Based in 1950, this story is told from the perspective of two children of color in small town Florida during some of the most trying times for equal rights in our history as a nation.
Siblings Robbie and Gloria Stephens find themselves alone after the passing of their mother due to cancer, and the rapid departure of their father to the northern city of Chicago. Gloria (16) has taken full responsibility for Robbie (12) until their father can send for them. Robbie lands himself in hot water after kicking a wealthy white farmer’s son for cornering his sister. He is sentenced to 6 months at the Graceland School for Boys also known as The Reformatory. We soon discover that not all sentences to the facility are temporary.
From Chapter one, the author had me swept into the humid heat of swampy Florida, trudging alongside these characters. Right away we see how Gloria has picked up the torch and takes on a motherly role for Robbie. The character development between these siblings as the story unfolds feels so real. Not only are they dealing with blatant racism, unfair law practices, and abuse, but we soon see that there is also a more supernatural side to these children.
Throughout my time reading this amazing story, I had stopped myself several times to ask what was scarier? The “Haints” or the white supremacists running this town and facility. I feel the fear the boys had for the Superintendent Haddock and his staff, fear that Gloria had of the judge, sheriff, and even her neighbors.
Not only did Dues manage to weave a grand ghost story, but also she put me directly into the shoes of how those of other races and religious beliefs felt, always not knowing who to trust and looking over their shoulders.
If you’re looking for a Historical Horror, this book will be sure to please!
Purchase here: https://amzn.to/3VYDV8Q
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