This is a sweeping, gorgeous, emotional story that had me hooked from the very first page. Twenty years ago, Ebony Freeman's older brother was killed in a burglary that was never solved, and a precious family heirloom was broken. Ever since, Ebony's family has been the subject of media attention and scrutiny. In present day, the breakdown of Ebony's high-profile relationship is the catalyst for the unraveling of the Freeman's history and trauma.

Just like her last book Black Cake (which I loved), this book is full of heart and deeply empathetic family dynamics. Wilkerson does an incredible job of depicting how experiencing trauma can make you feel frozen in time, and how triggers can send you back into a dark place that feels impossible to get out of. Wilkerson is candid about the legacy of slavery (and slavery itself) and how even wealthy black families are judged and othered by their white contemporaries, and you feel for every member of the Freeman family. It's hard to review this book without giving any spoilers away, but I'll end by saying that this book moves fast, has incredible scenery and imagery, and is a stunning piece of character work. I highly recommend this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!