58 pages • 1 hour read
Tananarive DueThe Reformatory: A Novel
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Tananarive Due's historical horror novel The Reformatory, 12-year-old Robert "Robbie" Stephens, Jr. is sentenced to six months at the Gracetown School for Boys, haunted by ghosts or "haints." His ability to sense these spirits makes him valuable to the brutal superintendent, Fenton Haddock, who seeks to hide the institution's dark history. Meanwhile, Robbie's sister, Gloria, tirelessly works to secure his release. The novel includes themes of racism within the American criminal justice system, the struggle to reconcile the past with the present, and the power of community. It features depictions of violence, abuse, and offensive language.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due is Commended for its evocative prose and immersive storytelling. It tackles complex themes of racial injustice and supernatural horror with equal finesse. Some readers found pacing issues in the middle sections, but overall, it is a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Reformatory?
A reader who would enjoy The Reformatory by Tananarive Due appreciates historical fiction intertwined with supernatural elements and themes of social justice. Fans of Toni Morrison’s Beloved and Stephen King's The Shining will find this novel compelling for its rich storytelling and haunting atmosphere.