Raney
tackles a serious subject in this, the fifth and final of the Chicory
Inn novels. Link is the last of the Whitman clan not married. When he
starts getting to know Shayla, a young woman with an African American
father, we get into the issue of inter-racial dating and marriage.
This
novel explores racial prejudice, one of the many issues African
Americans have to think about that never cross the minds of people
like me. They certainly have challenges I have never had to think
about.
Raney
covers other relational topics in this novel too, such as family
dynamics. The Whitman family has one set of dynamics while Shayla,
her father, niece and imprisoned brother have an entirely different
set.
It
seems to me that Raney has done a good job exploring inter-racial
issues in this novel. But I am not one to judge, being of northern
European descent. I have no idea if how Raney portrays Shayla and her
father is an accurate reflection of such a family. I do know that I
was disappointed at the end of the novel that so many of the
struggles and barriers in the relationship of Link and Shayla were
left unresolved. I would like to think that Link and Shayla could
ride happily off into the sunset but realistically, I don't think
that would be their future. The discussion guide included helps
readers contemplate all the complicated issues that might arise from
inter-racial romance.
I
recommend this novel to reading groups and others who would like to
explore and discuss inter-racial romance.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Deborah
Raney is an award-winning author, conference speaker and teacher. She
and her husband live in their native Kansas. They enjoy visiting
their four grown children and growing number of grandchildren. You
can find out more at www.deborahraney.com.
Abingdon
Press, 352 pages.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this novel from the publisher. My
comments are an independent and honest review.
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