Praise Jerusalem!
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Book Overview
Praise Jerusalem! spans a few vital weeks in the lives of three elderly Southern women who have been thrust into a concerted effort to find their "New Jerusalem" - a utopia of heavenly perfection. In this case, however, it is the small town of Jerusalem, Georgia, to which the women journey, each expecting to find happiness at last. But to find their utopia, they must overcome the social and racial estrangements that isolate them from each other. Mamie Johnson, an African-American woman who is fleeing from an abusive relationship, desires an existence in which she will be free not only from abuse but also from centuries-old racial stereotypes. Maybelline, in exquisitely polite Southern terms, "has not had advantages", but despite her lack of "good blood", formal education, or fine manners, she determinedly pursues a course of service to the others. Miss Amelia, a small-town dowager who finds herself suddenly bereft of the social and economic security she has enjoyed all her life, makes a dual journey - one in the company of Mamie and Maybelline, and another, more reluctant journey back in memory to a summer of her childhood.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0801058147
ISBN13:9780801058141
Release Date:January 1997
Publisher:Baker Pub Group
Length:288 Pages
Weight:0.90 lbs.
Dimensions:9.0" x 1.0" x 6.3"
Age Range:18 years and up
Grade Range:Postsecondary and higher
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Praise Jerusalem
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
This is a wonderful book. I think it tells the story that we all want the respect of society no matter what socioeconomic group we belong to. The writer has told a powerful and gentle story about love. In the end it is all about love.
Southern Beauty & Charm
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
Mrs. Trobaugh is truly a gifted writer. This book is a treat of sweet memories of times gone by. Loved it & recommend it highly.
Along for the ride
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This novel is a treasure of times-gone-by Southern atmosphere. As the three central characters journeyed to their new home in Jerusalem, Georgia, down rutted dirt roadways enveloped in kudzu wines, I traveled with them through my own rural upbringing. The novel focuses on the emotional journey of Miss Amelia as she makes sense of her past and reconciles it with her future. It is a pleasure to go along for the ride, marveling at Trobaugh's rich and specific language and her considerable talent for telling a story.
A thoughtful and engaging book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Praise Jerusalem was a marvelous book. The three main characters are believable and captured my interest from the start. The story was surprisingly suspenseful for such a gentle, thoughtful book. Trobaugh's writing is simple and elegant, and she deals with serious themes deftly. And she has a great gift for humor. I enjoyed this book greatly, and would rank among the best books I've read in the past few years.
A wonderful book of pithy observations and memories.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
Praise Jerusalum! is my favorite book of the year. After getting it at the library, I had to buy my own copy. This is a story of an elderly woman facing a lot of changes in her life and life style while trying to live up to her mother's ingrained training of "maintaining appearances". It is funny, touching and has several interesting twists and turns.
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