The Choir Ladies: Gospel Meets Gullah

By Joyce Klein

Welcome To Choir Practice Where You Will Meet The Choir Ladies When the Choir Ladies of the little Baptist Church in South Beaumont get together for some of their hand clappin', body swayin', shake the rafters gospel, even the devil sets pitchfork aside and taps his feet. These descendants of African slaves place themselves in the loving care of the Almighty; but give a nod to voodoo, some good Gullah cookin', and a bit of female trickery where their men are concerned. Their strategies keep life in their little town from being anything but dull The Choir Ladies Avella is the choir director when we met her in the 1940's. Employed as a domestic she understands her place in life but hopes for the day when "someone" will change circumstances for her race. Esther, as a young woman meets and marries her first love, who comes to a violent end. The next man in her life is a brutal, drunken bully who beats Esther so severely that she takes her child and leaves him forever. He resurfaces later in life laying claim to her and her son. In her last attempt at matrimony Esther decides to entice Deacon Williams and sets a snare that proves a test of wills. Eula, her hat decorating ability proves somewhat less than a blessing when she fashions one of her creations for Esther's wedding to the Deacon. Johnnie Mae, an independent take charge lady who fends off critters as well as threatening situations; keeping her head when others lose theirs. Sudie, most fragile member of the choir, is witness to a traumatic experience early in childhood when her dearest friend is attacked. This, combined with the fact that she is a homely child, makes her a prickly pear where young men are concerned. An anonymous admirer tries to woo her with love letters. The way she handles events when her would be lover is at last revealed is a surprise to all. For a time she has all that she desires until once more tragic events take over her life, ultimately impacting on the lives of those she loves most.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1432775359
• ISBN13: 9781432775353
• Release Date: July 2011
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.6" x 5.0"