Today I have a review of Cora’s Kitchen by Kimberly Garrett Brown. A big thank you to Caitlin Hamilton Summie Marketing for sending it to me and to Angela on Goodreads for bringing it to my attention.
My Thoughts:
My friend, Angela M., on Goodreads, brought this beautiful book to my attention. Cora’s Kitchen is the story of Cora James, a Black librarian living in 1920s Harlem.
Cora sends a letter to Langston Hughes after relating to one of his poems. She wants to be writer. Langston Hughes responds, encouraging Cora not only to write but to enter a writing contest.
In helping her cousin, Agnes, Cora becomes a cook in a white family’s home, the Fitzgeralds. In that role, she finds she has more time to write. Ultimately, she forges a friendship with Mrs. Fitzgerald who gives her The Awakening to read (The Awakening is one of my very favorite books, so I loved this connection). These happenings lead to Cora penning a story she shares with Langston Hughes. The missives continue to pass back and forth, and Cora keeps writing; the process of which may cost her everything.
Cora’s story shares her perspective on being a woman, a Black woman, during this time in history. She aspires for something more, to be w writer, and as she encounters hurdles and attempts to navigate them, she keeps going. I really enjoyed the letters she shared with Hughes. Cora’s honesty and authentic voice are what grabbed me from the start of her story.
Cora’s Kitchen is a quick, but richly told read; full of emotion and heart, and one in which every woman can relate, especially if she aspires for something more for herself.
I received a gifted copy of the book.
About the Book:
It is 1928 and Cora James, a 35-year-old Black librarian who works at the 135th Street library in Harlem, writes Langston Hughes a letter after identifying with one of his poems. She even reveals her secret desire to write. Langston responds, encouraging Cora to enter a writing contest sponsored by the National Urban League, and ignites her dream of being a writer. Cora is frustrated with the writing process, and her willingness to help her cousin Agnes keep her job after she is brutally beaten by her husband lands Cora in a white woman’s kitchen working as a cook.
In the Fitzgerald home, Cora discovers she has time to write and brings her notebook to work. When she comforts Mrs. Fitzgerald after an argument with Mr. Fitzgerald, a friendship forms. Mrs. Fitzgerald insists Cora call her Eleanor and gives her The Awakening by Kate Chopin to read. Cora is inspired by the conversation to write a story and sends it to Langston. Eventually she begins to question her life and marriage and starts to write another story about a woman’s sense of self. Through a series of letters, and startling developments in her dealings with the white family, Cora’s journey to becoming a writer takes her to the brink of losing everything, including her life.
Sounds like Cora has a fascinating life! Thanks for sharing😁
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She definitely has! A captivating story!
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Thanks for sharing this book review, Jennifer. I’d never heard of it but it sounds like a book I’d enjoy reading.
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My pleasure, Laurie! It’s a special book and I hope you get a chance to read it. I was grateful Angela put it on my radar.
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Well reviwed beautiful story of Cora well shared thanks! 👍
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Thank you so much!
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My pleasure 🥰
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It sounds like a wonderful story and Cora sounds like an interesting character. Of course I can never resist a New York setting. 🙂
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It’s such an unexpected gem of a story with a profound message. Thanks so much, stargazer. I love that setting too!
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You’ve made me curious about Cora’s story and writing. Will definitely add this one to my TBR. Beautiful review.
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Great review. In today’s age, every woman aspires to be more, so, I think this book will resonate with every female reader. 🙂
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Thank you, Debjani! I think so too ! A universal, relatable theme.
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This looks like an inspiring tale, Jennifer, thank you!
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It definitely is, Jacquie! Comforting and relatable too.
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