Amity is a gripping story from beginning to end and almost impossible to put down and will no doubt be many a Book Club choice.

The book is beautifully written with unforgettable characters that will steal your heart.

It is a story of love, a quest for freedom, family, adventure, joy along with sorrow and so much more that my review could never do this book justice.

Coleman departs on a journey to find his sister June and things dont always go smoothly. Its an ardouous journey that will have you feel you are there as well.

I have had The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris on my TBR list for a long time so I am getting it off the shelf and bumping it up on the list as I so love his writing and story telling.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the absolute privilege of reading and reviewing Amity.

Amity is a beautifully written story that delves into the horrors of the immediate post-slavery South. June, Coleman, and Florence are complex and flawed characters yet I still felt slightly removed from each one. I think this is partly due to the switching POVs. Both stories are crucial to the narrative, but I regretted the switch each time.

I truly respect what was accomplished here. The frame narrative works perfectly, and some flaws in the characterization of side characters are beautifully filtered as a result. Still, this was a slower read than I expected it to be and I wish that it had held me gripped slightly more than it did.

What a beautiful book. I have not read The Sweetness of Water, but will be adding it to my TBR! With powerful story-telling and well-developed characters, Harris has crafted an emotionally gripping tale set during the Reconstruction Era. Definitely a stand-out read for 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC!

After thoroughly enjoying Harris’ debut novel, “The Sweetness of Water,” I was thrilled to receive an ARC of his second novel.

However, this one fell short of my expectations. I couldn’t get as engrossed in the storyline as I did with his first book, and neither of the main characters, siblings Coleman and June, were compelling enough to maintain my interest in the plot.

As a result, I found myself skimming through to the ending, which was a disappointing. It may be a winner for someone, but it didn’t work for me.

“Amity,” by Nathan Harris, starts with a gripping premise—a post–Civil War journey through the fractured American South and into the deserts of Mexico, following two formerly enslaved siblings trying to reunite and define freedom on their own terms. The opening chapters are packed with promise, full of emotional stakes and a sense of urgency that sets the stage for something powerful. The historical setting is rich, and the author does a strong job of capturing the unease and uncertainty of the era.

Unfortunately, the story doesn’t fully live up to its potential. While the concept is compelling and the themes are important, the narrative tends to meander, losing momentum as it goes. Some plot threads feel stretched thin, and the pacing drags in places where the story could have benefited from more focus and emotional depth. Despite the striking imagery, the book doesn’t quite land the emotional payoff it builds toward early on.

That’s not to say “Amity” isn’t worth reading—it’s thoughtful and occasionally moving, and the characters have moments that shine. But overall, the execution doesn’t match the strength of the setup, leaving you wishing it had hit a little harder by the end.

I am new to Nathan Harris's works not having read his debut novel, but this new book's promise of an epic odyssey lured me in. I was thoroughly engrossed in the story of formerly enslaved siblings June and Coleman. While June is brought to Mexico with their former master -- for what both siblings hoped would not be forever -- Coleman remains with the master's family in New Orleans. One letter from the master, Mr. Harper, sets Coleman and the family he serves setting off for Mexico to reconcile with Mr. Harper. This trip to and across Mexico is fraught with challenges and colorful characters. Coleman narrates his journey first person and this alternates with third-person recountings of what has been happening to his sister June during the same time.

Obviously on the heels of the US civil war there's a complexity to race relations, and this is made even more complex by the fact of the characters in this book traveling to Mexico and interactions with both Mexicans and indigenous peoples. One thing that was a little hard for me to keep straight in my head were all the different races and ethnicities of the characters. June and Coleman and the Harper family were simple, but then we add the Turlow brothers, William, etc and it got a little hard for me to remember each person's unique background and context. Despite that being a little more challenging for me to keep straight, this was likely the reality of the time, and the author did really capture that complexity.

