Loving Donovan — Bernice L. McFadden

A long-awaited reissue of this deeply thoughtful novel about hope, forgiveness, and the cost of loving Donovan, a complex man with a shattered history

“Bernice L. McFadden was one of the best writers to emerge in the post�"Waiting to Exhale explosion that introduced at least a dozen Black female novelists. Loving Donovan has generated near-cult status among readers. After more than a decade since it appeared, Donovan is being reissued. How fitting that Terry McMillan has written a new introduction. If you've read Donovan before, you will fall in love all over again. And if this is your first time, prepare yourself for an intense romance between an enigmatic antihero and a heroine who will feel like your homegirl.” -- Essence Magazine

“Loving Donovan firmly establishes McFadden among the ranks of those few writers of whom you constantly beg for more.” -- Black Issues Book Review

With a new introduction by Terry McMillan.


The first section of McFadden's unconventional love story belongs to Campbell. Despite being born to a brokenhearted mother and a faithless father, Campbell still believes in the power of love . . . if she can ever find it. Living in the same neighborhood, but unknown to Campbell until a chance meeting brings them together, is Donovan, the “little man” of a shattered home -- a family torn apart by anger and bitterness.


In the face of daunting obstacles, Donovan dreams of someday marrying, raising a family, and playing in the NBA. But deep inside, Campbell and Donovan live with the histories that have shaped their lives. What they discover -- together and apart -- forms the basis of this compelling, sensual, and surprising novel.