Author: Sadequ Johnson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 369
Setting: Philadelphia, 1948
Tone/Mood: thought-provoking, dark, heart-breaking
Subject headings: motherhood, single mothers, adoption, racism, social classes, African American
In Philadelphia, we first meet Ruby as she is trying desperately to get to Saturday school- she needs bus fair and has only a few minutes to find it, or else risk being late for school and losing out on a 4-year full- ride scholarship. Ruby has been selected to participate in a program for gifted students and she has been warned numerous times about her tardiness. The opening chapters reveal the hardship Rudy (15-year-old) suffers as a child of a single mother shacking up with a string of ruthless men.
In Washington DC, Elenore is preparing for her College sophomore year at Howard University while working in a library as an archivist apprentice. One day in the library, she meets the man of her dreams, although as she gets to know him and falls in love, she realizes she will never fit into his family picture.
Both Rudy and Elenore share experiences of Racism and Sexism, different cites, different ages and yet their paths cross in a remarkable way. Told in authentic voices while each chapter alternates between both characters. Both characters find love and heartbreak while enduring racism in the 1950’s.
Very good storytelling with a painful story to be told, one I would recommend for book clubs.
Available in your public library!
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