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Liked It “This is the first book by Gloria Naylor I ever read. And it was very very very good. I was 18 when I got this book for my birthday. I have since lost that copy but have always had a copy of it around. In case I want to read it again. Which I'm sure one day I will along with Mama Day also by...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“An amazing cafe full of characters you will cry over, laugh at and wonder about!”
pam c wrote this review Saturday, October 24 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“This is the first book by Gloria Naylor I ever read. And it was very very very good. I was 18 when I got this book for my birthday. I have since lost that copy but have always had a copy of it around. In case I want to read it again. Which I'm sure one day I will along with Mama Day also by Naylor.
Mudfish Q wrote this review Saturday, September 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
There is a slow bit at the beginning when the narrator talks briefly about his past or something. And it seems to go one forever. But your patience will be more than rewarded if you keep reading I promise you. You will not regret getting thru the slow bit at the beginning and as far as I can remember that is the ONLY slow bit that threatens to drag you into a catnap.
But DON'T skip over that bit either!
READ THIS BOOK!”“BAILEY’S CAFÉ is a collection of deeply moving personal stories from (mainly) women deeply scared by life. Author Gloria Naylor reveals an extraordinary ability to imagine, create and relate the stories of half dozen people nearly destroyed by their pasts, yet getting some glimmer of hope in Eve’s boarding house, arrived at via Bailey’s Café.
Wendy B wrote this review Thursday, May 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The novel is narrated by Bailey – not really his name, but when he and his wife, Nadine, took over the run-down café called Bailey’s, he was stuck with name by his customers. It was 1948 and Bailey, a Negro WWII vet and avid fan of baseball, especially the Negro pro league, is the richest character of the book. Since he narrates the story and sets the stage for the other characters to reveal their lives to us, there is a tendency to think of him as the author. That led me to a special appreciation of Naylor’s considerable ability to make me think that this 30-something, baseball fanatic male in 1948 could be the author herself! In addition to this powerful characterization of Bailey, her historical accuracy and sensibility area also noteworthy.
Bailey’s Café is set in a run-down neighborhood of Chicago. Down the street is Eve’s boarding house. Women don’t go to Eve’s and take a room, but find there way there, and may be invited by Eve, if and only if she thinks the boarding house may be a way-station back into a meaningful existence.
Along the way we learn Eve’s story herself and some of her boarders. There is Sadie who tries to earn love by being the perfect fulfiller of anyone’s needs for order, cleanliness and elegance. Esther, who hides from light to obscure what used to happen to her in the dark cellar of her home. Mary, so beautiful that her life had only one public meaning until she scared her face. Jesse Bell who moves from the slums to the hill top with disastrous results. The Ethiopian, Miriam, suffering genital mutilation and a virgin pregnancy for propriety’s sake. And finally “Miss Maple,” rich well-educated son of a wealthy Negro family, who becomes the transvestite house keeper / bouncer for Eve’s home. Bailey’s own extraordinary story is thrown in for good measure – and good it is.
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“I want to love this book...and I kind of did, although I am embarassed to admit, I JUST DON'T GET IT. The stories themselves, yes. Stunning. But, the whole other-worldliness? Either I need to be enlightened (which I admit, I DO), or I need to stop drinking wine while I read.”
JustVicki wrote this review Tuesday, July 8 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Loved this book...Many layers to the story. The blend of psychology, spirituality, religious belief/tradition, inspiration from other great literature was seamless and very successful. It takes my breath away every time I read it. ”
Katy D wrote this review Sunday, November 25 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Mind-blowing! One of my all-time favorites. Spiritual, deep, transcends genres.”
Kathleen wrote this review Saturday, November 3 2007. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I have always enjoyed Gloria's books because for one she was one of the few writingg when there was few authors with the exception of perhaps Alice Walker and Toni Morrison in the 80s. I, for one miss her from the game as well. But between The Women of Brewster Place, Mama Day and this novel, she has written some interesting books that tend to stay with you long after you read it. ”
Savvynlady wrote this review Saturday, September 15 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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