Three Girls From Bronzeville – A Book Review

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at March 17, 2022

Rita Mock-Pike

Having lived in Greater Chicago and Chicago itself for many years now, I’d heard of Bronzeville on several occasions. However, I’d never particularly had reason to venture that far south in the city often. So, when cracking the virtual spine of Three Girls From Bronzeville took me there in the 1970s, I found myself educated and intrigued.

Known as the “Black Metropolis,” this part of the city is a bit of a mystery for folks who tend to stay in the north end of town. But now, because of this book, I’m eager to venture down and explore this city and look for all the places mentioned by the author in this stirring memoir. I know many are gone, but I’d still love to find the remaining spots.

Three Girls From Bronzeville: A Uniquely American Memoir of Race, Fate, and Sisterhood is, indeed, a stirring memoir of growing up in a distinct era in Chicago when housing projects were on the rise, segregation “chic” (in some eyes only, of course) and folks had a vision for making the best of that segregation that they could to make life better.

The evocative journey of the three girls – sisters and friends – into the world of womanhood had me riveted from page one. Some of the fascination, I admit, is my sheer lack of knowledge of Black culture in that period in my city – and overall, admittedly.

Dawn Turner is a gifted author with beautiful turns of phrases, an intriguing narrative style, and a uniquely distinct voice. I highly recommend anyone who’s looking for a good read check this out. I also highly recommend this read to anyone looking to grow up a bit in their own view of Chicago and Black culture.

The narrative is well-plotted, the pace even and exciting, and the textures spiny and smooth by turn. So give the book a read, let the adventures and exploration deepen your own understanding, and enjoy this delightful, albeit painful, tale from Bronzeville.

Need more reads? Check out other book reviews to find your next novel or memoir.

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Rita Mock-Pike

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Editor-in-Chief of The MockingOwl Roost, Rita Mock-Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix, Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane solo around the world. Rita has found inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theatre, podcasting, novel writing, and cooking up delicious food from around the world. She now writes on food, travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.