The Reformatory

  Historical Horror mystery taking place in 1950's segregated Florida, it follows two African American siblings:  Gloria and her brother Robert who after defending her from a white boy, is being sent into a Boy only School that is said to be haunted by the ghosts. 
This was such a devastating but important read. I had read Due's first novel The Between, and for this read all her strengths as a storyteller were still present. With her sharp writing she has the ability to create a page turning story with great character development while perfectly recreating the historical atmosphere.  I felt so much sorrow, anxiety and empathy for the main characters, what would happen to them and their family/friends.  Not only the supernatural elements were interesting but they also served to enhanced the real life historical horrors experienced by Gloria and Robert (and their acquaintances) as African Americans who have to survive in an environment filled with violence and (systemic) racism towards them.  An incredible and powerful book that should be a required reading everywhere.  I'd recommend listening to the audiobook because the narrator (Joniece Abbott-Pratt) did such an incredible job portraying the character's emotions.