Lately I’ve been reading books from the very beginning of my TBR list, which I started more than two decades ago. This was first in line. 

It was poetic with a little magic…like Toni Morrison. 

Character development was incredible…like Fannie Flagg. 

The story, the people, and the setting was palpable…like John Steinbeck. 

The story begins in 1913, and is centered around women. Two friends, one white and one black, both poor, are at the heart of it. This is a time when life was brutally tough…especially so for poor women and all black people. So much emotional disconnection and fending for oneself! It’s a peek into the life of my grandparents…and explains A LOT. 

Despite the overall upward trajectory of the two main characters’ lives across the span of 20 years, my heart ached from cover to cover. There were definitely tears. So…much…loss. I couldn’t help but think about the massive difference between the lives of the poor and the wealthy at this time in history…it’s just WRONG. 

So glad I found this touching and insightful treasure! I have no idea how this book ended up on my list, but it was a brilliant addition. It’s a must for any anti-racist reading list!