A fascinating look into a very specific time period, place, community, and family. I loved the unique perspective of West as a legend of the Harlem Renaissance writing historical fiction decades later. There are so many compelling questions and observations that clearly come from someone who has the wisdom of a long, meaningful life. I read this soon after Caucasia, which was a perfect pairing, but it would also be interesting to explore it alongside other works that touch on colorism and passing, such as The Vanishing Half and Passing.