The story is a well-crafted exploration of grief, trauma, and the influence of family history on identity, with a poignant focus on the lasting impact of a childhood tragedy and the symbolic family heirloom.
The review delves into how the novel portrays the profound effects of a traumatic family event on the protagonist, Ebony, and her family, emphasizing the societal spotlight on them as one of the few Black families in a wealthy neighborhood. The symbolic jar, passed down through generations, serves as a powerful narrative device linking past and present struggles, while the plot’s unfolding in both Massachusetts and France adds layers of emotional and historical complexity that drive Ebony’s journey toward healing and understanding.
Quick quotes
She feels always known as 'the little black girl who had survived a suburban tragedy.'
Henry Pepper had shown the world that Ebony Freeman, try as she might, could not escape the mantle of misfortune that had settled over her.
Stories that tell of perseverance, courage, bravery, love, skill, and hope.