One thing I would have liked would have been an afterward in the book about the history of this time period. This was not completely fictionalized by the author, and it's not a period of U.S. history I am familiar with so I would have liked to have more context in which to set the story. I know the author did recommend some additional books about the time period, but I would have appreciated a page or two giving me some facts about that time period of U.S. history and any exodus to Mexico by both blacks and white families.

All in all though, this book was a singular read about a time period I knew next to nothing about. It was captivating and delivered on promise of taking the characters -- and the reader -- on an epic journey (both physically and emotionally!).

In *Amity*, Nathan Harris returns with a sweeping, deeply human story set in the still-smoldering aftermath of the Civil War. New Orleans, 1866, provides the launch point for a harrowing, heartfelt journey as Harris once again exposes the fragile promises of freedom in a world desperate to maintain the chains of slavery, even after its supposed abolition.

The novel follows Coleman and June, siblings torn apart by the cruel whims of their former master, Mr. Harper. Coleman has survived in Louisiana, clinging to the hope of reuniting with his sister, while June endures her own trials after being dragged to Mexico by Harper, a man determined to outrun the changing laws of the South. When a letter arrives calling Coleman to Mexico, it seems to offer hope—but Harris masterfully reveals that true freedom is rarely so simple.

Coleman’s path collides with Florence, Harper’s daughter, after a disaster strands them both on the run, pursued by two ruthless brothers eager to profit from their capture. Together, Coleman and Florence cross a dangerous Mexican desert, forging an uneasy partnership fueled by urgency and a shared fear of what awaits them if they fail. Meanwhile, June’s experiences in Mexico unfold with heartbreaking realism, laying bare the continued violence, exploitation, and betrayal that shadow those once enslaved.

Harris’s prose is elegant yet unflinching, illuminating the stark realities of Reconstruction without sacrificing the dignity and inner fire of his characters. He crafts Coleman and June with profound empathy, portraying their love for each other as a powerful force against the relentless attempts to rob them of agency. Florence, too, emerges as a complex and compelling figure whose growth underscores the moral reckoning at the heart of the book.

Like his bestselling *The Sweetness of Water*, Harris’s latest novel balances an epic scale with intimate storytelling, capturing the vastness of a country in turmoil while staying rooted in the personal stakes of its characters. *Amity* is rich in atmosphere, from the bustling streets of New Orleans to the unforgiving Mexican frontier, evoking place and time with vivid precision.

Ultimately, *Amity* is a stirring and vital addition to the literature of emancipation, reminding us that the struggle for freedom did not end with war but continued in the hearts and hands of those determined to claim it. Nathan Harris has delivered a beautifully crafted testament to resilience, family, and the unyielding pursuit of true liberation.

The work is told using a dual POV. This worked really well. Both character voices were unique and excellently written, and I liked both plotlines equally. I also highly appreciated the growth of all the characters, even secondary ones. This added so much to the story and the characters as a whole. The writing style wasn’t my favorite and used lot of run-on sentences, but I did get used to it after a time. It was also generally overwritten. Not purple prose, thankfully, but using many more words than necessary in most places.

For me, the setting and historical details were the strongest aspects of this work. And with the dual POVs, we got very different details and settings, which was well done. Coleman’s journey was interesting and led to some intriguing encounters, and June’s time near the Mexican border included many details about the time that I wasn’t familiar with.

If you enjoy historical fiction with strong characters and interesting historical settings, then this one is certainly worth checking out. My thanks to Little, Brown, and Company for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I liked Amity overall, though not quite as much as The Sweetness of Water. Nathan Harris delivers a slow, deliberate story that explores the fragility of freedom in the aftermath of the Civil War. The characters are vivid, the atmosphere is immersive, and the themes are powerful—but the pacing is on the slower side.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Amity by Nathan Harris is a story of two siblings June and Coleman recently emancipated from slavery but trying to find freedom. Coleman embarks on a journey to Mexico to find June, who had been taken there by their former master. The book switches from the perspective of June and Coleman as Coleman travels through Mexico, facing a number of challenges on the way. June’s perspective shares her struggles and own hardships as she finds her own freedom.

