I knew very little about Hattie McDaniel's life, except for the fact that she earned an Academy Award for her portrayal of Mammy in Gone With the Wind (and was the first African-American actor to win that award). Although I was aware that there was strong backlash against the movie from the Black press at the time, I didn't know the extent to which McDaniel battled with both white condescension and Black criticism, nor of her turbulent private life. Such a complex life story is ripe for historical fiction, and ReShonda Tate handles her complicated history and legacy with care and compassion.

I did feel that there was a bit too much description and "info-dumping" in the beginning (my one criticism), but as I settled into the story, I was captivated by McDaniel's voice (Tate writes in first person narrative). I have seen Gone With the Wind many times; as a white middle grade student in small-town Louisiana in the 1990s, it was actually shown in my history class, a fact which I abhor (and struggle with its hold on me). After reading this, I rewatched the iconic "stair scene" with Mammy and Melanie (in which Mammy tells Melanie abut the aftermath of Bonnie Blue's death); a magnificent scene from McDaniel. After reading this compelling novel, I have a newfound appreciation for Hattie McDaniel, and for her Black actor colleagues of the time, who faced unimagineable circumstances and choices that we cannot understand, as well as the Black activists and journalists who spoke out against the blatant stereotypes depicted in entertainment.


Many thanks to William Morrow/William Morrow Paperbacks and NetGalley for a digital review in exchange for an honest review.

What a remarkable book. Clear, and engaging historical fiction. For anyone interested in African American history, or literature featuring African American characters, this is the book for you. I was throughly engaged in this telling of the life of Hattie McDaniel. A figure whose place in history should be elevated. Beautiful read.