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Nancy Johnson’s 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 is a multigenerational story that follows two different women as they begin to heed the call for social justice. In the late 1950s and early 1960s at Memphis-based Fisk University, Freda is studying mathematics and trying to live up to her parents�� expectations: earn a degree from their alma mater, marry someone of equal or promising social standing, and make them proud. Thirty years later, in 1992 Chicago, Freda’s daughter Tulip is a public relations executive fighting for a promotion at her mostly-white firm. Both Freda and Tulip have lived privileged and mostly sheltered lives as the daughters of physicians in upper middle-class homes. But the civil rights movement and the Rodney King trial, respectively, open their eyes to the microaggressions, blatant racism, and inequity in their communities.

𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that looks at two significant periods in history. Though I do wish there was a more detailed examination of the social conflicts, I did appreciate how the book shined a light on the pressures and complexities of Black excellence as well as on the practical and moral dilemmas in protest and resistance. This book would be a good addition to the TBR list of those interested in 20th century historical fiction and human rights discussions.

Thank you to William Morrow for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.