Told from the perspectives of three different women, this book covers three time periods in American history: the Civil War, the race riots in the 1960s, and the present day. All three storylines take place in or near Detroit, Michigan, and all three women are somehow connected, but these connections are gradually revealed throughout the narrative. In the present day, Elizabeth Balsam is asked to return an old camera to an estranged relative, and she agrees because she is investigating the involvement of a prestigious man in Detroit in the 1967 race riots. Her Great-Aunt Nora's story is gradually revealed, as is the story of Mary, their ancestor who lived through the Civil War. As each woman's story is revealed, so is the horrific prejudice and violence born from racism. What will each woman do as they face difficult and dangerous circumstances?
I believe this is a book that everyone should read because it displays the horrors of racism and the consequences of prejudice. Erin Bartels depicts the events so realistically that her writing broke my heart and caused me to evaluate my own thoughts and attitudes. Many people think a certain way, not on purpose or with bad intentions, but because they are used to thinking that way about people. Though this is such a difficult and touchy topic, I believe the author did an excellent job with her writing and the characters' stories. My heart broke for some of the characters as they were forced to deal with impossible situations. I cannot condone the actions of one of the main characters, but I don't believe the author does either. I also would have liked to see a couple of ends tied up more securely at the end, but overall I thought the ending was appropriate. I loved the history included in the narrative, as well as the various perspectives of people so different from each other. This book portrays forgiveness, God's equal love for all people, no matter what color or race they are, and the way we should respond to sensitive topics. I highly recommend this book to anyone, and I hope it has a positive impact on people living in this difficult culture today.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and the Bookish First program. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I believe this is a book that everyone should read because it displays the horrors of racism and the consequences of prejudice. Erin Bartels depicts the events so realistically that her writing broke my heart and caused me to evaluate my own thoughts and attitudes. Many people think a certain way, not on purpose or with bad intentions, but because they are used to thinking that way about people. Though this is such a difficult and touchy topic, I believe the author did an excellent job with her writing and the characters' stories. My heart broke for some of the characters as they were forced to deal with impossible situations. I cannot condone the actions of one of the main characters, but I don't believe the author does either. I also would have liked to see a couple of ends tied up more securely at the end, but overall I thought the ending was appropriate. I loved the history included in the narrative, as well as the various perspectives of people so different from each other. This book portrays forgiveness, God's equal love for all people, no matter what color or race they are, and the way we should respond to sensitive topics. I highly recommend this book to anyone, and I hope it has a positive impact on people living in this difficult culture today.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and the Bookish First program. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.