On My Own at 107: Reflections on Life Without Bessie : Book Review

"On My Own at 107" by Sarah L. Delany is an extraordinary memoir that follows the incredible journey of the author as she reaches the remarkable age of 107. Alongside her sister, A. Elizabeth Delany or Bessie, they share their life experiences, insights, and reflections on a century filled with triumphs and challenges.

This memoir provides a unique perspective into the lives of African Americans during pivotal moments in American history, such as the Harlem Renaissance and the civil rights movement. Delany vividly describes these events, offering readers a glimpse into the resilience and strength of their generation. Despite facing discrimination and inequality, the Delany sisters confront these obstacles with grace and determination.

What shines through the pages of this memoir is the deep bond between the two sisters. Their love and support for one another are heartwarming and inspiring. Delany portrays their close-knit family, sharing stories of their childhood and the values instilled in them by their parents. With humor, honesty, and poignancy, she delves into their personal journeys and the lessons they have learned along the way.

Delany's conversational writing style effortlessly connects with readers, making it easy to dive into the world of the Delany sisters. She expertly brings the historical eras they lived through to life, allowing readers to fully grasp their significance. The inclusion of photographs throughout the book adds an intimate touch, providing readers with visual glimpses of the Delany sisters' lives and the world they experienced.

Overall, "On My Own at 107" is a captivating memoir that celebrates the indomitable spirit of two remarkable women. It serves as a testament to the power of love, family, and perseverance, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for readers of all ages. Delany's storytelling abilities, combined with the wealth of wisdom and knowledge contained within these pages, make this book an enlightening and delightful read.

What are readers saying?

The book "On My Own at 107" by Sarah L. Delany has received a range of reviews from readers, with differing opinions on its content. Some readers appreciated the wisdom and insights shared by the author, finding inspiration in her life experiences. They praised Delany for her positive attitude and resilience, encouraging readers to embrace life despite challenges.

However, there were also readers who expressed disappointment, feeling that the book lacked depth and meaningful insights into Delany's remarkable longevity. They believed the book was repetitive and unoriginal, with too much recycling of the author's previous work. This left them feeling unsatisfied and wanting more substantial content.

Despite the mixed reactions, there were reviewers who found value in the anecdotes and stories shared by Delany. They enjoyed gaining insights into a life well-lived and the lessons it offered, appreciating Delany's perspective as a centenarian. These readers found the book to be an opportunity to learn from her experiences.

On the other hand, there were readers who criticized the lack of structure and organization in the book. They found the flow of the narrative to be disjointed and confusing, which made it difficult to follow the author's train of thought. Additionally, they believed that the writing style appeared rushed and could have benefitted from more careful editing.

Overall, it is clear that opinions on "On My Own at 107" vary greatly among readers. While some found inspiration and enjoyment in Sarah L. Delany's insights and anecdotes, others felt that the book lacked depth, structure, and originality.

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