Rating: ⭐⭐⭐-(3/5)
Amazingly, one of the characters, Thelonia, of this book, Little tea by Claire Fullerton, is nicknamed after the title. Thelonia is a black girl who becomes friends with a white girl, Ceila. As the book shuffles between the 1980s and the current day, we encounter a story of an old relationship from the Memphis days between Ceila, Ava, and Renny. We also explore a strong connection despite prevalent racism between Ceila and Little tea aka Thelonia.
There is powerful character building in this book. Claire has faultlessly breathed life into all the characters in her story. All the personalities: from Ceila to Tate to David to Mark to Hayward to the others have phenomenal chemistry. Due to the slow-paced nature of the book, readers may require some patience to absorb the story. There's an increasing yet solid flow as the book progresses.
Claire's Southern narrative voice is precise and enchanting. She impeccably addresses the sensitive theme of racism that is especially prominent in the South. She also infuses motives of family drama, obsession, pessimism, passion, and resentment. In truth, the book has numerous themes, but the author does not fail to introduce humor to prevent us from being overwhelmed by the story.
Nonetheless, I did not appreciate the closing of this book because I felt there was more information we, the readers, expected to know. Celia's anger at Tate’s marriage seemed unjustified. Some scenes were an unnecessary input to the story, like Ava’s entire saga from the beginning. Ultimately, I am rating this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy the themes of drama, friendship, and love.
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