The writing in the story was beautiful. I loved the alternating perspectives of June and Coleman. I thought Coleman was in particular a flawed but deeply interesting character. The pacing of the story felt a bit slow in the middle but the ending was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading any book Harris writes.

Vivid, luminous, affecting: this book is absolutely terrific.

Told primarily from Coleman's perspective as he embarks on an epic journey to reunite with his older sister, June, the narrative also has periodic chapters that reveal how she has navigated their years apart. Both siblings endure so much--June, with nearly superhuman grit and endurance, and Coleman, with an optimism and intellect that keep him buoyed even in deeply distressing situations. (Seriously, the boy loves his dog, and that little mutt was imperiled way more than my heart could take.) The story does not flinch from addressing the cruelties these Black siblings face in the years leading up to and shortly after the Civil War, but it does not sensationalize them; Coleman and June's different forms of resilience are the focus of the story, even as their traumas are named.

Both Coleman and June experience transformative and often harrowing adventures before they are reunited. I was engrossed all the way, even when I felt like my blood pressure was rising from anxiety for Coleman and his travel companion, Florence, daughter of the household where they'd formerly served.

Truly a wonderful and absorbing tale, and one I'd recommend to anyone looking for a good historical that illuminates often unexplored aspects of the Reconstruction Era.

Amity by Nathan Harris takes place after the Civil War during Reconstruction.I was happy to read this book for Net Galley Camp.This book tells of the special bond between brothers and sisters through the story of June andColeman who were enslaved.and set free. You will learn more about the connection between Mexico and the South at this time.The book is not fast moving and takes time to savor.You will enjoy the journey.Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for allowing me to read this ARC.

Beautiful story! Loved following Coleman & June’s storylines. Enjoyed the author’s writing style. Great book! Thank you NetGalley!

I have read thousands of Civil War stories, from battlefield journals, to history books about the war. But I have read very few post civil war stories. I found this story of a brother and sister, emancipated from slavery, still not really having freedom and the adventure that Nathan Harris takes us on across the Mexican desert fascinating.

The story begins in New Orleans, but quickly moves out to the country before their former master takes June (the sister) to Mexico to escape reconstruction and find new wealth. Coleman, along with the wife and daughter, head south looking for them. It is an amazing tale of resilience on the part of the siblings and they daughter.

I enjoyed Harris' writing style and found that the pacing (except for a few places) was excellent. It was a book I didn't want to put down. To be honest, when it ended, I wanted to know more!

I highly recommend this tale of harrowing adventure and the search for the meaning of real freedom.

Thanks to NetGalley, Little Brown and Company, and Nathan Harris for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I picked up this book during Camp NetGalley, and it took me by surprise. I related to June in so many ways, and her brother Coleman stole my heart from the very beginning. I loved the POVs throughout. I’ve already added the author's debut novel to my TBR.


Thank you to Nathan Harris, the publisher Little, Brown and Company, and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited to read Nathan Harris' second book! The Sweetness of Water was one of my favorite reads earlier this year. Amity did not disappoint. This book was set during the reconstruction era, which is not talked about as much the civil war era when it comes to American History. Seeing black characters heal from and overcome the horrors of slavery was such a valuable perspective and honestly something we could use more of. Pick this up if you want a sensitive and nuanced look into the intersection of race and gender in a unique historical setting. A must read for any historical fiction lovers. (Also for anyone wondering, the dog lives!)

Amity by Nathan Harris wasn't on my radar until it was an option for Camp NetGalley 2025 and I am grateful I ended up picking this one as my selection. Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres, yet I cannot say I have come across anything with such a unique premise. It managed to shine a light on historical events I knew nothing about and that is the reason I enjoy immersing myself in historical fiction to begin with.

Written with unique language, Harris' quiet and haunting storytelling captured my attention from the very first page. I found both POVs to be equally compelling. I felt as though I was transported into the story with these characters and could easily imagine everything playing out in my mind. The characters were fleshed out with skill and historical accuracy and I enjoyed learning about the historical events on which this story is based.

