Though River Cross My Heart was an enlightning read in learning the ways of black society in Georgetown during the early 20's , I found little else enlightning about the book as far as it being considered fiction . I wasn't clear on whether I was reading a history book or a fictional story , also there was no substance to the story's plot , no real character development , and no feel of what the author was trying to say in writing this book . The first couple of pages started off with a bang and had me thinking that I was about to read an engrossing book , boy was I wrong , I felt like I was reading nothing but blank pages afterwards . I wish Breena Clarke better luck next time in her next writing endeavor .