've been afraid to read this book all year. I read Yellow Wife and loved it but it was a brutal read and I was not prepared to read another tough read by Sadeqa Johnson.
Well...it turns out that I had nothing to worry about, The House of Eve is a tough read but it's also a hopeful read. I read this book in one day. I had election day anxiety (Thank God Andy Beshear won!) so I just threw myself into reading today.
The House of Eve is about Rudy( I love her) who is 16 year old Black girl in the 1950's who hopes to become a doctor one day despite living in poverty. And Eleanor who is useless and really unnecessary, she gives up her dream of becoming a academic researcher to marry a high Yellow rich black( the lowercase is on purpose) medical student from a rich family. Ruby makes a dumb mistake that sends her future colliding with Eleanor's.
The title The House of Eve made sense to me even before we are given the actual explanation. Eve is "the original woman" her "sin" "cursed" women for eternity. Women are responsible for the temptation of men. Women are considered only valuable if the can produce children( but not trusted to make choices about their bodies). Women are to be protected and shielded but they are also evil and wicked.
I loved Yellow Wife but I loved The House of Eve even more. I can't wait to read more books by this author in the future.
Women's bodies have always been political and if you are a Black woman that's even more true. The right to decide if, when and how women have children should be hers and hers alone. Noone should be made to have a child they don't want or be forced to give up a child they do want. Noone should be made to feel like they are less than because they can't naturally conceive or carry a child to term.
Basically.....MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!
A Must Read!
I've been afraid to read this book all year. I read Yellow Wife and loved it but it was a brutal read and I was not prepared to read another tough read by Sadeqa Johnson.
Well...it turns out that I had nothing to worry about, The House of Eve is a tough read but it's also a hopeful read. I read this book in one day. I had election day anxiety (Thank God Andy Beshear won!) so I just threw myself into reading today.
The House of Eve is about Rudy( I love her) who is 16 year old Black girl in the 1950's who hopes to become a doctor one day despite living in poverty. And Eleanor who is useless and really unnecessary, she gives up her dream of becoming a academic researcher to marry a high Yellow rich black( the lowercase is on purpose) medical student from a rich family. Ruby makes a dumb mistake that sends her future colliding with Eleanor's.
The title The House of Eve made sense to me even before we are given the actual explanation. Eve is "the original woman" her "sin" "cursed" women for eternity. Women are responsible for the temptation of men. Women are considered only valuable if the can produce children( but not trusted to make choices about their bodies). Women are to be protected and shielded but they are also evil and wicked.
I loved Yellow Wife but I loved The House of Eve even more. I can't wait to read more books by this author in the future.
Women's bodies have always been political and if you are a Black woman that's even more true. The right to decide if, when and how women have children should be hers and hers alone. Noone should be made to have a child they don't want or be forced to give up a child they do want. Noone should be made to feel like they are less than because they can't naturally conceive or carry a child to term.
Basically.....MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!
A Must Read!
January 14, 2023
I do believe this is going to be the book all the book clubs will be talking about this year! What can I say? Sadequa can pen the stank out of a historical narrative 🤩 Go ahead and add it to your cart now especially if you like dual perspective narratives!
August 14, 2024
This book is a prime example as to why abortion should be LEGAL everywhere. Keep your opinions to yourself about my opinion on my review just fyi.
"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson is a masterfully written novel that deeply resonated with me. The story navigates through powerful themes of racism, colorism, and the intense desire to break free from societal and familial constraints. The novel’s exploration of these themes feels authentic and raw, making it one of the best historical fiction books I've ever read, standing tall next to "The Vanishing Half."
☆☆☆☆☆ (5 stars)
The connection between Ruby and Eleanor at the end of the book was incredibly satisfying. Seeing them find their way to each other felt like a perfect conclusion to their intertwined stories. I loved how Ruby’s traits still lived on in Grace, or Willie, showing how the past never truly leaves us, but instead shapes the future in unexpected ways.
What really hit me was the mistreatment of the girls within the home. The way Johnson portrays their struggles brought me to tears, highlighting the harsh realities many young Black women faced during that era. It’s a stark reminder of the injustices that were often swept under the rug, making their resilience all the more powerful.
The author’s note at the end adds another layer to the story, explaining how true and authentic this book is. Johnson's research and dedication to telling a real story shines through, making the narrative even more impactful. This authenticity makes the characters and their experiences feel real, almost as if they’re echoing the lives of many who lived through similar struggles.
Sadeqa Johnson also excels in crafting characters you may not initially like but come to understand and even root for by the end. Rose is a prime example of this. Her redemption arc was handled so well that by the end, I found myself empathizing with her, despite her earlier actions.
