The Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa is the pride of the Black community, a place where businesspeople can thrive and overcome the prejudices of 1920s Oklahoma. In fact, many residents relocated here to realize the American dream, but it is all ripped away on the eve of May 31, 1921, when white neighbors turn on Greenwood, terrorize its citizens, and burn it to the ground. In the aftermath of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Margaret and her sister Evelyn take refuge at a nearby filling station. Met with continued racism, rather than help, from the city of Tusla, Margaret wants nothing more than to rebuild the family grocery. Evelyn, on the other hand, is terrified to even drive by Greenwood and dreams of escaping to New York.
VERDICT In a novel that should be required reading, Miller (The American Queen) movingly explores the aftermath of racial trauma and how resilient people can open their hearts again. Read-alikes exploring Black historical experiences include When Stars Rain Down by Angela Jackson Browne and Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee.
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