I was so excited for this book because I love historical fiction and I loved black cake (previous book by author). But I struggled hard with this book. I think in part because it was hard for me to connect with the characters and the story. I recognize I am a white woman and I have had a much different generational background than American descendants of slaves, and I think that plays a part in my struggle to connect. I also just felt hard to connect with why Ebby struggled so much? Also never had a tragedy happy like her family did. Overall I enjoyed the writing but I wouldn’t read the book again.