Historical Fiction: The Revisioners by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton

I am often drawn to books that explore complicated family relationships, and Margret Wilkerson Sexton's The Revisioners certainly calls into that category. Deciding to move yourself and your teenage son in with your grandmother is one thing. It is quite another when there is an obvious racial divide, and even your son recognizes that things are not quite as they seem in the strange new house he is supposed to call home.

The Situation: In 2017, Ava is nearly out of options, which is why she decides to move in with her grandmother, Martha. It would probably make more sense for Ava to move in with her own mother, but pride is keeping her from it, though the official excuse is that she does not want to be a burden. Martha is incredibly lonely and is therefore thrilled to have her granddaughter and great-grandson in her home, nevermind that their skin is darker than hers, and she grew up in a time where that difference would have immediately put them beneath her. In 1924, Ava's great-great-great-grandmother, Josephine, is the proud owner of a large farm that she runs with her son Major. When a white couple becomes her new neighbors, the wife seeks Josephine's friendship, much to her annoyance. And back in 1855, Josephine and her mother are part of a secret group of slaves that are making plans to escape, though the appearance of a new slave brings both confidence and fear.

The Problem: In 2017, living with Martha is nice enough: her house is huge, it comes with servants and a cook, Ava's son is in a nice school, and she is able to save up money to hopefully get her own place. But Ava is soon put on edge when Martha's behavior becomes erratic, and it becomes clear she is remembering a time in her life when the black people around her were not friends and family. In 1924, Josephine is getting used to the visits from her new neighbor, but the comfort disappears when she realizes the couple have become involved with the Ku Klux Klan. Because of Major's insistence to stand his ground and demand respect, Josephine knows he is only putting himself in harm's way. And in 1855, the plan for escape has been laid out, but the danger is very real. The new slave, Jupiter, insists he can get Josephine and her family through it, but it still is not clear whether or not he is one of the dangers.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set in three different time periods. First there is Ava in 2017, and then there is Josephine in 1924, as well as Josephine in 1855. While Ava is a modern single mother doing her best to get by and raise her son, 1924 Josephine is a free woman who owns land and works hard. The Josephine in 1855 is a slave who lives and works with her mother, though they are plotting their escape to the north in the hope of becoming free. While Ava and 1924 Josephine are already free, it does not mean they are free from oppression and worry when it comes to dealing with white people. Josephine's source of anxiety are her new neighbors, while Ava must deal with her own grandmother. The relationships are more complicated the closer the story gets to modern times, but the stress is still there, as well as the need to truly be free.

My Verdict: This is an interesting look at the stories and events of the past that have helped bring us to where we are today, and the idea that we carry on the strength (and pain) of those that came before us. Though the book is not particularly long, it manages to pack a lot into less than 300 pages, though I do wish it included a little bit more of Ava's story. As with many books that attempt to follow multiple story lines, at least one story gets short-changed or feels incomplete. While 1855 Josephine probably gets the least amount of attention, I was hoping Ava's story would go on a bit longer, and certainly have more closure. It is clear that her relationship with her grandmother is complicated, and that Martha is needing more care and attention as she gets older. And yet somehow the strange circumstance they find themselves in does not feel fully explored, when for me it is the most compelling story line of the three.

Favorite Moment: When Ava's mother tells her "'Don't blame yourself," she says. "That's what they want you to do, run all their hate inward so the focus is off their bad behavior.'"

Favorite Character: I like King, Ava's son. He seemed to immediately recognize the potential for problems when it came to living with Martha. Sure, the house is nice and everything, and he likes the new friends he has made at school, but even he could see from the beginning that there were going to be issues.

Recommended Reading: I recommend The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, as well as Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.