I could also relate to Ruby’s fierce determination to be the first in her family to truly make something of herself. Her journey was inspiring and reflected the struggles many face in trying to break free from the limitations imposed by both society and family.
In the end, I was glad both Eleanor and Ruby found their happy endings and got what they truly wanted out of life. This book is a powerful testament to the strength of Black women, the complexities of race and identity, and the importance of forging your own path in life. 💐
"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson is a masterfully written novel that deeply resonated with me. The story navigates through powerful themes of racism, colorism, and the intense desire to break free from societal and familial constraints. The novel’s exploration of these themes feels authentic and raw, making it one of the best historical fiction books I've ever read, standing tall next to "The Vanishing Half."
☆☆☆☆☆ (5 stars)
The connection between Ruby and Eleanor at the end of the book was incredibly satisfying. Seeing them find their way to each other felt like a perfect conclusion to their intertwined stories. I loved how Ruby’s traits still lived on in Grace, or Willie, showing how the past never truly leaves us, but instead shapes the future in unexpected ways.
What really hit me was the mistreatment of the girls within the home. The way Johnson portrays their struggles brought me to tears, highlighting the harsh realities many young Black women faced during that era. It’s a stark reminder of the injustices that were often swept under the rug, making their resilience all the more powerful.
The author’s note at the end adds another layer to the story, explaining how true and authentic this book is. Johnson's research and dedication to telling a real story shines through, making the narrative even more impactful. This authenticity makes the characters and their experiences feel real, almost as if they’re echoing the lives of many who lived through similar struggles.
Sadeqa Johnson also excels in crafting characters you may not initially like but come to understand and even root for by the end. Rose is a prime example of this. Her redemption arc was handled so well that by the end, I found myself empathizing with her, despite her earlier actions.
I could also relate to Ruby’s fierce determination to be the first in her family to truly make something of herself. Her journey was inspiring and reflected the struggles many face in trying to break free from the limitations imposed by both society and family.
In the end, I was glad both Eleanor and Ruby found their happy endings and got what they truly wanted out of life. This book is a powerful testament to the strength of Black women, the complexities of race and identity, and the importance of forging your own path in life. 💐
January 30, 2024
September Bookclub Selection
2nd read
I truly love this book and all that it brings. It's definitely a 5 star read for me.
I can only hope that the author gives us a sequel.
***************************
After reading the Yellow Wife I could not wait for this book to arrive, and once again, Sadeqa did not disappoint.
Amazing how she took the story of two female's/males lives and intertwined them to become a part of a newborn's life.
The author is a great story teller. She is very detailed. You literally feel the joy and the pain of the characters.
Life is full of surprises, and I hope she surprises me with a sequel to this book. There is so much more to tell!!
2nd read
I truly love this book and all that it brings. It's definitely a 5 star read for me.
I can only hope that the author gives us a sequel.
***************************
After reading the Yellow Wife I could not wait for this book to arrive, and once again, Sadeqa did not disappoint.
Amazing how she took the story of two female's/males lives and intertwined them to become a part of a newborn's life.
The author is a great story teller. She is very detailed. You literally feel the joy and the pain of the characters.
Life is full of surprises, and I hope she surprises me with a sequel to this book. There is so much more to tell!!
April 16, 2023
A powerful and thought provoking story of love, family, motherhood, and the desire to go beyond societal expectations. In Philadelphia, 15 year-old Ruby Pearsall dreams of becoming an Opthamologist; in Washington, DC, Eleanor dreams of being accepted in the socioeconomic circle of the man she loves. Soon their lives will be interconnected as they face the trials and tribulations that will lead them to each make their own very difficult decision.
This is a gorgeously written novel that speaks to the cruelty faced by young black women in the 1950s. And yet so many elements being discussed are present even in today’s society.
I loved the way the author develops her characters with such raw vulnerability. I could feel the pain each woman suffered, as well as their pure passion for achieving the goals they had set for themselves. By the time I came to the conclusion, I felt as though I really knew Ruby and Eleanor.
I listed to The House of Eve on audio, thanks to Simon Audio, and I have to say what an insanely amazing job Ariel Blake and Nicole Lewis did bringing these characters and this story to life. This may be the first Sadeqa Johnson book I have read, but it most certainly will not be my last.
Thank you {partners} TLC Book Tours and Simon and Schuster for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a gorgeously written novel that speaks to the cruelty faced by young black women in the 1950s. And yet so many elements being discussed are present even in today’s society.
I loved the way the author develops her characters with such raw vulnerability. I could feel the pain each woman suffered, as well as their pure passion for achieving the goals they had set for themselves. By the time I came to the conclusion, I felt as though I really knew Ruby and Eleanor.
