Dollbaby by Laura Land McNeal

I enjoyed The Help both as a book and a movie and enjoyed watching The Secret Life of Bees even though I did not read the book. When the cover of this one said it was of the same genre I went for it. It did not disappoint.  Miss Ibby is the main character. Had to smile at her name-Liberty Alice Bell. Only in the south would they come up with names like Vidrine and Ibby!

While the book is overall a coming of age novel about a dysfunctional family, these characters are rich; some literally, others figuratively! Fannie, Queenie and Doll are as full of life as Ibby. They love, fight, and cherish each other. They also are a bit unique within their own lives. 

Fannie—a young woman who does not trust banks, married a boat captain, was a stripper and now is a leading lady of New Orleans society.  Was not happy when her own son married beneath him and is now raising her granddaughter after the widowed Vidrine drops Ibby off and never returns. She loves Ibby and wants her to be very happy.  The dolls she gives her on each birthday will ensure that.

Vidrine—a woman who marries above herself and when widowed does the only thing she can for her daughter—gives her to her detested mother-in-law.  Was that an act of selfishness so she could go off and lead her own life or of selfless love because she realized she lacked the many skills necessary to provide for her daughter?

Queenie-she came with the house.  She is the true glue in the book. She takes everything ins stride, counsels everyone in the house and always has their backs regardless of the mess they may be making of things.  Ibby learns so much from her.

Doll—sassy, loving, smart.  Given the ending of the book, it is no wonder!  I will not say more for fear of ruining the book for those who haven’t read it yet. 

Ibby—shy, resilient, daring and cautious.  She is growing into a strong southern woman!  She stands up to Annabelle, the neighborhood bully.  She does not see the color of a person’s skin but the character of their soul—something that was part of coming of age in the Civil Rights Movement.

The book provided many more twists than I had imagined.  Who would have thought of a nun who used to be a stripper!  I must say I was engaged until the very last page and happily so!