content: This novel elegantly portrays the psychological impact that segregation had on those who lived through it-and on the rest of us by association. It is an excellent narrative of our struggles with memory and its hold on our present selves. As an oral historian, I find that this novel breathes life into the painful stories of segregation that I encounter regularly. A must read for anyone who cares about America and the necessary healing our difficult history demands.Finally, Fortune's prose is both lyrical and concise-overall, a thoroughly satisfying read.