Many thanks to my partner @simon.audio for this #gifted copy.  

 

Stunning.  Compelling.  Johnson’s newest novel packs a powerful emotional punch.

 

Two young, ambitious black women, one in high school (Ruby) and the other in college (Eleanor).  Full of dreams.  Whip smart with endless potential.  But when love creates obstacles for both, each must make hard decisions, which creates a trajectory for their lives to intersect in a beautiful and hopeful way.  

 

Johnson boldly excavates the past in this gripping story about the strength of black women and the sacrifices they are willing to make.  

 

The storytelling is masterful, the characters meticulously detailed, and the history richly painted.  I was immersed in the story, enthralled by the prose and entrenched in the emotion.  Wholly unputdownable.  

 

And yet, this is a hard hitting story.  The way Johnson conveys the realities of the time (racism, classism, sexism, poverty) is vivid.  Rich in gray areas and rife with societal contradictions (men/women, black/white, haves/have nots), Johnson shines a light on these uncomfortable spaces of the past, while also mirroring relevant issues of today.  

 

Daring, redemptive, and inspiring.  Johnson boldly showcases resilient black women and has created yet another must read.    

 

🎧 I devoured this audiobook in less than 2 days.  Narrated by Ariel Blake and Nicole Lewis, the portrayal of each character, their thoughts and emotions, felt authentic and distinct.  I found myself lost in the story as though each young woman was talking directly to me.