2021: I LOVED this book, way more than I was expecting to!

This was one of the first historical fiction novels that I felt like I could imagine myself during the time period represented. Usually, historical fiction grinds my gears because the challenges that women faced (doubled or tripled for women of color) are so paralyzing, it leaves them unable to take any actions they want to. However, Hannah really portrays a strong and independent woman that I could relate to, and chronicles how she deals with being a 25 year old spinster (heavens no!)

This is partially owed to the modern lens through which Hannah is looking at this time period, but it made for such a more relatable main character that I was 100% on board. I loved watching Elsa take charge of her own life, especially in regards to her education and her daughter's, and the important role that libraries played for both of them.

I think this novel was really successful when it began switching between Elsa and Lareda's perspectives. I loved seeing both sides of the struggle, from Elsa's long nurtured independent streak, and Lareda's conviction that unions (and a COMMUNIST OH GOD NO!