Maybe it was the fascinating title: Mama Day. Maybe it was the book cover—hands outstretched, conjuring up lighting from a stormy sky. Whatever it was, I was intrigued. I knew then that I had to read it. And now, years later, I’ve reread it sooo many times. It’s just that good!
Written in 1988, Mama Day tells the story of the complicated and fiery romance between Ophelia Day, a fiercely independent woman, and George Andrews, a rational and self-reliant man. The novel follows the pair from their first meeting when Ophelia interviews for a job at George’s engineering firm to the pinnacle of their relationship when George has to make a choice that will forever change their lives.
For starters, I’m sort of addicted to stories set in the big city. The setting is split between New York City, where George and Ophelia currently live, and the fictional island of Willow Springs, where Ophelia was born and where her family still resides. Although Willow Springs is located off the coast of Georgia, it’s not part of Georgia, nor is it technically part of the United States. Willow Springs belongs to its inhabitants alone, descendants of freed slaves.
I love stories about fascinating people, and every single character in this novel will fascinate you. It’s one of those books that will have you desperately longing to hang out with the characters, to step into their world for a little while.
We’re talking themes of race and gender, allusions to Shakespeare, mysticism in the form of hexes and conjurings. If you haven’t already read this book, you are totally missing out! Click here to check it out!
