The title of this novel says it all. We follow three storylines focusing on Elizabeth in the present and her family in 1960s Detroit and the Civil War era. The author uses these time periods to compare and contrast how interracial relationships are challenged by society throughout American history.
I found the characters heartbreakingly real, especially in the past timelines. The author did her research and really brought these timelines and the hardships these characters faced to life for the reader.
In the present day timeline, I found myself racing through those sections to get back to the past. While still enjoyable, the present timeline was mostly focused on bringing the storylines of the past together so Elizabeth could uncover past secrets and find out what happened. And that's part of what makes the overall story great — tying together these timelines. However I connected more with the past sections than the present.
In the end, Bartels has written a great book exploring race and interracial relationships which I enjoyed very much. I also hope for better things in our future.
I found the characters heartbreakingly real, especially in the past timelines. The author did her research and really brought these timelines and the hardships these characters faced to life for the reader.
In the present day timeline, I found myself racing through those sections to get back to the past. While still enjoyable, the present timeline was mostly focused on bringing the storylines of the past together so Elizabeth could uncover past secrets and find out what happened. And that's part of what makes the overall story great — tying together these timelines. However I connected more with the past sections than the present.
In the end, Bartels has written a great book exploring race and interracial relationships which I enjoyed very much. I also hope for better things in our future.