52 pages • 1 hour read
The House of Eve
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Philadelphia, Baltimore • 1950s
2023
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson, set in the 1940s-1950s, chronicles the lives of high schooler Ruby Pearsall and college student Eleanor Quarles Pride as they navigate challenges shaped by gender, racism, and poverty. Ruby, striving to escape generational poverty through education, faces an unwanted pregnancy and adoption pressures. Meanwhile, Eleanor, struggling with class and colorism, marries William despite family opposition and deals with multiple miscarriages. The novel tells their intertwined stories of resilience and second chances. The book includes depictions of anti-gay bias, miscarriage, sexual assault of minors, forced adoption, racism, and mentions death by suicide.
Emotional
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
108,518 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson has garnered acclaim for its compelling characters and richly woven narrative. Reviewers applaud Johnson’s skillful handling of complex themes and emotional depth. While some critique the pacing as uneven, the evocative prose and historical accuracy are widely appreciated, making this a memorable and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The House of Eve?
Readers who enjoyed Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid or An American Marriage by Tayari Jones will find The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson compelling. This novel appeals to those interested in complex African American female protagonists, historical fiction, and themes of love, race, and identity.
108,518 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Eleanor Quarles Pride
Eleanor Quarles Pride
A hardworking, dark-skinned college student from a modest background, navigating her place in society while striving to honor her family's efforts.
William Pride
William Pride
Eleanor's love interest and later husband, coming from a wealthy and elite background, demonstrating the complexities of colorism within the Black community.
Shimmy Shapiro
Shimmy Shapiro
Ruby's love interest, a Jewish American who struggles with understanding the racial implications of their relationship.
Rose Pride
Rose Pride
William's mother, initially disapproving of Eleanor, but eventually growing to accept and support her daughter-in-law.
Aunt Marie
Aunt Marie
A supportive and unconventional mother figure to Ruby who offers her constant support and advocacy.
Greta Hepburn
Greta Hepburn
The president of a prestigious sorority at Howard University, acting as a foil to Eleanor and posing challenges in her social life.
320
Novel • Fiction
Philadelphia, Baltimore • 1950s
2023
Adult
18+ years
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