4.25 stars! Tananarive Due did it again! Another banger! From the moment the book starts, Due brings you in to this atmosphere that is unsettling and vaguely threatening. Then it quickly ramps up and you are left hoping for the best for our protagonists, but not quite sure if it will actually turn out okay. Following Robert in 1950s Florida as he is sent to an all-boys reform school and facing the horrors in the form of restless haints and real life racism was unsettling to read about. From the moment he gets into a relatively innocuous situation with a White boy and gets unjustly punished for it, you know that nothing good can come of the situation. I was invested the entire time I read this and was sad (and glad!) when I was finished.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

When The Reformatory opens, the reader meets Robert “Robbie” Stephens, Jr. The twelve year old has been through a season of devastating losses—his father having to flee their home, his mother recently dead, and hunger and sadness ravaging his insides.

In trying to protect his older sister from the improper advances of the largest landowner’s son, Robbie kicks him. Bold action for a Black person in 1950s Florida. His life takes on a hellish quality when he’s sentenced to six months at the reformatory or the Gracetown School for Boys.

The “school” has a terrible reputation, and Robbie is about to find out in spades. Robbie's troubles multiply after he meets the superintendent because his gift of seeing ghosts or “haints” puts him in the spotlight. To say the chief warden of the school is evil personified is an understatement, and the members of his staff who help and condone his actions are even worse.

Coming from an island where slavery was the lifeblood of the economy and knowing the horrors visited on the slaves (especially after revolts) helped me identify with the oppression the Black people in Gracetown faced, even in 1950. But the severe punishment visited on children for their “crimes” and minor infractions was unthinkable and graphic as lived through Robbie’s eyes.

This story shines a light on how evil people embedded in legal systems are allowed to run rampant and do exactly as they please, unchecked. The Reformatory through the eyes of a child was harrowing, heartbreaking, and left me wrung out. I can only imagine how writing this book affected the author.

A book that should have taken me a day or so to read (it was that gripping) took me weeks. The sadistic punishment visited on the boys, Gloria’s perilous attempt to free her brother, and the anxiety that came from living in Robbie’s skin were sometimes too much when combined. And the tears that came at certain points also made me set the book aside time and again.

The Reformatory raises the question of how many young men were killed in that era, the numbers that are still unaccounted for, and the lack of closure that so many families—Black and White—would have experienced.

A riveting story, The Reformatory brings to life a shameful part of history that, sadly, is probably more widespread than we care to believe. Horror reader or not, I encourage anyone who cares to sample what life was like back then to pick up this book. It is an eye-opening look at what happens when evil people are put in positions of power.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of The Reformatory.

I adore this author!

Tananarive Due brings her own voice to the terrible atrocities that occurred at the Dozier School. In this book, the school is called the Gracetown Reformatory. The story follows a young man, Robert, sentenced to six months at the school. Robert has a unique gift; he can see haints.

This book deals more with the horrible acts of humans than the supernatural. It was a powerful read.

#NetGalley

This is my first book by this author and wow, a perfect one to start with. Her writing is exquisite and I really enjoyed this one. I was rooting for Robbie the whole time. I would definitely recommend.

Wow! What a ride! This book combines so many themes that are current today like racism and injustice with Jim Crow South as a backdrop to tell a very readable and relatable story that holds your interest throughout. I found myself racing to get to the book to find out what happens next.

The story centers around Robert Stephens Jr. and his family and community in that time period. Robert is sent to a segregated reform school for a minor infraction (today's standards) where he finds injustice and racism against his fellow inmates and the dead. Yes, we are talking about supernatural beliefs in people who haunt the living or "haints" to get justice for how they passed on.

Very timely novel as we are all learning of the horrific acts that took place in Reformatories such as these as well as the "Indian" schools in both the US and in Canada. The author took 10 years to write this novel and it was well worth it. 4.5 stars

I also listened to part of the book and want to acknowledge the Narrator Joniece Abbot-Pratt as an excellent choice. She brought the ending to life for me in a way I did not do for myself. Thank you to #Netgalley and #Saga Books for the Advanced Readers copy of this book in exchange for a honest reviews

Tananarive Due is so incredible at writing horror that's also achingly sad. I've never come across an opening dedication so heartbreaking - the fact that Due had an uncle who died at 15 at the Dozier School for Boys haunts the entire novel. This engrossing book drops you into place (Florida, 1950) and doesn't let you leave until it's done with you, where the ghosts are frightening enough but the real danger comes always from other people. The simmering terror of every tightrope walk of a conversation with racists will have you tense as hell knowing how wrong it can all go. The characters are so layered and well-drawn that you'll feel every moment of hope and heartache along with them, with each moment so realistically drawn that it's crushing to experience it all along with them.

Everyone should read this.

