I can't imagine this was anything less than a brutal read even when it first came out, but surprise! The current political climate makes it even more painfully relevant! The range of potential dangers was well-broadcast to the point that I spent a good portion of the book dreading something that ultimately never happened.

I hate that Redbone died, but I appreciate the suggestion that he helped Miz Lottie recover (and defy/recontextualize Gloria's earlier prediction) in the same way Mama helped Robbie reach the creek. I love that Robert's more dramatic escape also provided a distraction that let some of the other boys get away. I love that, at least this one time, most everybody got a happy ending.