The House of Eve: A novel By Sadeqa Johnson

This gripping historical fiction unfolds in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington, DC, earning acclaim as an instant New York Times bestseller and Reese's Book Club pick. Ruby Pearsall, a determined fifteen-year-old, strives to break the cycle of poverty by becoming the first in her family to attend college. However, a forbidden love jeopardizes her aspirations, pulling her back into the desperation ingrained in her family's history.

Eleanor Quarles arrives in DC with ambition and secrets. Her love for William Pride, a member of the elite Black community, becomes a complex dance with societal expectations. Eleanor believes that having a baby will secure her place in William's family and grant her the life she desires, but reality proves more challenging than expected.

The novel, described as a triumph of historical fiction by The Washington Post, weaves the lives of Ruby and Eleanor together in unexpected ways. Their decisions, shaped by love, ambition, and societal constraints, form the crux of the narrative. Reese Witherspoon's praise for the book adds to its allure, citing the surprising and beautifully told ending.

The story, richly textured and emotionally resonant, explores themes of womanhood, motherhood, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams. As the characters grapple with societal norms and personal desires, their choices unfold against the backdrop of a transformative era, making this novel a compelling exploration of the human experience in mid-20th century America. 📚❤️