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.

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.

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.

Tananarive Due

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Reformatory reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Reformatory | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Reformatory and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Reformatory Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Reformatory Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “McCormack Road” - Part 2: “The Reformatory”

Parts 1-2

The Reformatory Parts 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Funhouse” - Part 4: “The Courthouse”

Parts 3-4

The Reformatory Parts 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Haint Catcher” - Part 6: “Lower Spruce”

Parts 5-6

The Reformatory Parts 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Boot Hill”

Part 7 The Reformatory Part 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 8: “The Hunt”

Part 8 The Reformatory Part 8 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Reformatory Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Reformatory Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Reformatory Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Reformatory Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Reformatory Essay Topics

The Reformatory: A Novel

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Reformatory?

Reading Age

Book Details