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Interesting,
Insightful,
Dramatic

4 reviews

The Healing: A Novel
by Jonathan Odell

Published: 2012-02-21
Hardcover : 352 pages
4 members reading this now
16 clubs reading this now
3 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 3 of 4 members

"Compelling, tragic, comic, tender and mystical... Combines the historical significance of Kathryn Stockett's The Help with the wisdom of Toni Morrison's Beloved." —Minneapolis Star Tribune

Rich in mood and atmosphere, The Healing is a warmhearted novel about the unbreakable bonds ...

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Introduction

"Compelling, tragic, comic, tender and mystical... Combines the historical significance of Kathryn Stockett's The Help with the wisdom of Toni Morrison's Beloved." —Minneapolis Star Tribune

Rich in mood and atmosphere, The Healing is a warmhearted novel about the unbreakable bonds between three generations of female healers and their power to restore the body, the spirit, and the soul.

In Antebellum Mississippi, Granada Satterfield has the mixed fortune to be born on the same day that her plantation mistress's daughter, Becky, dies of cholera. Believing that the newborn possesses some of her daughter's spirit, the Mistress Amanda adopts Granada, dolling her up in Becky's dresses and giving her a special place in the family despite her husband's protests. But when The Master brings a woman named Polly Shine to help quell the debilitating plague that is sweeping through the slave quarters, Granada's life changes. For Polly sees something in the young girl, a spark of "The Healing," and a domestic battle of wills begins, one that will bring the two closer but that will ultimately lead to a great tragedy. And seventy-five years later, Granada, still living on the abandoned plantation long after slavery ended, must revive the buried memories before history repeats itself.

Inspirational and suspenseful, The Healing is the kind of historical fiction readers can’t put down—and can’t wait to recommend once they’ve finished.

"A remarkable rite-of-passage novel with an unforgettable character. . . . The Healing transcends any clichés of the genre with its captivating, at times almost lyrical, prose; its firm grasp of history; vivid scenes; and vital, fully realized people, particularly the slaves with their many shades of color and modes of survival." —The Associated Press

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Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

Some people may feel that the slave master and mistress are stereotypical personalities. Do you think the story would have the same impact if they were softer and kinder slave owners?
Polly Shines begins to take on almost mythic proportions in the minds of some of the slaves. Does this help or hinder the influence she has?
by BookDivasReads (see profile) 03/27/14

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
by Valerie J. (see profile) 10/17/17

 
  "Spiritual and Physical Healing"by Vivian T. (see profile) 03/27/14

There are numerous books about slaves and the Deep South but few leave an indelible impression on this reader. The Healing by Jonathan Odell is one such book. Granada is born into slavery bu... (read more)

 
  "The Healing"by Veronica P. (see profile) 03/27/14

 
  "The Healing"by Nancy C. (see profile) 07/10/13

Very well written and thought provoking. Author was kind enough to skype with our book club - he is delightful, so very interesting.

 
  "Fascinating look at race relations in the South"by Vivian T. (see profile) 01/26/13

There are numerous books about slaves and the Deep South but few leave an indelible impression on this reader. The Healing by Jonathan Odell is one such book. Granada is born into slavery bu... (read more)

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