‘The Girl At The Back Of The Bus’ by Suzette D. Harrison is a historical fiction story that is one of the most memorable reads for me in a while. A story of injustice; love; heartbreak and a tenacity to fight against the norm.
It’s 1955 and it was at this time Rosa Parks chose to go against the norm, by sitting down on a bus and refusing to get up and allow a white person to take her seat. In this story, on that same bus that day Mattie Banks watches this action and decides there and then that she will make her own personal stand.
The story is told from two points of view and alternates by the chapter. We see Ashlee Turner, Mattie’s granddaughter; in the present day. A black woman living in a world with so many more opportunities than Mattie. Then comes the day she is overlooked for promotion and she goes back home to see her dying grandmother, Mattie. This simple action sees Ashlee discovering her grandmother’s story as we, the reader sit beside her while she reads and we are with her as we witness what happened after the fateful day on the bus with Rosa Parks. The parallels between Ashlee and Mattie’s challenges within their lives are interesting to see. I revelled in the inspiration Mattie’s story took from her grandmother’s issues that she had to overcome. From this knowledge, Ashlee can fulfil her grandmother’s dying wish and also create the future she wants for herself.
This book was so enjoyable and almost educational in a weird way. The way that the women’s lives were similar, even with decades between them. The dignified and brave way Mattie faced the prejudice and social injustice throughout her life made me sad that this still goes on in different forms today. A very emotional and moving story that has been written so beautifully, that makes an impact even before you realise it.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the copy of the book for my review today.
sharonbeyondthebooks.uk 