I listed to The House of Eve on audio, thanks to Simon Audio, and I have to say what an insanely amazing job Ariel Blake and Nicole Lewis did bringing these characters and this story to life. This may be the first Sadeqa Johnson book I have read, but it most certainly will not be my last.
Thank you {partners} TLC Book Tours and Simon and Schuster for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 11, 2023
i almost gave this no rating because of the serious subject matter 🥹🙏🏼 but my goodness what an emotional and beautiful story! i highly recommend the audiobook version too, it really let me get a feel for both women and the dual POVs.
Reese hit it on the head with this as a book pick—there is SO much to discuss 😭 it reminded me a lot of TAKE MY HAND which i also thoroughly enjoyed. it’s really shocking that i’m a women yet had no idea about some of these events and situations in women’s history as it relates to birth control, birth, women’s rights, etc.—i wish this was taught more in school and was required learning for men and women. but, that’s my favorite part about historical fiction. i learn SO much.
i’m new to this authors work but man can she write!! i’m so impressed by her level of research too.
this is for historical fiction lovers that don’t want war content. it’s beautiful, sad, emotional, heartbreaking, joyful and so much more.
my main complaint is that i was really waiting for the two POVs to overlap more at the end… i’m leaving it there bc i think you’ll know what i mean if you read it. i was begging for it!!!!!
Reese hit it on the head with this as a book pick—there is SO much to discuss 😭 it reminded me a lot of TAKE MY HAND which i also thoroughly enjoyed. it’s really shocking that i’m a women yet had no idea about some of these events and situations in women’s history as it relates to birth control, birth, women’s rights, etc.—i wish this was taught more in school and was required learning for men and women. but, that’s my favorite part about historical fiction. i learn SO much.
i’m new to this authors work but man can she write!! i’m so impressed by her level of research too.
this is for historical fiction lovers that don’t want war content. it’s beautiful, sad, emotional, heartbreaking, joyful and so much more.
my main complaint is that i was really waiting for the two POVs to overlap more at the end… i’m leaving it there bc i think you’ll know what i mean if you read it. i was begging for it!!!!!
October 13, 2022
Sadeqa Johnson is expert at excavating the parts of the past that we would rather not confront. She dusts off these harrowing histories, shines them up, and gives them their proper glory. She mines this terrain with soaring grace, shining intellect, and a love that resonates on every page. Thanks to Johnson's enviable ability to craft narratives that not only educate and elucidate, but also enamor, the stories of Ruby and Eleanor, and the Ancestors and Elders they represent, will remain with me always. The House of Eve is a powerful witnessing, an indispensable testimony, and a remarkable addition to Johnson's already stunning bibliography.
April 2, 2023
We all have ambitions as we grow from childhood to adulthood, but as always life does often get in the way. As for Ruby Pearsall and Eleanor Quarles, their dreams are running well when a man comes into their lives and their dreams are tossed to the side.
Ruby was a girl in the 50's studying vying for a scholarship that would ensure she could escape her background of poverty and depression that pervaded her life. She dreams of becoming a doctor and while she is being raised by her grandmother, she strives for success. Unlike her mother, who was more interested in men and good times, Ruby is serious and dedicated. She has a good friend, a Jewish boy, who, as time elapses becomes more than a friend and more a love.
Ruby would be the first of her family to attend college, but then a man enters her life and the lure of a forbidden romance places her in the position where college becomes a distant dream. Like her mother, she seems destined to be poor, to be uneducated, to fall into depression that men and other distractions force on a life that Ruby was trying to break out of.
Eleanor meanwhile is enrolled in Howard University where she meets the charismatic William Pride, a black man belonging to a wealthy family. Eleanor struggles to be accepted into the Pride family and does what she can to become a member, even to having William's baby.
These girls broke my heart as I watched their dreams evaporate and the times they were living in would never allow them the happiness they both were seeking. It was so interesting that the time they resided in didn't allow for differences even among wealthy black cultures.
As the girls' lives intertwine, we learn of their fight against racism and the striving to be something better. I very much enjoyed the characters that Sadeqa Johnson presented. She wove in an emotional aspect in realizing that there were many types of racism and segregation that drew people into a web of despair. Will these ladies succeed or will their life be at the mercy of a society that doesn't see that love will pick a person that family and society while might be considered unworthy, it is the one you fall for?
I loved this author's The Yellow Wife and this story offered another fine, engrossing read.
