Book Reviews & Giveaway: Love, Honor and Betray

Love, Honor, and Betray

Author: Kimberla Lawson Roby

Sometimes you have to read and review a novel according to the culture it resides within. Such a book is “Love, Honor and Betray.” I could have just dissed this novel as superficial and emotionally immature, but what I discovered as I read was that Ms. Roby presents an affluent Black family, well known in the community, with a myriad of personal shortcomings. However, while this would have flat lined, the novel floated above a superficial plot. Roby presents the Black family as they really are, and we find we have compassion for Charlotte, who learns the lesson of self control although too late, and Curtis, who as a man of God presents every single fault a man can have – as well as many wonderful qualities. Life is about complexity and I couldn’t put this novel down. It is not great literature; it is an enjoyable read about real people who struggle with emotional maturity in a culture that defines them through White eyes and values. And that is unfair and unrealistic.

Quick and sharp as a dot, “Love, Honor and Betray” moves fast and fearlessly into the marriage and lives of Reverend Curtis Black, head of a prestigious Black church as he commands a six figure income, his wife Charlotte, who lives the Diva life and is spoiled rotten, his son Matthew, his step daughter Alicia and his little 2 year old daughter Curlina, whom Charlotte hates. Curlina is the product of Curtis’ latest fling with Tabitha, his mistress who has died from AIDS. And Curtis brings her into his family as Charlotte must live with the little girl’s presence as a constant reminder of Curtis’ inability to keep his pants up. However, Charlotte is no angel. She had a prior affair with Aaron, and when she got pregnant, told Curtis that Alicia was his daughter. Curtis discovered the truth and accepted Alicia as his own. And he cannot allow Charlotte to throw 2 year old Curlina to the dogs. When Charlotte begins two affairs, and tells Curtis it is Curlina or her, Curtis lays down the law. Curlina is staying.

The plot thickens. Charlotte’s one night stand wants revenge on Curtis. Curtis had an affair with his wife, and his child walked in on them. The child died as he ran out of the house and was killed by a car. The man blackmails Charlotte, then sends nude pictures of the two of them in bed to Curtis – and Matthew.

Curtis wants to bed every beautiful woman he meets in his Church. He restrains himself this time however as he has not in the past. He tries to rise to his standards to be a better man.

This novel presents the lives of two people both very flawed who do the best that they can. What I loved about it was that 1) it was unputdownable and 2) it faced reality and stayed there. A good job by Ms. Roby, and a good presentation of the problems we have created in our society by touting material lifestyles over emotional intelligence. Not preachy, not didactic, just plain facts, ma’am. Very entertaining and compassionate.

Love, Honor, and Betray is available at bookstores nationwide.

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Overall: 3.5

Review by Broad “A” – Ava

We received a copy of this title for our book review. All opinions are our own.

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