How can three people live and witness the same event and each are affected by it in different ways? Tinisha Davis explores this question in her well written first novel, Holler at the Moon.
The Jackson sisters each witness the brutal murder of their mother by their father. They are then separated and sent to live with relatives. The book explores the effect of the murder and the sisters maturing from each of their point of view. There’s Dominique who was so strong and protective of others that she forgot to protect herself. Middle sister Donya who is unsure what direction her life is supposed to take. And baby sister Damita who takes on her idea of what her parent’s legacy should be and evolves into a tough talking hot head.
Sometimes first time novelist tend to spend too much of the story telling rather than showing. Davis didn’t do this. Each character was painted on a unique voice and given ample time to develop and show how the past can shape the future.
Holler at the Moon evokes Sandra Cisneros’ short story Woman Hollering Creek. Both stories are about women who just need to be free of their current existence. And both stories show how one can triumph despite what life presents.
I look forward to more from Tinesha Davis. Her voice is not to be looked at lightly. For a first time novel, I was impressed by her attention to the story, the way she weaved the characters together and that she respected the reader enough to give such a beautifully written tale. Don’t sleep on Tinesha. She’s a talent to keep your eye on.
– Created on the fly by Mrsrkfj
Can’t wait to read this! She was dynamic in person and I think the book will show that.