Let Me Fly by Sabra Waldfogel

This is Book #2 of Book a Day January

Let Me Fly is the sequel to Sister of Mine, which I reviewed last summer.  It is the Teachers and Friends Book Club selection for January.  We all felt Sister of Mine ended with too big a thud to not read the sequel and find out what happens.

Adelaide, daughter of a Jewish slaveowner, and her half-sister/former slave Rachel share a plantation owned by Adelaide's absent husband/Rachel's former lover Henry along with their children, who are both half-siblings and cousins.  They run a school for children who are former slaves or the children of those who were, along with a few poor white children.  

I have the strong suspicion this is written with the sole intent of wanting to be picked up as a serial on something like Netflix or Disney+.  The first book just ENDS and felt like a telenovella or soap.  This one even more so.  

Henry moves to Atlanta and returns to clothing.  It is strongly hinted he might be gay, further complicating things.  Adelaide falls in love with Lewis Hart, a man charged with assisting former slaves get on their feet, despite efforts of white men in the area. Rachel is conflicted and one thinks she will end up with a young black lawyer Daniel Periera (we never find out because the book just ENDS).  Several of the former slaves' stories are woven in like Charlie's, even the women's father Mordecai makes an appearance. 

I don't know what to make of it.  I checked the author's site, and there is no book #3 listed.  But I don't see how you can just END a second book still without wrapping up the loose ends!

I do have 2 Book Club members who want to borrow my copy.  Once we've met (at Bear's, because GA = barbecue!), I will add it to our collection. 

A reminder all opinions expressed on this blog are solely mine.