The years go by like days: THE BLACKWOODS

The Blackwoods by Brandy Colbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a captivating ode to black Hollywood.

The BLACKWOODS explores the legacy left by a strong black woman, Blossom Blackwood, so that her great granddaughters can have agency and choice in their own lives. Blossom dreams of being an actor, but choices are limited when she's growing up. Despite her struggles, she prevails, raising her son, Abe, with the help of her mother and sister, and becoming a well-known actress. Abe eventually becomes a famous actor as well, and now Blossom's granddaughter Ardith is in the acting business too. Spread out among the family are others in Hollywood via lawyers, producers, etc.

This is a story about women told by women--Blossom, Ardith, and the other granddaughter, Hollis. Hollis prefers a more private life--hard when you're a Blackwood--and even more difficult when photos of her are leaked by the press.

I loved the stories about Blossom's past, even though they highlighted so well the racism she experienced on her quest to become an actress. She's a tough and spirited woman, and her character shone through the pages.

Present-day is a bit more lackluster. It takes some time for Ardith and Hollis to become as fully-realized as Blossom. The story is fascinating, though, and draws you into the creative Blackwood clan, their trials, tribulations, and successes. It's a very good look at motherhood and family and the legacy one leaves behind.

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