My thanks to Gallery/Saga Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

In June 1950 twelve year old Robbie Stephen’s has been sentenced to six months at a segregated reform school for boys. He had kicked the son (Lyle) of the largest, richest landowner. The reform school is called the Reformatory. Robbie was only protecting his sister Gloria from Lyle who had his eye on Gloria not for a good reason. Their dad is in Chicago because he had been forced to leave when the house he was building was burned down. The father was trying to improve life for his people even causing a strike that ended up becoming a riot. People were killed. He left his daughter and son under the care of an eighty three spinster with one eye blind. After three weeks they went back to their old house to live. When Robbie is at the Reformatory, he finds that he can hear the “haunts. He also thinks he can talk ro his dead mother through the pipes in the shower. Robbie is lucky that he gets assigned tp the kitchen. He is afraid he made end up there longer than six months. He sees the bodies of boys being attacked and killed.in the past. They want to be release from the reform school. Can Robbie help the haints? Will Robbie only be there for only six months? Gloria in the meanwhile is trying to get Robbie released from the reform school. Will she find a Lawer who can help her?

This novel is a haunting story to read. It is historical fiction. You will see the terrible horrors of racism and injustice for the living at the reform school. In mid-20th century, it is the Jim Crow atmosphere in the South. Friendships that are helpful for one to stay alive in the school. The supernatural-fantasy genre as well as elements of the author’s own family history (the book is dedicated in part to her great-uncle, who died at Dozier in 1937) to this vividly realized page-turner, which is at once a ghost story, a white-knuckle adventure, and an illuminating a look back at a shameful period in America.

So sad, so moving

This book was really hard to read. The dedication mentions a relative who dies in a reformatory similar to the one in the title, so I knew, although it was fiction, it could have been true. The casual racism and "spare the rod" racist- and class-based mentality was tough to take. I had to stop after 1/4 of the book was read, read something lighter, go back for another 1/4 and continue this until it was finished. I also was waylaid by some historical events mentioned, like Rosewood, which should be included in every history class in the US, especially its state of Florida. In fact, it should be on Florida high school reading lists. But, I guess I am dreaming there,

This is really excellent. I hope it gets the attention it deserves.

This book, set in Florida during the Jim Crow era, is a powerful and compelling novel. It is historical horror, but more than that, it is a haunting tale of racial injustice, resilience, and survival. The Reformatory is definitely not an "easy" read, and trigger warnings regarding abuse abound. There are elements of both supernatural and VERY real horror, and I was struck by both being unable to put it down and wanting to look away from what was on the page. All in all, a harrowing and suspenseful read.

I don't even know if I have the words to describe this book. It is searing, powerful, and painful - I had to take breaks every so often because it was so difficult to read. Knowing the author's own family history with the real-life Dozier School for Boys made it even sadder, really. It was heartbreaking and yet still ended with a sense of hope and happiness. I would highly recommend this book to anyone - it's one of the best I've read all year.

Describing this book as a historical horror novel is a little misleading for Tananarive Due’s newest title. While there are ghosts in the plot, the scary part of this book is the historical truth behind the atrocities that occurred at the real life Dozier school in the era of Jim Crow Florida. The author represents own voices by basing the story on her very personal and real life family history making the reading experience of The Reformatory a haunting tale on another level.

The story begins as Gloria and her 12 year old brother, Robbie, are living in poverty in the panhandle area of Florida after their mother’s death. Their father is forced to flee Florida in order to escape being accused of crimes he didn’t commit as the white people in the area try to silence his efforts for black rights. When Gloria and Robbie cross paths with their white, privileged neighbor,Lyle, he makes an unwanted advance at Gloria and Robbie comes to her defense. These actions cause Robbie to be charged with a crime and sent to a notorious reform school for boys known for its abusive treatment resulting in the death of many boys. As Gloria races to find a way to save Robbie from this unlawful imprisonment, he must fight for his survival without losing hope.

A heart breaking and compelling novel whose characters are believable. The reader is transported to Jim Crow Florida through the child narrator who leads us on a harrowing and bleak adventure. A powerful mix of history and fiction with elements of both supernatural and real horror. Written with themes of racial injustice, resilience and perseverance, the author shines light on continuing issues of today. The book was impossible to stop reading as suspense leads to a crescendo that stayed with me long after the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Book for the opportunity to review this title.

It took me a while to get through this one, not because it wasn't a good story told by a good storyteller, but because the story itself was so disturbing. The plot was unique and engrossing but the subject was very heavy and I almost dreaded picking it back up to read. It's an important story to tell and kudos to Ms. Due for her masterful writing. I wish I could have enjoyed it more. My thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I was so nervous to read this. Y’all know I’m not a historical fiction person, but I’ve been trying to ease myself into it by reading genres I do like within historical fiction. I hate to see the way they treated us back in those times, even though it was a sign of the times. So I only read historical fiction written by people of color. And although this has some hard times, I did really enjoy this. Not at all what I thought it was going to be, but so good in the best way.

