Bernice L. McFadden is one of the best contemporary literary writers out
there today...Her brilliance, her talent as a novelist, is the very life
she breathes into all of her characters.
--Terry McMillan, from the Introduction
Bernice L. McFadden was one of the best writers to emerge in the
post-Waiting to Exhale explosion that introduced at least a dozen
Black female novelists. Loving Donovan has generated near-cult status
among readers. After more than a decade since it appeared, Donovan is
being reissued. How fitting that Terry McMillan has written a new
introduction. If you've read Donovan before, you will fall in love all
over again. And if this is your first time, prepare yourself for an
intense romance between an enigmatic antihero and a heroine who will
feel like your homegirl.
--Essence Magazine
Loving Donovan is brilliant. By exploring the depth of her characters,
the novel transforms what, on the surface, may appear to be the
run-of-the-mill, paperback sentimental, tear-jerking coupling, into an
understanding, unflinching, expertly told tale of human nature.
--AALBC
One of Library Journal's 25 Key Indie Fiction Titles for Fall
2014-Winter 2015!
A two-time Hurston/Wright Legacy Award finalist also twice honored by
the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, McFadden presents
a love story starring Campbell and Donovan--both from shattered homes,
both still hopeful, and both shaped more by history than they can
imagine. Don't miss.
--Library Journal Prepub Alert
Loving Donovan firmly establishes McFadden among the ranks of those
few writers of whom you constantly beg for more.
--Black Issues Book Review
McFadden is clearly adept in keeping the reader entertained, captivated,
and on our toes to try to figure out what's going to happen next. The
rich characters, life situations, and language all wrapped up in such a
small book and saying so much is a feat.
--Brown Girl Reading
Praise for Bernice L. McFadden:
McFadden works a kind of miracle--not only do her characters retain
their appealing humanity; their story eclipses the bonds of history to
offer continuous surprises.
--New York Times, on Gathering of Waters
Searing and expertly imagined.
--Toni Morrison, on The Warmest December
With a new introduction by Terry McMillan.
The first section of McFadden's unconventional love story belongs to
Campbell. Despite being born to a brokenhearted mother and a faithless
father, Campbell still believes in the power of love...if she can ever
find it. Living in the same neighborhood, but unknown to Campbell until
a chance meeting brings them together, is Donovan, the little man of a
shattered home--a family torn apart by anger and bitterness.
In the face of daunting obstacles, Donovan dreams of someday marrying,
raising a family, and playing in the NBA. But deep inside, Campbell and
Donovan live with the histories that have shaped their lives. What they
discover--together and apart--forms the basis of this compelling,
sensual, and surprising novel.
