44 pages • 1 hour read •
The Yellow House
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Book Brief
304
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
New Orleans, Louisiana • 1960s
2019
Grove Press
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom is a nonfiction memoir that traces the history of New Orleans through three generations of Broom's family, focusing on her childhood home, "The Yellow House." Starting with her mother purchasing the house in 1961, Broom recounts family struggles, the impact of Hurricane Betsy and Katrina, and her own journey of self-discovery and reconciliation with her family's past.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Emotional
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
29,148 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sarah M. Broom's The Yellow House offers a poignant memoir blending family history, personal narrative, and the impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans. Praised for its vivid storytelling and depth, it sometimes meanders and can be dense. However, its rich detail and emotional honesty resonate strongly with readers.
Who Should Read The Yellow House?
Readers who appreciate deeply personal memoirs like Jesmyn Ward’s Men We Reaped or Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me will find Sarah M. Broom's The Yellow House compelling. This book appeals to those interested in family histories, socio-economic challenges, and the resilience of New Orleans' residents.
29,148 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ivory Mae Broom
Ivory Mae Broom
Sarah M. Broom’s mother, who originally purchased the Yellow House in 1961 where she raised her family. Ivory Mae uses a hearing aid to manage her hearing loss, reflecting a broader theme of selectively tuning out uncomfortable realities.
The Yellow House won the 2019 National Book Award for Nonfiction, marking Sarah M. Broom's first major literary award.
The book weaves in elements of memoir and social history, providing a deeply personal exploration of Broom's family and their home in New Orleans East.
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The Yellow House was named one of the Top Ten Books of 2019 by both The New York Times Book Review and Time magazine.
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304
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
New Orleans, Louisiana • 1960s
2019
Grove Press
Adult
18+ years
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