While the Civil War is over, in New Orleans in 1866, the reins are still pretty tight on the freedmen who are still working for their former masters. Such is the case with Coleman, a bookish former slave, and his protective sister, June, who still work for the Harpers. Then Mr. Harper takes June with him on a search for a riches in Mexico, leaving his wife and adult daughter behind. Months later, Coleman accompanies the Harper women on an ill-fated trip west, hoping to find June, who has finally escaped Mr. Harper's handsy clutches.
This book looks at a post-Civil War world that isn't often explored, that of westward expansion through the eyes of emancipated people who are trying to navigate their newfound, and often very fragile, freedom. It's richly told, with gorgeous language — just what you'd expect from the author of the multiple award-winning literary gem, The Sweetness of Water. An intriguing story to ponder.
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