~ Review: The Way Home ~

THE WAY HOME is the best of Angela Benson's work. With this book she establishes herself as one of the best of the African-American romance writers of the nineties. With three years as a published writer, Ms Benson had proven that she is a writer of great emotion.

THE WAY HOME is an intense, and satisfying read. It's not a light-hearted book like A FAMILY WEDDING but one which deals with serious issues - Love, friendship, social, prejudice, betrayal and the list goes on. The book is foremost a romance, but one which is definitely African-American. The culture of a small black community is painted vividly and one has no doubt that the book is about their culture. One of the most moving scenes occurs when Marlena and Winston sing a duet in the church where they worship as teenagers. There is a sincerity and beauty about that scene which is not common in romance novels. The importance of religion in the main protagonists' lives is not forced on you, we just see it as part of their everyday lives.

At the end of the book, one is left with a feeling of contentment; that not only have you enjoyed a wonderful love story but that you've been privileged to catch a glimpse of black culture.