**3-Star Review: *Dollbaby* by Laura Lane McNeal**

*Dollbaby* by Laura Lane McNeal is a heartfelt coming-of-age story set in 1960s New Orleans. The novel follows Ibby Bell, a young girl sent to live with her eccentric grandmother, Fannie, after her father’s sudden death. In Fannie’s household, Ibby is introduced to a cast of colorful characters, including Dollbaby, the family’s housekeeper, and Queenie, the cook. Together, they help Ibby navigate family secrets, loss, and the racial tensions of the era.

McNeal captures the atmosphere of New Orleans beautifully, with rich descriptions that immerse the reader in the city’s culture and history. The dynamic between the characters, especially the relationship between Ibby, Dollbaby, and Queenie, is endearing and touching, providing a warm sense of community and belonging.

However, the book falls short in its pacing and depth. Some plot developments feel rushed, while significant historical and social themes, like racism and civil rights, are touched upon but not fully explored. Additionally, certain characters, like Fannie, could have been more developed, leaving the story feeling somewhat incomplete.

While *Dollbaby* is a pleasant and nostalgic read with strong Southern charm, it lacks the depth and emotional impact that could have made it a standout. A good read, but not as memorable as it could have been.

New Orleans is high on my travel wish list and reading Doll-baby made me feel that tug even more. This slow burn historical novel set in 1964 revolves around Ibby whose life ends up uprooted after the loss of her dad. Her mom unable to cope sends Ibby (and the ashes of her dead father) to stay with her very unconventional grandmother Fannie in New Orleans. However it's the time she spends with her grandmother's cook Queenie and her daughter Dollbaby that ends up creating a sense of family in ways Ibby never expected.

I enjoy coming of age stories and this debut warmed its way into my heart. Highly recommend this one for fans of historical family dramas with an element of mystery to it. The story is more character than plot driven and though the story revolves around Ibby's experience, it's Dollbaby that ends up being the start of this literary show.

A big thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review!

This book was requested when I was young and requested more books than I could possibly read. Sadly, I no longer have access to this book and my tastes have changed. Thus I will not be able to give feedback on this title.

I was unable to read this before it expired. Please accept my apologies. I hope to read more books later.

When Ibby Bell’s father dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1964, her mother unceremoniously deposits Ibby with her eccentric grandmother Fannie and throws in her father’s urn for good measure. Fannie’s New Orleans house is like no place Ibby has ever been—and Fannie, who has a tendency to end up in the local asylum—is like no one she has ever met. Fortunately, Fannie’s black cook, Queenie, and her smart-mouthed daughter, Dollbaby, take it upon themselves to initiate Ibby into the ways of the South, both its grand traditions and its darkest secrets.

For Fannie’s own family history is fraught with tragedy, hidden behind the closed rooms in her ornate Uptown mansion. It will take Ibby’s arrival to begin to unlock the mysteries there. And it will take Queenie and Dollbaby’s hard-won wisdom to show Ibby that family can sometimes be found in the least expected places.

I was very impressed by the story of Dollbaby. It had so many layers, unexpected plot turns and mystery that I could't put it down. It is about loss, about friendship, family, race and prejudice, but mostly about the beautiful relationships between these characters.
Fannie was quite an eccentric character, I still don't know what to think of her as she was very mysterious and was hiding so many secrets. Queenie and Dollbaby both get a very special bond with Ibby. They are in certain ways mothering her when she grows up. The story is set in New Orleans, right in the Civil Rights period. As the story unfolds and you learn of the losses Fannie has faced throughout life, you really start to admire the woman who has lost so much, yet struggled to hold on, all for the sake of her granddaughter.
I think this is the kind of book that fans of The Help will certainly like, and I am very curious what it would be like if this book would be made into a movie, which I think the story loans itself perfect for. Loved it and highly recommend this gem of a book!