On the Rooftop: A Novel

I thought it was a little slow...I did however enjoy the similarities with “fiddler on the roof”. Overall, worth the read especially if you love the musical.

On the Rooftop: A Reese's Book Club Pick Is a good read and has a beautiful cover. This book by Margaret Sexton Wilkerson will be a great book to pass on to my friends to read. And at our next coffee get together a good book to discuss. Reese did it again and picked a reading winner.

This was a good story, but it didn’t resonate with me. I wanted to know what would happen next, and felt a little bit cheated at the end.

On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton is a highly recommended historical fiction novel set in the 1950s.In 1953 the changing Black San Francisco neighborhood, Vivian's three daughters, Ruth, Esther, and Chloe have been singing and dancing in harmony since they could speak. Vivian's husband has passed away, and she dreams of her three girls reaching stardom. On stage, the three girls are known as The Salvations. Now in their 20's, they are becoming well known, especially due to their weekly appearances at the Champagne Supper Club, and a talent manager has contacted Vivian hoping to help them reach the pinnacle of success. However, things are changing, both in the lives of the girls and the neighborhood.The writing is a descriptive delight in this novel and it depicts both the good and the bad of the many events the family goes through. Chapters are from the point of view of Vivian, Ruth, Esther, or Chloe. Readers can follow Vivian's dreams for her girls and the plans the girls have for their own lives. Also detailed are the changes occurring in the neighborhood. Complex relationships reign in this novel, and they are what makes the narrative interesting, with the relationship between the mother and her daughters a main depiction.The descriptions of the mother and sisters are all clearly delineated and each character represents an individual with dreams of her own. The experiences of the sisters are removed from those pf the mother, yet the mother's experiences ultimately effect the daughters too, although with a modicum of restraint.Normally historical fiction isn't a choice of mine, but this novel represents an excellent choice for anyone who understands the dreams a mother may have for her children and then the alternate paths the children take. On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton was inspired by Fiddler on the Roof, and that comparison is apropos.Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of HarperCollins via NetGalley.

This book is such a gem. It’s so rich and filled touches on issues such as generational, societal, gender, and race. It’s a beautiful coming of age story of so many of the characters-I highly recommended. I look forward to reading more from this author!

I enjoyed the first part of this book, then I got really bored with it. The story was cute, but just not enough to hold my attention.

I enjoyed the book, On the Rooftop by Margaret Wilkerson. The story took place in 1953 in San Francisco after many had to flee Louisiana and the lack of opportunities there. The book is about an overprotective mother, Vivian, who raised three daughters, Ruth Esther and Chloe after her husband’s death in Louisiana.Vivian basically lived her life through her daughters until they became grown and chose different paths for themselves. The mother managed her daughters and was instrumental in the design of every aspect of their dance moves and outfits. The group was called the Salvations. They performed at most of the black supper clubs in their area and became well known. They were obviously the best girl group in the area. They were also performing in the midst of big names from the 50s and 60s.Sadly, Vivian’s family and her entire neighborhood were dealing with people who were trying to take over their black community and using the power of eminent domain. Surprisingly one of the sons of the white men who were trying to force families to sell their homes fell in love with one of Vivian’s daughters. Each of the daughters developed a relationship with a man that took them in different directions. Vivian admired their local pastor and fell in love with him after years of mourning her husband.There were no real surprises in the book, but it was an easy read.

The characters were alive. The plot engaged with twists, disappointments, struggle, success, gender, racism, love, heartbreak and hope. A memorable story. Yes, highly recommended!