Ok so the best thing about this book is the adventure that the author takes you on. I don’t think I’ve read a book that actually felt like I was watching a movie in a long time. My heart was RACING and I legit could not stop reading. I don’t think I’ve ever been that into a historical fiction book lol Due wrote this book that had me thinking I was in there with the characters! I mean like when they were running I was exhausted because I was thinking I was running and so on. This book is a workout lol It The writing style had me staying up till 3 am because I needed to get to the end. I could not imagine trying to wait and see what happened in the middle of an ending like that lol

I will say tho, even tho the writing style was immaculate, it did get a little slow in the middle. I did feel that some of it could have been cut for a little smoother transistion into the school. I know it was setting the stage for it to be the gross place that it was and to show all the things happening there, but it felt a little like filler. BUT it was amazing in terms of world building. I just think she went a little heavy on it without saying who or what that person was.

The characters felt hella real to me too. Other than the world, the characters felt hella real. I can’t imagine the scare that his sister was going through while trying to get him out. And I can’t imagine the scare he was going through having to be in that place. I was terrified for them, and it was at that point I had to remind myself that they were characters and I just had to finish the book to help them.

As a horror book, it wasn’t exactly scary. It’s just been called that because of the haints. And these ones aren’t exactly scary, just out for revenge. There is some description of the haints where they look mutilated or look like a gross zombie, but for the most part I didn’t think it was too gruesome or too scary. I’d also classify this as a thriller, because it had my heart going until the end. I have to admit, I also was a little worried for a minute there. I can’t say why, but just know I was like sweating, thinking how are they going to stop THIS? Just know when I say I was awake till 3am I meant it.

I also had no idea that there were real schools like this. I mean I’m sure they did, but my brain never sat and thought about them. So I also listened to the author’s note and went to find more information on some. And listen if you thought the book was heartbreaking, nothing prepared me for the information that I found out or the interviews that have come forward. And although this wasn’t based on any particular real person, I cannot lie and say I don’t think this story is too far fetched. The things that happened at these places were atrocious and I can’t imagine that there’s not some haints out there looking to exact some revenge. This story is fiction, but I could see this happening in real life. Haints and all.

This book had me on the edge of my seat! I learned something more about how terrible history is and I read a bomb ass book in the process. It was a little slow but once it picked up it was hard to stop reading.

Masterful! I am a huge fan of this author and love her work; this book is no exception. Written during the Jim Crow era of racial hatred and bigotry, this book is not your usual horror. It is about the horror of and in the heart of man. The characters are so vivid, so...............real! While reading, I could "see" the children. I could "feel" the racing of their heartbeats. I could "taste" their fear. The horror the children experienced at the hands of a deranged, sadist warden is heartbreaking.

Ms. Due has crafted a story that will have you in a chokehold, yet remind you that although this is a work of fiction, we know it is rooted in the truth of what Black people experienced and had to live through during that era. I went into this book knowing there was a very personal, real life connection for Ms. Due and her family to some elements in this story and that made the reading experience even more haunting.

WOW! wowowowowowowowow.

The Reformatory is a gripping, thought-provoking novel that expertly weaves elements of horror and social commentary. Due's masterful storytelling plunges the reader into a vividly crafted world that is haunting and deeply resonant. The narrative centers around a young protagonist whose journey through the harrowing halls of the reformatory is not just a fight for survival, but a profound exploration of themes like racial injustice, resilience, and the enduring power of hope.

Due's skillful character development and atmospheric setting make the story leap off the pages, creating an immersive experience that is difficult to put down. Her ability to balance the supernatural with poignant historical truths results in a novel that is as enlightening as it is entertaining. The suspense is skillfully built, leading to a crescendo that is both satisfying and introspective.

The Reformatory stands out because of Due's unflinching dedication to shining a light on uncomfortable truths through the lens of speculative fiction. This book is not just a tale of horror and suspense; it is a mirror reflecting societal issues that demand attention.

In short, The Reformatory is a compelling, richly layered narrative that offers a unique blend of horror and historical reality. It's a significant contribution to the genre and a testament to Due's talent as a storyteller and a visionary.

