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Carolina Built: A Novel by Kianna Alexander

Dominic Simmons

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Kianna Alexander's debut novel, Carolina Built, is a powerful and moving story about family, race, and class in the American South. The novel follows the lives of three generations of the Singleton family, from the Reconstruction era to the present day.

The novel begins with the story of Mama Lou, a former slave who builds a successful farm in the aftermath of the Civil War. Mama Lou's determination and resilience are passed down to her children and grandchildren, who face their own challenges and triumphs as they navigate the changing social and economic landscape of the South.

Carolina Built: A Novel

by Kianna Alexander

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7276 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	327 pages

One of the strengths of Carolina Built is Alexander's vivid and evocative prose. She brings the characters and setting to life with such detail and nuance that the reader feels like they are right there with them. The novel is also well-paced, with a plot that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

But what really sets Carolina Built apart is its exploration of the complex and often contradictory nature of race and class in the American South. Alexander does not shy away from the difficult questions, and she presents a nuanced and unflinching portrait of the ways in which race and class shape the lives of her characters.

Carolina Built is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary African American literature. It is a powerful and moving story that will stay with the reader long after they finish reading it.

Characters

Mama Lou Singleton: A former slave who builds a successful farm in the aftermath of the Civil War.
John Singleton: Mama Lou's son, who inherits her farm and continues to build on her legacy.
Mary Singleton: John's wife, who is a strong and independent woman in her own right.
Jake Singleton: John and Mary's son, who is a talented musician and singer.
Sarah Singleton: John and Mary's daughter, who is a bright and ambitious young woman.
Robert Singleton: Sarah's husband, who is a successful businessman.
Michael Singleton: Sarah and Robert's son, who is a talented artist.

Themes

Family: The novel explores the complex and often contradictory nature of family relationships. The Singletons are a close-knit family, but they are also not immune to the tensions and conflicts that can arise within any family.
Race: The novel explores the ways in which race shapes the lives of the Singletons. The Singletons are African Americans, and they face the challenges and prejudices that come with living in a racist society.
Class: The novel also explores the ways in which class shapes the lives of the Singletons. The Singletons are a working-class family, and they struggle to make ends meet at times. However, they are also proud of their heritage and their community.

Setting

Carolina Built is set in the American South, in a small town called Willow Creek. The novel spans several generations, from the Reconstruction era to the present day. The setting plays an important role in the novel, as it shapes the lives of the characters and the challenges they face.

Critical Reception

Carolina Built has received critical acclaim since its publication in 2020. The novel has been praised for its evocative prose, its well-developed characters, and its exploration of complex social issues. Carolina Built has been named one of the best books of the year by several publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Time magazine.

Carolina Built is a powerful and moving story about family, race, and class in the American South. It is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary African American literature.

Carolina Built: A Novel

by Kianna Alexander

4.4 out of 5