Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush
Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1982
Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Midwest, United States • 1980s
1982
Middle grade
12-16 years
550L
Super Short Summary
Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush follows fourteen-year-old Teresa "Tree" Pratt, who meets the ghost of Brother Rush in her 1960s-1970s Midwest town. Through him, she discovers her family's past and learns to understand their traumas. This family story explores themes of community and healing, particularly in the context of African-American experiences. The novel includes sensitive topics such as child neglect and familial trauma.
Contemplative
Emotional
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
935 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush by Virginia Hamilton expertly blends elements of fantasy and reality, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. Readers praise the vivid portrayal of family dynamics and the nuanced exploration of complex themes. However, some find the pacing uneven, which can occasionally blunt the emotional impact.
Who Should Read Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush?
A reader who would enjoy Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush by Virginia Hamilton is likely drawn to young adult literature that blends historical fiction with elements of the supernatural. Fans of works like Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor and Coraline by Neil Gaiman may find its themes of family, identity, and the mystical particularly engaging.
935 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Novel • Fiction
Midwest, United States • 1980s
1982
Middle grade
12-16 years
550L
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