I mentioned before that my friend Erin, and I used to do a true crime podcast, and on one of our episodes, Erin covered the case of the Dozier School for Boys, an infamous “reform school” in Florida that was basically a living nightmare for any boy who was sent there. It was active between January 1, 1900, and June 30, 2011, and some of the things that went on there are nothing short of horrific. Boys were beaten, tortured, raped, and some were murdered both by other boys at the school and staff who worked there.

In The Reformatory, Tananarive Due (whose uncle was actually one of the boys at The Dozier school) blends historical fact with fiction and transports readers to 1950s Jim Crow Florida to a reform school based on the Dozier School for boys. Due immerses readers in the horrifying realities of racial segregation and injustice through the eyes of twelve-year-old protagonist Robbie Stephens Jr., who finds himself sentenced to The Reformatory after defending his older sister against the son of a powerful landowner.

While this is a historical fiction novel inspired by real-life events, what sets it apart for me is the horror and paranormal elements that have been woven into the story. Robbie has the extraordinary ability to see ghosts or haints, as he refers to them. This ability was comforting to Robbie after his mother died because he could still see and speak to her, but this talent has quickly become a horrifying revelation about the true nature of the Reformatory because he is able to see and sometimes communicate with boys who were murdered at the school.

As Robbie uncovers the disappearances of boys who are forced to work to rectify their so-called crimes, the haints he encounters hint at far darker and more sinister truths. Alongside his friends Redbone and Blue, Robbie encounters not only the harsh rules of the institution but also the vital skills he needs to survive because eventually, Robbie is in danger from not only the abusers at the school but also some vengeful haints who want Robbie to help them enact their revenge against those who wronged them, and if he refuses? Well, let’s just say Robbie doesn’t really have a choice in the matter. Robbie knows he isn’t safe here, and he is desperate to get out, but no one has ever survived an escape attempt from the Reformatory.

Robbie is not alone in his fight for justice and freedom. His older sister, Gloria, knows Robbie did nothing wrong and is determined to rally every friend, family member and connection in Florida to secure his release before it’s too late. This isn’t easy, though. This is 1950s Florida, where racism runs rampant, and segregation shapes every aspect of daily life. It’s an uphill battle, and the novel powerfully captures the resilience and determination of a young boy and his sister in the face of overwhelming adversity. The addition of the paranormal elements added a very interesting layer to the mix.

One of the best things about the book is the way Due is able to breathe life into her characters. Gloria, Robbie, and their friends and family are all empathetic characters who are all doing their best to survive in a very white world. Robbie’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and readers will find themselves rooting for him from the first page. Due effortlessly balances the harsh realities of Jim Crow Florida with moments of hope and humanity, creating a beautifully nuanced portrayal of a young boy caught in the grips of a terrifying institution. Not only is he terrified of the torture and abuse in the school, but he’s also terrorized by the ghosts of the dead who didn’t survive said abuse.

Moreover, Due’s impeccable research shines through in every detail, from the vivid descriptions of Gracetown to the haunting atmosphere of The Reformatory. Through Robbie’s story, Due ensures that the voices of those who suffered in silence are finally heard.

This is the first book that I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be my last. Her prose is both evocative and captivating, and I was drawn deeper into the narrative with every turn of the page. With its themes of injustice, resilience, and the power of the human spirit, this novel will definitely leave a lasting impression.

Overall, I thought this was a haunting and powerful work of historical fiction that sheds light on a dark chapter in American history. I loved the blend of horror and would love to read more like this.