The House Of Eve

By Sadeqa Johnson

House of Eve: Obsessed and Over the Moon

Hey, y’all! Today’s review is all about The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson—a book I’ve been eagerly waiting for! Y’all already know how much I adored Yellow Wife, so when I saw Johnson had a new release, it was an instant “I need it now” moment. And sure, I could’ve pre-ordered it, but there’s something so satisfying about walking into the store and picking up a book on release day. Called up Barnes & Noble just to make sure they had it in stock because we all know they can sometimes mess around with availability, especially for Black authors. Anyway, I’m ready to dive into this book with y’all!

So, a little rundown before we get into the good stuff. The House of Eve takes us to the 1950s, and we follow two main characters: Ruby, a young girl from Philly with dreams bigger than her circumstances, and Eleanor, a Howard University sophomore from Ohio navigating a whole new world of colorism and racial dynamics. Johnson’s storytelling immediately pulled me in, and it felt like each page had me in my feelings!

Key Themes

One of the standout themes in The House of Eve is resilience—how Ruby and Eleanor push through their challenges and stay committed to their dreams despite everything thrown at them. Ruby faces intense family issues, her own mother wishing she’d never been born, while she’s trying to be the first in her family to go to college. Meanwhile, Eleanor’s navigating a prestigious Black community at Howard, where issues of colorism are real, and she learns just how divisive social status can be. Johnson captures the strength it takes to pursue your goals when so many odds are stacked against you.

Another powerful theme Johnson explores is love, particularly the kind that defies social norms and expectations. Ruby’s love interest, Shimmy, is a young Jewish boy—a big no-no in the ‘50s, especially in Philly. Then there’s Eleanor, falling for William, who comes from an old-money Black family where keeping their legacy pure means staying within certain social circles. The way Johnson portrays these relationships digs deep into the complexities of love, showing how Ruby and Eleanor’s stories unfold against society’s rules.

Characters

Ruby and Eleanor are two of the most well-drawn characters I’ve encountered in a while. Ruby’s determination is fierce, even as she battles rejection from her own mom. She’s got her sights set on college, driven by dreams bigger than her neighborhood, and you can’t help but root for her. Then we have Eleanor—smart, resilient, and unapologetically herself. Coming from Ohio, she’s used to a world where people of all races come together, so her first encounter with colorism at Howard is a real shock. But she’s determined to hold her ground and find her place.

Then there’s Aunt Marie, based on the real-life Gladys Bentley, who steps in as a mother figure for Ruby. She’s a lounge singer, bold and unapologetic, dressed in men’s clothing and running numbers on the side. Aunt Marie’s character brings such richness to Ruby’s story; she’s tough but tender, the kind of woman who’s seen it all and isn’t afraid to take care of her own. This dynamic adds a warmth to the story, making Ruby’s journey even more layered and memorable.

Writing Style

Sadeqa Johnson has a way with words that brings every scene to life. Her storytelling feels like a movie, and you can picture everything so vividly—from Eleanor’s walks through Howard’s campus to Ruby and Shimmy’s secret meetups in Philly. Johnson’s writing feels cinematic, and the way she builds each scene is just beyond. I can practically feel myself in Ruby’s cramped apartment or Eleanor’s dorm room, and that’s the magic of Johnson’s style—it’s visual, engaging, and immersive.

The way Johnson balances serious topics with emotional depth and moments of softness really stands out. There’s this realism in her work that feels deeply relatable, even when she’s covering issues like colorism and social expectations. Her writing feels intimate, pulling you right into her characters’ thoughts and emotions. Every detail she adds, from historical references to cultural nuances, makes the world of The House of Eve feel authentic and deeply connected to its time period.

Personal Thoughts

I knew this book would be amazing, but Sadeqa Johnson really blew me away. I was fully invested from page one, so much so that I picked up a second copy to keep on my shelf, untouched. There’s something about Johnson’s ability to make her characters feel so real that makes this book unforgettable. Ruby and Eleanor are on journeys that are intense, raw, and full of heart, and I was cheering them on, crying with them, and completely wrapped up in their stories.

This story is also a love letter to women who pushed boundaries and fought against the odds. Johnson doesn’t just tell a story; she weaves in historical detail, cultural depth, and emotional truths that make you pause and reflect. Reading this book felt like a rollercoaster of emotions, and Johnson kept me guessing at every turn. I love a book that pulls me in this much!

Rating & Recommendation

This book is a solid 5/5 stars for me, and that’s not something I give out lightly. Johnson has outdone herself, and if you loved Yellow Wife, you absolutely need to read The House of Eve. It’s got everything—rich storytelling, historical context, drama, and the kind of characters who stay with you long after you finish. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction or just love a well-told story, this one’s going to leave a mark.

If you’re new to Sadeqa Johnson, The House of Eve is a fantastic introduction to her work. This is the kind of book you’ll want to read slowly and savor, but trust me, once you start, you won’t want to put it down. Johnson is an incredible writer, and I can’t wait to see more from her.

Join the Conversation

Have you read The House of Eve? What did you think of Ruby and Eleanor’s journeys? Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you haven’t picked it up yet, I hope this review has you as excited as I am. This book is definitely one to add to your TBR if you’re in the mood for a story packed with substance, depth, and all the feels. Let’s talk about Sadeqa Johnson’s magic and our favorite moments from the book! And if you’re interested in diving even deeper, join us in the Lex Reads Book Club where we unpack great books like this and many others.