Amity is a beautiful and hopeful portrait of the special bond between siblings. A truly riveting read that kept me turning the pages. It took me by surprise and will end up being one of my top surprises of the year. I definitely look forward to exploring more of Nathan Harris' work in the future.

I just recently read The Sweetness of Water and was SO excited to read this new one. I love the author’s writing style.

In this novel, it is post Civil War and siblings June and Coleman are technically emancipated but still live with the Harper Family. Mr Harper took June to Mexico to avoid the new laws of post-slavery but Coleman stayed back in Louisiana to serve Mrs. Harper and her daughter Florence. Coleman can’t wait to be reunited with his sister so he is excited when Mr Harper sends for the family to join him.

Tragedy strikes on Coleman’s journey and he finds himself on the run with Florence, trying to get to Mr Harper and June before danger catches up with them. The story unfolds slowly through alternating perspectives of both June and Coleman, as they navigate their own struggles separately.

This story was a bit slower than his previous novel but still highlights the struggles and injustices of the time. I appreciated learning more about the history of the south that interlaced with Mexico at the time. As expected, the characters are so well developed and the setting is so beautifully described.

Thank you for this early digital copy

Amity is a deeply emotional and, at times, emotionally exhausting story. One that pulls you into its highest highs and lowest lows. The alternating POVs of June and Coleman create a unique push-pull rhythm that almost mimics a rollercoaster: June’s chapters are faster-paced and plot-driven, while Coleman’s slow-burning, character-focused perspective asks for your patience and introspection.

As an older sibling, I found myself identifying most with June—her urgency, her protective nature, her grit. But it was Coleman, who completely ran away with my heart. He’s softhearted, optimistic, and a people-pleaser—almost to a fault. There were moments I wanted to shake him, hoping he’d finally snap out of his need to appease and rise to meet the situation. But when he doesn’t change in the way I expected, I felt that was the point. Coleman’s journey isn’t about transformation through rage or rebellion. He holds it all in. He wears a mask because that’s the only survival tool he knows. And that is what broke me. His emotional endurance is quietly devastating.

This story will stick with me for a long time. Nathan Harris has created characters that feel deeply lived-in, and while the pacing may be uneven, it mirrors the unpredictable, often disorienting rhythm of grief, growth, and survival.

There’s a certain kind of story that feels like wandering through a garden at dusk—soft, slow, blooming in shadows. Amity by Nathan Harris is one of those books. Set against the evocative backdrop of 1860s Mexico and New Orleans, it’s a tale dipped in dusky amber light and woven with threads of loss, longing, and complicated love.

Told through the alternating perspectives of separated siblings June and Coleman, the story explores life under the household of Wyatt Harper. When June is whisked away to Mexico under Wyatt’s obsessive gaze, Coleman remains behind with the Harper family, only to be later summoned south with a cryptic note that stirs more questions than answers.

What warmed my teacup:
The setting is lush, rich, and rare—like stumbling upon an old, forgotten greenhouse. I was enchanted by the atmosphere Harris created. The post-Civil War timeline felt like an untapped chapter of history brought vividly to life.

Where the candle dimmed:
This story moves slowly—like molasses on a winter morning. While the writing is undeniably beautiful, I often found myself wishing the plot would stir itself a bit more. It felt like I’d packed a picnic for a stormy day: lovely in theory, but hard to fully enjoy with the chill.

A Sugarplum Sentiment:
Amity is best sipped slowly, like lavender tea on a gray afternoon. If you delight in character-driven novels where the journey matters more than the destination, this may nestle perfectly onto your bookshelf. But if you need a spark of action to light your reading fire, this may flicker too faintly.

Final Whimsy:
For readers who love historical fiction with emotional depth and atmospheric prose, this book is a wistful bloom. Just know it may take a while to fully unfold.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 sugarplums — a thoughtful, tender tale that whispers instead of shouts.