I don’t really know what to say about this book. It evoked so many emotions in me that I cannot even begin to explain them all.

It made me sad, when I started reading it thinking about the way the world once was, how people were segregated and treated, as history fell on the page before me wrapped up in fiction. The writing is evocative, and well thought out, though parts of it did seem rushed. The multiple points of view were definitely appreciated as it allowed me to slip into the minds of each character.

The depictions of racial tension were wrought with emotion, and terror. It’s something I’m not entirely sure we’re over today, in fact I’m certain we’re not, which was brought to the front of my mind as hate speech was thrown out by those too ignorant to realize we’re all human, that we all bleed the same and that we all hurt the same.

None of these characters are without flaws, from Morris who doesn’t know when to admit to his own mistakes, Agnes who fights to remain ignorant of them, Beatrice who perhaps should’ve known when to walk away and their children who were all touched in some way or another by their parents actions.

It is a beautiful book, and I certainly enjoyed it. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read historical fiction.