Review: A Saga of Sisterhood in "Destiny Love Jones"

By: Trishana Horton

Destiny Love Jones, Vol. 1: Sisters and the Plight with Boys by N. R. White is a friendship saga emerging from the aging sisterhood of childhood friends Augustine, Holly, and Pearl. When Augustine pursues a love affair with a boy her father disapproves of, a multilayered drama of death, love, and revenge unfolds.

Traveling through multiple time periods, the story chronicles the lives of these “sisters” and the daughters they birth from the war, segregation, classism, and patriarchy of the 1940s and 1950s to the challenges of fractured homes and high school politics in the 1990s. Their families — the Bennetts, the Loves, and the Jones — love, fight, and love again all while pursuing wealth in their small farming and fishing community of Nova Scotia, Canada.

White’s female characters are strong-willed and passionate. Sisterhood grounds them as they mature and make life-changing decisions. These teenage girls take daring risks and confidently pursue the desires of their hearts. No matter the challenge, they learn to stick together and to support each other.

“Hon, I’m in awe of your bravery and free spirit,
and I’m flying vicariously on the back of your wings.”

Cover of Destiny Love Jones, Vol. 1 — Cover of *Destiny Love Jones, Vol. 1*

I have read my share of juicy dramas, and although this one is not short on surprises, it is most suitable for a younger crowd. Its central characters are teenagers entering young adulthood. One notable element, however, is its multi-generational characters. These differing viewpoints add depth and history to the reading experience.

This book is a must-read for the Young Adult crowd. White’s young characters actively pursue romances with suitors that are not always applauded by their families, or friends. Whilst they do their best to govern the decisions of their own lives, their parents often sway their choices.

This book is engrossing, and YA readers will experience an entertaining escape. N. R. White delivers the perfect late-night read in Destiny Love Jones, vol.1. It is a great book to share and discuss amongst friends.