Introduction

In an early twentieth-century America roiling with racial injustice, class divides, and WWI, two women fight for their dreams in a galvanizing novel by the bestselling author of Golden Poppies.

1915. May and Naomi are extended family, their grandmothers’ lives inseparably entwined on a Virginia plantation in the volatile time leading up to the Civil War. For both women, the twentieth century promises social transformation and equal opportunity.

May, a young white woman, is on the brink of achieving the independent life she’s dreamed of since childhood. Naomi, a nurse, mother, and leader of the NAACP, has fulfilled her own dearest desire: buying a home for her family. But they both are about to learn that dreams can be destroyed in an instant. May’s future is upended, and she is forced to rely once again on her mother. Meanwhile, the white-majority neighborhood into which Naomi has moved is organizing against her while her sons are away fighting for their country.

In the tumult of a changing nation, these two women?whose grandmothers survived the Civil War?support each other’s quest for liberation and dignity. Both find the strength to confront injustice and the faith to thrive on their chosen paths.

Editorial Review

No Editorial Review Currently Available

Excerpt

Prologue
Naomi
We make joy in spite of the indignity—or perhaps because of it. Delight in my well-lived life is a most satisfying weapon against the hate and trampling. God calls me to build the common good and make my own days glad. I do both with every breath I’m given. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. If you’ve read the companion novels (Yellow Crocus, Mustard Seed, or Golden Poppies) was this a satisfying part of these characters’ journeys?
2. What do you think Laila Ibrahim’s purpose was in writing this book? What ideas was she trying to get across?
3. Did May’s desire to end her pregnancy change your understanding of her character?
4. Why do you think Laila Ibrahim chose to have Ishi as a historical figure in this novel? What does he represent to the other characters? Is there any person that plays that role in your life?
5. Laila Ibrahim writes about diverse characters struggling to overcome personal and systemic hardships. She does not share the characters’ cultural background. Is it problematic for an author to write about cultures that are not their own?
6. Did any historical details surprise you?

Weblinks

There are no web links at this time.

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 0 members.

Member Reviews

There are no user reviews at this time.
Rate this book