Violence, racial hatred, and a chance for freedom motivated millions of Black Americans to move from the south to the north. Author and playwright Lorene Cary sheds light on the largely untold history of Black land ownership, migration, and race through the eyes of the Needham family.<\/p>\n
After the violent death of their patriarch, King, members of the Needham family migrate from South Carolina to the north. But, when his grieving widow stays behind to raise their children, the responsibility to bring their family together ultimately falls on King\u2019s great-grandson, Rayne.<\/p>\n
The New York Times Book Review calls If Sons, Then Heirs \u201cEngaging\u2026 Bluesy and emotionally resonant.\u201d The Philadelphia Inquirer called the novel a “multilayered, complex, and engaging tale of love, social injustice, and migrations\u2013 both physical and emotional.\u201d<\/p>\n
As part of Spotlight PA\u2019s new book club, Booklight PA, we\u2019re reading Cary\u2019s deeply moving portrait of family legacy and discussing it with readers across the state on Discord. (Join now!<\/a>) On Nov. 18, Cary joins us live via Zoom to answer your questions about the book.<\/p>\n This event is in partnership with A Novel Idea, a community-minded bookstore and event space based in East Passyunk, Philadelphia, run by Alexander Schneider and Christina Rosso-Schneider. Read more about A Novel Idea and purchase your books here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Register and submit your questions for Cary here<\/a>. And join our Discord group chat<\/a> to discuss the book as you go.<\/p>\n OTHER BOOKLIGHT PA EVENTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n Sept. 25: <\/strong>The School for Good Mothers, Jessamine Chan. Watch here<\/a>.<\/p>\n