Irehide is a novel that's been out since October 2025. I saw the cover on NetGalley and, although I am not doing many ebooks this year, the cover and the premise drew me in! I'm very appreciative of the author and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy to read and review for you!
Irehide sits firmly in the historical fiction/romance genres, but it really more firmly falls into that odd genre "women's fiction". This is most assuredly a book that so many book clubs would enjoy as there are so many themes and relevant ideas to unpack- set within a very engaging romance between two somewhat broken characters, Florence and Ben.
With no Spoilers- (hopefully) Irehide is set against the backdrop of 1968 America, a time of great change and strife. Our main characters are essentially two sides of a coin, with their determination to be more than the status quo bringing them together.
Florence is an ambitious young black woman who is making her way in a world that would rather minimize her to an expected stereotype. She's determined to not settle in life, even as she knows this determination may make her life more challenging. Despite her determination, Florence, like many people, experiences lots of second guesses, as opportunities present. She's walking on a tightrope as she navigates her life.
Ben, on the other side, has been raised with all advantages, and all expectations placed on him. He sees the injustice in the world and is determined to use his position to balance out some of this- regardless of the costs to his personal and professional life. A new veteran of the Vietnam war, he's faced a lot and is ready for change. He makes many mistakes attempting to be a changemaker, and in many ways, finds himself also walking on a similar tightrope- though decidedly with a more cushioned fall- should he fall.
As this pair orbit each other, coming closer and closer with each rotation, I was on the edge wondering the age old question- Would LOVE be enough to overcome backgrounds, social expectations and norms, and personal forces designed to pull them apart?
Obviously you'll want to read to find out!
I can say that the ending was quite satisfying.
This is a well crafted novel - that does contain some minor pacing issues which were easily overcome. Recommended if one is looking for historical romance with nuance, book club reads, indie authors or just a good story in a somewhat unique time setting.
STATS
First Published : 10/07/2025
Pages: 336
Available as an Audio Book : No.
Trigger Warnings: racism, sexism, bullying, violence (not a complete list- be responsible!)
No comments:
Post a Comment