Started this book with my oldest son for his English class months ago, pre-pandemic. It had also been on my TBR for quite some time, and I was looking forward to reading it with him. But the themes that were important in March have an even more clear and powerful focus today, as we are looking at race relations and racial bias, and the aggression that can come merely because of one's skin color or shade, or how they are perceived.
I believe the book is set in 1927. Two women who could 'pass' for white grew up together. One made the decision, or fell into marrying white, and not revealing her culture to her prejudiced husband. The other married a black man, who became a doctor, and they together became a prominent Harlem couple. This book is about race, and of course of all the varying characters perspectives on race, and on relationship, but ultimately its about the relationship between the two women, and how race is constructed as the dynamic that binds and divides them. I found it interesting, and thought provoking. And unfortunately, timely!
Just mentioned to the illiterate 17 year old that he needs to do a write up on it for his English teacher, even though it’s been remote learning. We will see what he comes up with.
I believe the book is set in 1927. Two women who could 'pass' for white grew up together. One made the decision, or fell into marrying white, and not revealing her culture to her prejudiced husband. The other married a black man, who became a doctor, and they together became a prominent Harlem couple. This book is about race, and of course of all the varying characters perspectives on race, and on relationship, but ultimately its about the relationship between the two women, and how race is constructed as the dynamic that binds and divides them. I found it interesting, and thought provoking. And unfortunately, timely!