What readers think of The Last List of Miss Judith Kratt, plus links to write your own review.

I have always had an interest in books based in the South and Southern traditions. We just moved from NJ to NC and therefore thought I would try this book. I truly enjoyed how the author tied the list of items noted by MIss Judith to be inventoried to the events in the story. The dynamics of the flashbacks to her youth were very poignant. I would recommend this book to anyone interested to read more about the dynamics of the racial issues prior to segregation and the impact to those who tried to "cross the lines". I would however have liked more detail on Judith's family i.e. her father and mother to understand why they chose the paths they did. I loved the character of Olva and her commitment to Judith and found the way the author developed the story line of Judith and Olva and the mystery of Judith's brother Quincy's death, very well crafted. There is love, humor and tragedy in this book and you are left pondering what could have been if times were different. I would recommend to young people and to book clubs. There is much to discuss and compare to the changes in race relations today.

Slow starting for me as Miss Judith Kratt decides to take a detailed inventory of the contents of her house where she has lived her entire life. The inventory, varied and detailed stirs up memories and family secrets and as the inventory progresses - the secrets, the cruelty and mores of the day come to light. The reader is transported back and forth between a previous era and the present as the characters develop and mysteries revealed. It's one of those books where the characters stay with you after the book is finished

I could almost hear Judith's southern accent in my ear. I really liked her character. I would love to sit down and spend an afternoon with her! Her inventory list grows as more history and secrets are revealed.
The writing is beautiful. Andrea Bobotis is a gifted and humorous story teller.

May 1989: Miss Judith Kratt of Bound, South Carolina, begins an inventory of possessions on the old Kratt estate. At 75 years, it is time for Judith to review, reassess and reassign. And, we are privileged to overhear memories.

The prelude to the story (alternating in 1929 and 1989 timelines) is "Murder Stuns Distinguished Family" and it details the death of 14 year old Quincy Kratt in 1929.
The political, social and economic landscape is detailed in this Southern historical fiction, and a multilayered family structure emerges.

The characters are sharp and portrayal of the times is vivid. The inventory list grows and unfolds into the Kratt family saga. Although I anticipated a few things, there was much more that was intriguing. I think many readers would find this tale worth the pursuit.

There is a strong hook at the beginning of The Last List of Miss Judith Kratt. The boy - did he die of an accident, or was it murder? The writing is distinctively southern and engaging, with interesting characters. Things were happening all the time to keep me interested, but I found it somewhat confusing as the chapters flipped from present to past and back, and elements of the ending of the book did not ring true for me. Overall I think it is a solid read, but not worthy of 5 stars.

A list of possessions becomes a list of memories and secrets kept for 60 years. I wanted to hear more from Judith as she brought forth the relevance of each item in her inventory as it related to the history of her family and the small southern town of her childhood. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling thru time with each tray, figurine, book and piece of furniture. I highly recommend this book for reading groups.

When I first started to read this book, I thought it was going to be in the genre of Harper Lee-- southern mystery and history blended into a likable, easy to read story. Instead I found the story contrived and loosely put together by confusing attempts to keep the reader guessing. To say I was disappointed is an understatement. The author's credentials are impressive, but somehow she did not put together storylines well. Much editing is needed before this book is released!