TL;DR
A gritty and haunting debut about a girl convicted of murder seeking truth while surviving life in a group home.
What is Allegedly about
Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson is a young adult novel that tells the story of Mary B. Addison, a girl convicted of killing a baby when she was nine years old. Now living in a group home, Mary faces a new struggle as she tries to set the record straight for the sake of her unborn child. The book delves into themes of race, justice, and the complexities of truth, offering a gripping narrative that challenges readers to question what they know about guilt and innocence.
Allegedly 6 Key Takeaways
Mary's Conviction
Mary B. Addison was convicted of killing a baby at the age of nine. The media and public quickly judged her, transforming her into a symbol of societal failures.
Life in Group Home
Now living in a group home, Mary faces new challenges including maintaining a forbidden relationship with Ted, and navigating the oppressive and often violent environment.
Pregnancy Revelation
Mary discovers she is pregnant with Ted's child. This revelation forces her to reconsider her past and her future as she tries to protect her unborn baby from being taken away by the state.
Fight for the Truth
Determined to change her fate, Mary begins to uncover the truth about the night of the murder, which brings her to confront her mother, the only person who might hold the key to her freedom.
Mother-Daughter Confrontation
Mary's relationship with her mother is fraught with tension and mistrust. The book reaches a critical point as Mary must decide whether to trust her mother to help her or continue to battle the system alone.
Unraveling the Past
As Mary digs deeper, she begins to unravel the complex layers of her past, questioning everything she thought she knew about her crime and herself.
Top Allegedly Quotes
- “No one knows the real Momma. But does anyone know the real Mary?”
- “The truth is complicated, layered, and sometimes it’s built on a foundation of lies.”
Who should read Allegedly?
Allegedly is ideal for young adults and adults interested in thought-provoking literature that tackles complex issues such as racial injustice, psychological trauma, and the ambiguities of truth and guilt. It’s a compelling read for those who appreciate gritty, emotionally charged narratives.
Allegedly Best Reviews
- “A taut, sophisticated, and unflinching novel about justice in America.” - Kirkus Reviews
- “Jackson’s debut is a powerful, haunting tale about the complexities of guilt and innocence, race, and the legal system.” - Publishers Weekly
People also liked these summaries
Allegedly FAQs
Why is Allegedly a good book?
Allegedly presents an accurate, confronting environment where characters are controlled by their circumstances. It deals with complex themes such as racial prejudice, psychological trauma, and the quest for truth, making it a thought-provoking read.
What is the theme of the book Allegedly?
The theme revolves around the complexities of justice, racial prejudice, and the subjective nature of truth. It highlights the unfair disadvantages that people of color face and challenges readers to reconsider their perspectives on guilt and innocence.
What are the trigger warnings for Allegedly?
Trigger warnings include child death, child abuse, violence, domestic violence, teen pregnancy, mental illness, sexual content, abuse, pedophilia, rape, prostitution, statutory rape, homophobic comments, vomit, and colorism.