Being Clem by Lesa Cline-Ransome tells a coming-of-age story set in 1940s Chicago. A nine-year-old African American boy loses his soldier father, a hero. It’s sad, especially because his father has been gone so long that Clem hardly knew him.
As time goes by, Clem grapples with the idea that he, Clem, is named after his hero dad. So, does he want to be like his father? Yes. But how, when he hardly knew him?
Clem sees himself as less than heroic, dominated by his two older sisters and pushed around at school. Would his dad have been like that? Worst of all, he’s terrified of the water. But his dad was a master swimmer.
Clem wonders: Who is Clem, anyway? What does he want? And does he have the courage to face down his fears, especially about swimming?
This is a quiet book, a character-driven story with a lot of resonance, and a good look at African-American life in the mid twentieth century. It completes a trilogy, with the other two books focused on two other boys. Cline-Ransome is clearly a master storyteller. I’ll give it 4.5 stars.
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@Barrie Summy
I like reading a quieter, character-driven book. I like the change of pace. And figuring out who you are is tough stuff. Did you read the other two books in this trilogy? Thanks for reviewing, Phyllis! This book sounds interesting.
It sounds like a sweet and charming book. Thank you for your review!
I agree with everything Barrie said! Thanks for reviewing.
Chicago in the 40s was probably a hard place to grow up without a father. Interesting this series is based on the lives of three boys growing up. – Margy