Ruby was a girl in the 50's studying vying for a scholarship that would ensure she could escape her background of poverty and depression that pervaded her life. She dreams of becoming a doctor and while she is being raised by her grandmother, she strives for success. Unlike her mother, who was more interested in men and good times, Ruby is serious and dedicated. She has a good friend, a Jewish boy, who, as time elapses becomes more than a friend and more a love.
Ruby would be the first of her family to attend college, but then a man enters her life and the lure of a forbidden romance places her in the position where college becomes a distant dream. Like her mother, she seems destined to be poor, to be uneducated, to fall into depression that men and other distractions force on a life that Ruby was trying to break out of.
Eleanor meanwhile is enrolled in Howard University where she meets the charismatic William Pride, a black man belonging to a wealthy family. Eleanor struggles to be accepted into the Pride family and does what she can to become a member, even to having William's baby.
These girls broke my heart as I watched their dreams evaporate and the times they were living in would never allow them the happiness they both were seeking. It was so interesting that the time they resided in didn't allow for differences even among wealthy black cultures.
As the girls' lives intertwine, we learn of their fight against racism and the striving to be something better. I very much enjoyed the characters that Sadeqa Johnson presented. She wove in an emotional aspect in realizing that there were many types of racism and segregation that drew people into a web of despair. Will these ladies succeed or will their life be at the mercy of a society that doesn't see that love will pick a person that family and society while might be considered unworthy, it is the one you fall for?
I loved this author's The Yellow Wife and this story offered another fine, engrossing read.
February 14, 2023
4 stars Thank you to Book Club Favorites at Simon and Schuster for the free copy for review. This book publishes February 7, 2023
This is the second book by Sadeqa Johnson that I have read and I believe she just keeps getting better and better. Her development of characters is top notched, her knowledge of the material she writes about is well researched and her style of writing and her use of words makes the story unfold easily and urges you to continue to turn pages.
The House of Eve is written in alternating chapters between Ruby, a poor Black girl unwanted by everyone, including her family, and Eleanor, the first Black girl in her family reaching for that college education, and also hindered by her own family. The story takes place in the 1950's against a back drop of racial prejudice as Ruby begins to see a young Jewish boy and Eleanor falls in love with a man well above her own social class.
Both girls end up pregnant - Eleanor marries her 'rich' man - against his families wishes, while the younger Ruby is sent to home for unwed mothers, so as not to ruin her chances for a full ride at a local college. In good time the lives of these two girls will cross. That intersection of lives will bring forth not only sacrifice, but love and understanding.
Four pages of authors notes give a description of why Johnson wrote this book and what it mean to her and her family. For anyone who has had a child, adopted a child, lost a child, or miscarried a child, this book is written for you.
This is the second book by Sadeqa Johnson that I have read and I believe she just keeps getting better and better. Her development of characters is top notched, her knowledge of the material she writes about is well researched and her style of writing and her use of words makes the story unfold easily and urges you to continue to turn pages.
The House of Eve is written in alternating chapters between Ruby, a poor Black girl unwanted by everyone, including her family, and Eleanor, the first Black girl in her family reaching for that college education, and also hindered by her own family. The story takes place in the 1950's against a back drop of racial prejudice as Ruby begins to see a young Jewish boy and Eleanor falls in love with a man well above her own social class.
Both girls end up pregnant - Eleanor marries her 'rich' man - against his families wishes, while the younger Ruby is sent to home for unwed mothers, so as not to ruin her chances for a full ride at a local college. In good time the lives of these two girls will cross. That intersection of lives will bring forth not only sacrifice, but love and understanding.
Four pages of authors notes give a description of why Johnson wrote this book and what it mean to her and her family. For anyone who has had a child, adopted a child, lost a child, or miscarried a child, this book is written for you.
April 13, 2023
This booked flowed so easily I felt like the pages just flew by. The story takes place in the 1950’s and alternates between the stories of two African American young women trying to find happiness in love and life. Eleanor is attending Howard University and loves the library, books, and studying. She rarely goes out, but when her roommate drags her out and she bumps into a young man she’d only met briefly in the library her story takes a turn as the two of them find love despite being from two different worlds. Ruby is in high school, doing an accelerated program to help her be the first in her family to attend college. A chance meeting with her aunt’s landlord’s sons leads her down a dangerous path. The story was hard to read at times…to see what our history holds is hard but a necessary thing to do. I really liked both young women and really enjoyed the story.
February 8, 2023
Sadeqa Johnson knows how to tell a story, but I always find myself wanting more! I don’t know if that’s good or bad. I very much enjoyed this story with relatable characters and storylines. There were moments of joy and pain and it was all handled with class. I think what gets me is that the author gave us a few scenes that sorta peeked in but weren’t explored and I feel that if they had been, for me, this would have made a much better read over all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,666 reviews