Thank you Netgelly and Gallery / Saga Press for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Living in the rural Southern USA and with generations of family being from the area near the Dozier School, the events that occurred there are even more vivid to me. The reality of the mistreatment, abuses, torture, enslavement, and murder, is difficult to fully comprehend due to its horrific nature. The author did an incredible job creating a fictitious Black boy, Robbie and his sister Gloria. They are living in a rural Florida panhandle town in abject poverty after the death of their mother. Their father had to flee the area because the powerful white townspeople were accusing him of crimes he did not commit in order to justify imprisoning him or lynching him. Robbie and Gloria headed into town and unfortunately encounter their wealthy and well-connected white neighbor. The siblings are wary of any interaction with the white boy (think large farmland and big house, or plantation land) but when this boy tries to hit on Gloria, Robbie intervenes. One thing leads to another and Robbie kicks the kid and the kick is witnessed by the kid's father. What should have been a spat between children turns into a call to the local law enforcement and judge and within a day, Robbie is hauled off the "The Reformatory". It is labeled a school but is well known as essentially a juvenile prison. Awful things happen there and there have been many unexplained deaths over the years.
This story is a tale of the historical events of the Dozier School where evidence of atrocities were discovered, including an unmarked cemetery. But more than historical fiction, this story incorporates the good and the bad people who work at a place like this as well as a supernatural component that adds an interesting technique for bringing to life the historic events.
This is a challenging read due to the real life atrocities that occurred at this facility. I know it is a difficult subject and it should be so. But, with that said, reading what feels like someone's lived experience with the School/Reformatory really gives a rich understanding of how terrible it was. These sorts of histories are important so that our society doesn't return to this sort of place again.
Highly recommend.

#TheReformatory #NetGalley #GalleryBooks #SagaPress

If this wasn't the best book I read this year, it's definitely on the short list.

The description I read of this book made it sound like a horror novel and while there are elements of horror, it's so much more than that. This book is such an interesting and powerful mix of fiction and history, supernatural horror and human horror, and our ability to be terrible to each other and also save each other. The brother and sister at the center of the story are really well-detailed and believable. I thought about this book when I wasn't reading it, I stayed up late multiple nights with it, and it's definitely one that will stick with me. Just a really great book.

Well it is time to call it. I have found my favorite book of 2023 and it is THE REFORMATORY by @tananarivedue. Thank you the author, @netgalley and the publisher @sagapressbooks /@gallerybooks for the e-ARC.

🍁🍁🍁

In Jim Crow Gracetown, Florida, Robbie Stephens has been sentenced to 6 months at the Gracetown Reformatory for Boys after kicking a white boy, Lyle McCormack for making advances on Robbie's sister Gloria. Beyond the corporal punishment Lyle's intimidating patriarch Red, who breaths racism and spite, particularly toward Robbie's father who was recently run outta town for being a well-known black union organizer but under the lie of him having beat and raped a white woman. Like the majority of the other white men in the county, Red wants to see Robbie's dad hang, so he makes sure Robbie is sent to the Gracetown School for Boys. Now his sister and other loved ones must fight for his release, and likely his life as many boys were known to not return from the school.

This juvenile prison disguised as a reform school was based on the historical Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, FL where Due's own great uncle fell victim. I can only imagine the emotions and generational trauma that had to be sorted to bring this book to life.

The palpable, constant anxiety of being under the scrutiny of a powerful, brutal and unforgiving eye - not just for Robbie at the Reformatory but for all the black characters as they went about their daily lives in the Jim Crow South. This book has plenty of scary haints and happenings, but the real villains are, of course, the humans that perpetrate violence on their fellow humans.

This is a powerful, haunting, healing story rooted in history, heart and place. Chapter 33 absolutely gutted me - it has been a minute since I cried from a book but I was sobbing here.

I am continually amazed by Due and the spellbinding tales she spins. This has been on shelves since October 31 so go get it and gobble it up now with your turkey!

This one will boost your anxiety, make you cry, keep you turning pages and have you sitting with the loss of too many children to violence perpetrated by those who are sworn to protect them.

💚SMASHBOT💚

Tananarive Due is back and her pen is STILL wicked. The Reformatory is a horror novel that is not just about jump scares and things that go bump in the night. It is a horror novel about the horrors of Jim Crow and racism, the horrors of an institution allowed to exist despite its sordid history, the horrors of a cruel man allowed to visit his depravity among the defenseless, and the horrors of a world that allows all of these things to happen. And then there’s the haints to contend with. The Reformatory is also about looking fear in the face and saying “Ain’t gonna let no-body…turn me ‘round…” and pressing forward for love and justice. Our main protagonists, Robbie and Gloria, look fear in the face and do just that. 12-year old, Robbie, imprisoned in the Reformatory for defending his sister against unwanted advances from a local white boy, has to learn how to survive in a place designed to crush his spirit and his life. Gloria is determined, by any means necessary, to get her baby brother away from the evils of the reformatory and bring him back home.
Ms. Due has given us a true horror masterpiece. While it is fiction, it is rooted in truth and history (look up the Dozier School for Boys and literature dealing with the oppression of Black folks since our forced removal and arrival to the Americas in 1619), Ms.Due does not skimp on the supernatural horror elements that she is known for. This is one of my favs of the year and it is definitely a 5-star read.

One of the best haunting books I have read in quite some time. Not enough people mention Due when discussing the best modern horror writers. I hope she gets noticed by the masses soon.