The Four Wives and Five Deaths of Richard Milford
By Nafissa Thompson-Spires ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10 ""He tried not to show it in front of the children, but since Mae died, he had less control, and if there was one thing Rich loved, more than his money or me or the children, it was control."..."
By Nafissa Thompson-Spires
★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10
162 pages
What’s it about?
This novel takes place in Oklahoma in 1921- not long after the lynchings in Tulsa. The story is set outside the all-Black town of Neville at Richard Milford's ranch. Richard Milford lives with four women and his thirteen children in an unconventional situation. The people of Neville don't like Richard Milford or his lifestyle. When he turns up dead, all eyes turn towards the women.
What did it make me think about?
Life in Oklahoma in 1921.
Should I read it?
Another novel I admired but didn't enjoy. The writing is obviously skilled- but I just did not connect with any of the characters. I really didn't care a bit about what happened to Richard Milford or any of the women in his life. I certainly understand that this novel will win awards- but it was not a favorite of mine.
A passage I marked
"He tried not to show it in front of the children, but since Mae died, he had less control, and if there was one thing Rich loved, more than his money or me or the children, it was control."
