3.8/5 During the pandemic, I donned the hat of “virtual meeting moderator” and joined one of our branch’s book clubs in the process. Our book of the month earlier this year just happened to be Sophfronia Scott’s Unforgivable Love, a book set in Harlem and Westchester County, New York. Thus, this 1940’s take on the French classic Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ Les Liaisons Dangereuses, became my read for the Empire State in 2021 Across the USA Reading Challenge.
In this book, Sophfronia Scott leads us to 1946 Harlem in time to see Jackie Robinson break the color line and circle among the elite citizens. Bored, beautiful, heartless heiress Mae Malveaux looks for diversion and to stir the pot. She’s sought after by many a guy including handsome and determined Valiant ‘Val’ Jackson. He sees a way to wedge his well-shined shoe in the door when Mae strikes a bargain: seduce her innocent, virginal young cousin, Cecily, who is engaged to Frank Washington. Frank values Cecily’s purity. If Val succeeds, Mae will “spend the night” with him. Yet, the woman Val desires the absolute most is Elizabeth Townsend, an upstanding, churchgoing woman, and loyal wife.
While Les Liaisons Dangereuses is not my favorite narrative, I felt Scott related the tale well. She beyond satisfied my “literary visit” to New York as I felt I glimpsed a place… and a time… I did not know. Scott shed glorious light on Harlem, the characters’ church, and the sprawling estates on Westchester County. I also appreciated her passages about the baseball games and Jackie Robinson. The time spent in North Carolina also provided much depth to a number of characters. So, if this French classis is to your liking, I strongly recommend it. Also, prepare yourselves for some… ahem… spicy scenes. – sne
Starry Night Elf 