Review: Main character not very likable.... but Great Writing
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 09 13, 2012
Jenna Bennett is a talented writer and was able to capture the racial tension and prejudices that are common in the south very admirably. The book was very well written and the plot, well planned with surprising twists and turns. There were some parts of the book which I was uncomfortable with, though.  I found the bigoted racist's remarks, comments and descriptions of African Americans in the book disturbing and the descriptions of people's weight (Brenda's and Marquita's) unsympathetic and derisive.The main character, Savannah was not very likable.... So what if she comes from a rich family, is blonde, slim, attractive, can trace her ancestors back to several generations and moves in the best circles in Sweetwater? She was still bigoted and prejudiced. It seemed that Savannah was not even aware of her intolerance or bias against people different from her, either due to their weight, size, race or origin. I didn't like her attitude to her colleagues especially her insensitivity to Hazel who had a problem with overeating.It surprised me that Rafe seemed to be endlessly patient with her even though he was aware of the attitudes she and her family had towards him; she had no trouble telling him off on numerous occasions. To be fair, the story also captured Savannah's softer side, her kindness to Rafe's grandmother, her honesty in questioning impressions she's always had.  I hope to read more about her and discover her evolution from a snobbish, privileged, southern belle to someone who is more sympathetic to the faults and shortcomings of others.