By Terri Schlichenmeyer
The Bookworm Sez, LLC
A single drop. That’s all it took to decide someone’s race. Just one drop, and everything changed: no rights, no access, no freedoms. In the book, “One Blood” by Denene Millner, the legacy of a family proves to be bitter and painful across generations.
The first time Grace witnessed her Maw Maw deliver a baby, she was overwhelmed with emotions: scared, awed, and a little sick. Maw Maw promised Grace that one day she would be the one delivering babies.
However, just days after her own mother’s death, the sheriff came for Maw Maw, who had falsified a birth certificate to protect a newborn. Grace was taken to Brooklyn to be cared for by an aunt who did not want her.
Hattie made it clear that Grace was not welcome and treated her poorly. When Grace became pregnant, Hattie tricked her into giving up her baby for adoption.
Lolo never told Tommy the truth about their infertility, letting him believe he was the cause. She ended up adopting a boy and a girl while keeping her infertility a secret.
At 13, Rae discovered a truth about herself that she kept hidden. She loved her mother and did not want to hurt her, but she struggled with her own identity.
Author Denene Millner introduces readers to a family of women who leave a lasting legacy for the next generation. The women navigate issues such as racism, violence, and classism while maintaining an ethereal connection that permeates the four-part tale. Millner tells each woman’s story with grit and tenderness, creating a narrative that captivates readers.
This novel is a compelling blend of historical and contemporary themes. “One Blood” is a must-read for those who enjoy sweeping family sagas that offer insight into past and present struggles.
“One Blood: A Novel” by Denene Millner
c.2023, Forge, $29.00, 432 pages
The post Across Generations, ‘One Blood’ Reveals a Bitter Family Legacy first appeared on Post News Group. This article originally appeared in Post News Group.
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