Within the novel, Charles Lundon Werren and Ola Werren are explicitly noted as being African American. It follows that Diane Werren also is African American. A few other characters are inferred to be African American; David Two Starr is American Indian; Emily considers herself African American. Race for other characters is not specified. How is the African American experience portrayed in the novel?

What race do you imagine for Emily's father? What evidences can you find in the novel to support your opinion?

The narrative suggests that Charles Lundon Werren was murdered because he purchased a brand new Buick, a sort of luxury car. What evidences does the narrative present that strongly suggest the murder was racially motivated?

When Ola Werren and her daughter Diane leave Alabama, they leave their fully-furnished house behind, simply walking away, taking only a few boxes of memorabilia and...