Review: Why “The Friends” by Rosa Guy Should Be on Your “Books to Read or Read Again” List
By: Deborah Harris
Rosa Guy’s novel The Friends is such a worthy read. I am typically not moved by accolades like “award-winning” and “best-seller” as I have started and not finished quite a few books with those descriptors. However, this particular novel is different. The author captured my attention immediately and I quickly connected with the main character, Phyllisia Cathy.
Guy’s expert use of colloquialisms and slang not only helps to paint a clear picture of the characters, it also serves as the vehicle that seamlessly ties them together. I will admit I was not as familiar with some of the jargon (phrases like “she gone”, “doing nastiness”, and “ragamuffins” definitely were new for me), however, that did not prevent me from being able to deduce the meaning and enjoy the verbiage.
The story takes place in Harlem, New York during the 1960s and centers on Phyllisia Cathy, a young teen of West Indian/ Afro-Caribbean descent, and her friendship with another young teenager, Edith Jackson. Other critical characters in the book are Phyllisia’s sister (Ruby), her father (Calvin) and mother (Ramona). Guy’s portrayal of the main character’s relationship with her family members feels painfully representative of many familial relationships we see today. For instance, Guy captures the dynamics of one child being labeled as prettier than the other and the awkwardness of a father who struggles to display affection towards his daughters.
Phyllisia and Calvin are both presented as strong-willed and lacking in vulnerability. While the relationship of Phyllisia and her father is critical to the story, a pivotal moment occurs between Phyllisia and her mother, after Edith Jackson is rudely asked to leave Phyllisia’s home, and Physillia fails to defend her. When Romana finally addresses the incident with her daughter, Phyllisia is left feeling disappointed by her mother’s words. Guy does a wonderful job of displaying unmet expectations between a mother and daughter and provides the reader with insider’s perspective on this very common occurrence.
Strained family relationships, teenage bullying, poverty, mental illness, and shaming are all addressed in this novel, in a thought-provoking and intimate fashion. I found it interesting that although poverty is covered throughout the novel, Phyllisia’s and her family’s true economic status is not clearly revealed until the final chapters of the book. Overall, this novel was quite the treat. The Friends is one classic to add to your personal library.
The Friends by Rosa Guy.
1995. Laurel Leaf Press: 192 PAGES. PAPERBACK $ 6.92
A new author in the area of children’s literature, Deborah Delois Harris published Amaris Great Adventures: Thee Magical Playground in October of 2018. Focusing on increasing the number of books featuring African Americans as the main characters, Deborah plans to write books that are fun for children and their parents, and culturally representative of African Americans and their diverse backgrounds.
