August Sitwell, groundskeeper and Jennie Williams,maid are both part of the all black staff at the Barclay's residence in 1914. The Barclay's are falling on hard times financially and may not be able to keep all of their staff, especially the three young kitchen apprentices, Mac, Frederick and Bart who were taken from the orphan asylum. One of Mr. Barclay's business associates takes an interest in the meat sauce that Sitwell and Barclay's cook, Mamie created. The associate offers to sell the sauce, complete with Sitwell's picture on the front under the name of "The Rib King '' bringing the Barclay's back from their financial ruin. However, neither Sitwell or Mamie will see any money from the sale. Sitwell's frustration reaches a peak setting forth a chain of events that will change many lives. Ten years later, Jennie owns a successful business parlor and wants to market a healing salve that she and Mamie developed. When the familiar face of The Rib King comes back to town, Jennie learns just how far reaching the effects are of that fateful night at the Barclay's house.
The Rib King is an intriguing story told in two parts giving a detailed look into the lives of African Americans during this time period. The first half of the story is told from the point of view of August Sitwell, the second from the point of view of Jennie Williams. This style of writing gave way to a slow burn historical fiction story that didn't begin to tie all of the pieces together until the near end. Through both Sitwell and Jennie's narration there is an insightful view into the long term suffering of the African American population and the effects passed down on their psyche and worth. The story goes into detail of white privilege and cultural appropriation used for profit. I could clearly understand Sitwell's rage and pathway to revenge once his whole story was revealed. Jennie's story revealed how someone on a completely different path than Sitwell could still be stalled by the same issues due to a common history. My only complaint was the ending wrapped up rather quickly. I'd love to continue to read The Talented Ribkins to continue the stories of Mac, Bart and Frederick.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The Rib King is an intriguing story told in two parts giving a detailed look into the lives of African Americans during this time period. The first half of the story is told from the point of view of August Sitwell, the second from the point of view of Jennie Williams. This style of writing gave way to a slow burn historical fiction story that didn't begin to tie all of the pieces together until the near end. Through both Sitwell and Jennie's narration there is an insightful view into the long term suffering of the African American population and the effects passed down on their psyche and worth. The story goes into detail of white privilege and cultural appropriation used for profit. I could clearly understand Sitwell's rage and pathway to revenge once his whole story was revealed. Jennie's story revealed how someone on a completely different path than Sitwell could still be stalled by the same issues due to a common history. My only complaint was the ending wrapped up rather quickly. I'd love to continue to read The Talented Ribkins to continue the stories of Mac, Bart and Frederick.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
