Fred Misurella

Arrangement in Black and White by Fred Misurella
Starts with other works by the author.
Acknowledgements and poem for dedications.
Story starts and then moves 30 years ahead, then back in time and we learn all the hidden secrets of the molestation and abuse.
Like when she's able to travel but decides she can make a living painting but also has a clerks job and then turns to prostitution.
Then story goes back to the molestation and understanding the mother's position as she wants time to do things she wants to do.
Father wants to campaign and it takes a lot of exposure goes to events and meetings so others can learn about the people in the race for the government position.
Racism is broached and some think it's a key point as to their existence.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.… (mehr)

A Summer of Good-Byes by Fred Misurella
Starts out with other works by the author and acknowledgements.
Many different scenes while the adults have relationships with each other and others.
Most dramatic one for me was 9/11 as I was not near NY but watched it live on tv after a golf game.
So heartbreaking to hear how it effected the family that day.
Love all the travel especially abroad as I will probably never get to experience it in my lifetime.
Kind of confusing they go back to other relationships at times you are unsure who is really there and at what stage of their lives.
Story does go back in time to when they first met and i found it interesting to learn of adoption proceedings from other countries.
Thought US had enough babies for adoption to go around.
Liked learning more about the art world and mystery surrounding the unsigned painting in the caves.
Glimpses of Grimm and Leonard Cohen, precious hidden treasures for me. Like how this story ends after so much sadness, love, heartache and pure joy at times.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.… (mehr)

The Arrangement in Black and White was a moving and complex book about an interracial marriage replete with grief, trauma and ambition. The husband, Everet, is a Black civil rights attorney, who comes from a loving and respectful family while his wife, Margy is a white wife and mother with mentally ill, abusive parents. The impact of this abuse is felt throughout the book as Margy spins increasingly out of control as her husband's ambitions take center stage and she continues a long-standing pattern of having adulterous affairs with her teacher, friend and acquaintances. Everet pretends not to notice which become unsustainable when he wants to run for political office and Margy refuses to play the role of political wife and helpmate; instead she wants to be an artist which her husband pooh-poohs. I was drawn in by both of the main characters. I felt for Margy as she became more dissociated, more self-destructive and mired in abusive relationships with men. Her flashbacks to her hellish childhood and the sexual abuse that she endured humanized an often cold and initially unknowable character. I also understood Everet's wish for a high-flying career and all that it would mean, personally and politically and his frustration and anger when he realizes that it will not include his wife. There was something likable about this couple and I wanted them to make it. I thought how Everet and Margy talked about race was realistic though not enough. I hoped that there could be conversations about Margy's dreams and hopes about her art and career but this was not common (gender) and still isn't in most political circles. In the end I missed Margy and Everet as a couple but know they eventually were able to lead more fulfilled, though challenging, lives without each other. Thank you Netgalley for giving me this opportunity to review this book.… (mehr)