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A review by lit_vibrations
The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Special thanks to @hearourvoicestours & @tnzfiction for my gifted copy and to @thomasnelson for my gifted ALC‼️
Vanessa Miller has done it again shedding light on such a tragic time in history the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. This is the 2nd book I’ve read about the massacre and no matter how it’s told the situation remains tragically heartbreaking.
The Filling Station follows two sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice both with future plans in fashion and the other in teaching. When the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre occurs the sisters suffer from a devastating loss as well as the entire Black community of Greenwood. Left with nothing but each other, the sisters flee along what would eventually become iconic Route 66 and stumble upon the Threatt Filling Station, a safe haven and the only place where they can find a shred of hope in oppressive Jim Crow America. At the filling station, they are able to process their pain, fill up their souls, and find strength as they wrestle with a faith in God that has left them feeling abandoned.
The narrative was so captivating yet unsettling the way Miller explored the struggles faced by the community of Greenwood. After destroying everything they worked hard for the community did not let it break them, they didn’t give up, and they refused to leave. Many people would’ve packed up and never looked back but to remain and rebuild was the truest definition of standing on business.
Miller flawlessly portrayed Margaret and Evelyn’s devastating reality and their commitment to survive. Margaret was a very strong character who often questioned God a lot only to marry a man of faith. I loved Elijah for her and the fact he experienced just as much hardship and still stood strong. What they did to his grandmother was unimaginable. I think Evelyn’s character might’ve made me grow a few grey hairs the way that girl had me stressed. The Threatt family was everything those girls and that community needed.
Overall, this book was AMAZING Vanessa Miller does not disappoint. There is so much depth and authenticity in the character development and tension within their personal encounters if I didn’t know it was fiction I’d believe every word. The book was a perfect blend of history, drama, and life-altering decisions that make this story both fascinating and emotionally gripping. I know I don’t have to say it but I highly recommend this book‼️
Vanessa Miller has done it again shedding light on such a tragic time in history the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. This is the 2nd book I’ve read about the massacre and no matter how it’s told the situation remains tragically heartbreaking.
The Filling Station follows two sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice both with future plans in fashion and the other in teaching. When the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre occurs the sisters suffer from a devastating loss as well as the entire Black community of Greenwood. Left with nothing but each other, the sisters flee along what would eventually become iconic Route 66 and stumble upon the Threatt Filling Station, a safe haven and the only place where they can find a shred of hope in oppressive Jim Crow America. At the filling station, they are able to process their pain, fill up their souls, and find strength as they wrestle with a faith in God that has left them feeling abandoned.
The narrative was so captivating yet unsettling the way Miller explored the struggles faced by the community of Greenwood. After destroying everything they worked hard for the community did not let it break them, they didn’t give up, and they refused to leave. Many people would’ve packed up and never looked back but to remain and rebuild was the truest definition of standing on business.
Miller flawlessly portrayed Margaret and Evelyn’s devastating reality and their commitment to survive. Margaret was a very strong character who often questioned God a lot only to marry a man of faith. I loved Elijah for her and the fact he experienced just as much hardship and still stood strong. What they did to his grandmother was unimaginable. I think Evelyn’s character might’ve made me grow a few grey hairs the way that girl had me stressed. The Threatt family was everything those girls and that community needed.
Overall, this book was AMAZING Vanessa Miller does not disappoint. There is so much depth and authenticity in the character development and tension within their personal encounters if I didn’t know it was fiction I’d believe every word. The book was a perfect blend of history, drama, and life-altering decisions that make this story both fascinating and emotionally gripping. I know I don’t have to say it but I highly recommend this book‼️