SYNOPSIS:
A small town divided by prejudice. A family torn apart. A secret that won't remain silent...
1965. A young white female student becomes involved in the fight for civil rights in North Carolina, falling in love with one of her fellow activists, a Black man, in a time and place where an interracial relationship must be hidden from family, friends and especially the reemerging Ku Klux Klan. As tensions rise in the town, she realises not everyone is who they appear to be.
2010. A recently widowed architect moves into the home she and her late husband designed, heartbroken that he will never cross the threshold. But when disturbing things begin to happen, it's clear that someone is sending her a warning. Who is trying to frighten her away, and why?
Decades later, past and present are set to collide in the last house on the street...
MY THOUGHTS:
This book đ Two female characters, decades apart, living on the same street, both with a haunting past. Diane Chamberlain completely drew me in to her novel by alternating the voices of these two strong, female characters.
Ellie's story will touch the heart of every reader. Her strength and determination to stand up for something that she felt passionate about was commendable, especially as her family, friends and whole community turned against her. Ellie joins the SCOPE programme, The Summer Community Organisation and Political Education which was to encourage white college students to help African Americans prepare for voting and to put pressure on Congress to pass what became known as The Voting Acts Right of 1945. Ellie found herself continually trying to prove herself to the others due to her originating from the South and the other students coming from the North. Once excepted by the SCOPE volunteers, Ellie found herself at home in this new community of like-minded people. She loved canvassing, experiencing living in other people's home and getting together for their frequent rallies. However, Ellie's commitment to the cause had devastating consequences to her own personal life.
I loved hearing Ellie's story and although very difficult to read at times due to the high emotive storyline I couldn't put it down. I loved how Ellie weaved her way through Kayla's story and how they were connected through the location of the street they shared. An enjoyable, unforgettable read which I highly recommend. Many thanks to Headline Publishing Group for my gifted copy.