In the 1960s, Edenville, North Carolina is full of rules. Sagging under the weight of racism and segregation the small community finds itself at a dangerous tipping point.
Eleven-year-old Betty Grafton believes the world is fair. She knows there are worse places to live than Edenville. Unaware of the wars waging around her, she spends her days patting horses in the field and running errands for her mother. The world she doesn’t see, full of turmoil and unrest, is hiding just below the surface. One day, she has no choice but to see what’s been right in front of her all along.
Alma knows where to walk. She knows who to talk to and which fountain she can drink out of. Her mother, Winnie, spares no opportunity to remind her how dangerous it is to be a little black girl in the South.
When a chance encounter puts Betty face to face with the peril that exists in her own hometown, everything she knows turns upside down. The world isn’t as fair or safe as she’d imagined. Her family is the Klan. Her friends are the enemy. And nothing makes sense anymore.
Although the world demands they stay apart, Alma and Betty forge a secret friendship. One that could cost them their lives.
-
Sexual Content - 0/5
0/5
-
Violence - 3/5
3/5
-
Language - 2/5
2/5
-
Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
0/5
Summary
From: Carol Pennington
Book Title: Flowers in the Snow
Book Author: Danielle Stewart
What do you like about this book:
A quote found in the book Flowers in the Snow accurately describes the heart and soul of this book. “Family is who you decide to love, not necessarily who you’re related to.” When Betty receives a letter from a recently deceased friend, her memories return to her childhood. The book unfolds as Betty relates to her family what it was like growing up in a very tumultuous time in North Carolina. The setting begins in 1961, when Betty’s eyes are opened to the world around her when she shows mercy to a black man who has been injured. Her kindness was anything but praised by her neighbors and was especially frowned upon by her father, a leader of the KKK.
This is one of the best historical novels I have read to date. I was moved, disgusted, shocked and heartbroken while reading this story. The storytelling type narrative makes the book particularly appealing. Even though there are a few curse words I would have rather not read, I highly recommend this book for everyone. It is a story that needs to be told and we all should listen.