by Viola Parsons

Viola Parsons is a Black Nova Scotian woman who has written a book about her grandmother's life - and her own life - which many, many women will enjoy. She talks about the day-to-day life of her grandmother and her grandmother's friends and family. There are a lot of details in the book about chores, toys, gardens, holidays, the furniture in the house, her faith in God, traveling and hobbies.

Women who read this book will know what life was like in the early 1900's for Black women who lived near Halifax, Nova Scotia. They will be able to talk about their own lives and the lives of their mothers and grandmothers. Even though the details may be different, there is a strong similarity in the day-to-day tasks that women do.

The writing is very vivid and clear. It sounds as if Viola Parsons is in the room, talking with us.

The first chapter is quite long, but the others are mostly three to five small pages each. The photographs are all at the back of the book and they are very interesting. The book also includes three spirituals and a prayer that Viola Parsons wrote.

Women who are beginning to read may like to hear the chapters read out loud. Then, they may feel comfortable reading paragraphs or pages that are enlarged on a photocopier or printed out.

A review by the Halifax Working Group, Halifax, N.S.