58 pages • 1 hour read
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In Tananarive Due's historical horror novel The Reformatory, 12-year-old Robert "Robbie" Stephens, Jr. is sentenced to six months at the Gracetown School for Boys, haunted by ghosts or "haints." His ability to sense these spirits makes him valuable to the brutal superintendent, Fenton Haddock, who seeks to hide the institution's dark history. Meanwhile, Robbie's sister, Gloria, tirelessly works to secure his release. The novel includes themes of racism within the American criminal justice system, the struggle to reconcile the past with the present, and the power of community. It features depictions of violence, abuse, and offensive language.
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due is Commended for its evocative prose and immersive storytelling. It tackles complex themes of racial injustice and supernatural horror with equal finesse. Some readers found pacing issues in the middle sections, but overall, it is a compelling and thought-provoking read.
A reader who would enjoy The Reformatory by Tananarive Due appreciates historical fiction intertwined with supernatural elements and themes of social justice. Fans of Toni Morrison’s Beloved and Stephen King's The Shining will find this novel compelling for its rich storytelling and haunting atmosphere.
Recommended
Historical Fiction
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Race / Racism
History: World
Religion / Spirituality
Identity: Race
Life/Time: The Past
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice