Stop what you are doing and grab the audiobook of this now. I was granted early access to review this book through NetGalley and the publisher and while I had not read any previous works by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson, was thoroughly blown away. What a treat to hear LeVar Burton narrate the first story, his telling is remarkable and hair-raising in emotion. Each story is gripping, moving, and one you'll want to listen to again and again.

Pros: This collection of short stories and a novella was fantastic on audio, with a different narrator (including LeVar Burton!) reading each story. This collection is important and timely in that the theme of race in America ties the stories together. The author is efficient with her use of words—the short stories are powerful and deep while also being succinct.

The titular story, in which a descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings escapes to Monticello when driven from her neighborhood, was eerie in that it is not far removed from what could happen in America. It was also fascinating to think of what it might be like to live/survive in a historic home-turned-museum. This novella felt like something Octavia Butler would write.

This collection is one of the most thought-provoking works I’ve read all year. I think it would make a fantastic book club discussion or assigned reading for school at the high school or college level.

Cons: The only con I can think of is that I do not know anyone who has read this book, and I’d love to discuss it with someone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book.

I’ve shared this review on Goodreads and StoryGraph.

4.5 stars

This was not what I was expecting at all. I thought this would be one story, but it's really a collection of stories. The narration was great, as it's done by a full cast, so you really get a great listening experience! I enjoyed the stories, and would recommend this for readers that enjoy historical fiction!