This book was a combination of fact (details the Black experience in Memphis, TN) and fiction (details the saga of a Black family that has experienced many tragedies). I think that Ms. McMillan should have stuck with just writing fiction since I just felt more irritated with each page. Even with the things that you see in the films today, I can't remember coming across anything with more illogical plot points and sloppy construction in telling a story. This reminds me of when we had to write fiction for our 3rd grade English class except for the fact that those stories were much better. Avoid this book and read her earlier titles, such as One Better, Knowing and Blue Collar Blues.