This book is centered around the character of Ibby Bell
who
is grieving from the recent loss of her father in a tragic
bicycling accident. Ibby's mother decides that she can
no
longer handle raising Ibby on her own, so she drops Ibby
off at her paternal grandmother's house in New Orleans.
Now, 12 year old Ibby is not only dealing with her grief
but she also feels completely abandoned. Ibby's
grandmother, Fannie Bell, is a lively, outspoken and
eccentric southern woman who does her best to make Ibby
feel welcome and loved in her New Orleans home. Ibby's
maids, Queenie and Doll, also make Ibby feel like part of
the family by taking care of her, cooking for her and
listening to her.
As the novel progresses, Ibby has many questions about her
grandmother, her father and the mysteries of her family
which are slowly revealed throughout the book. I was
pleasantly surprised that this book had several plot
twists
that kept me involved in the story from beginning to end.
DOLL-BABY is described as a coming of age, young adult
novel. However, the real heroine and central character of
the book is Fannie, Ibby's grandmother. Fannie has had
many difficulties in her life but despite it all she
maintains her free spirit and manages to overcome one
hardship after another. Queenie and Doll, the two
housemaids, are also strong characters who have some of
the
funniest dialogue in the book.
Queenie, Doll and their extended family are African
Americans living in the south in the 1960's just after the
Civil Rights Bill is passed. Ibby learns that racism and
prejudice are rampant and a part of everyday life for
African Americans in the south. DOLL-BABY is an
interesting
book for readers who enjoy a wide range of genres. Its
exploration of serious themes such as race, religion and
death makes it an interesting and must read.
When Ibby Bell’s father dies unexpectedly in the summer of
1964, her mother unceremoniously deposits Ibby with her
eccentric grandmother Fannie and throws in her father’s
urn for good measure. Fannie’s New Orleans house is like
no place Ibby has ever been—and Fannie, who has a tendency
to end up in the local asylum—is like no one she has ever
met. Fortunately, Fannie’s black cook, Queenie, and her
smart-mouthed daughter, Dollbaby, take it upon themselves
to initiate Ibby into the ways of the South, both its
grand traditions and its darkest secrets.
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