Although the Civil War has ended, former enslaved siblings Coleman and June have yet to taste freedom as servants of the Harper family. It is now 1866, and Coleman lives with Mrs. Harper and her daughter, Florence in New Orleans, while his older sister June was taken to Mexico by Mr. Harper. When a letter from Mr. Harper arrives demanding Coleman travel to Mexico with a mysterious man. When Mrs. Harper demands she and Florence join the trip. Disaster strikes and Coleman finds himself on the run with Florence. It is an uneasy peace, as many find Coleman to be "strange" due to his preference for education rather than labor. The book also focuses on June's trip to Mexico two years previous during a very tumultuous times in both Mexico and the United States. Many Americans from the former Confederate states are making their way to Mexico to recover their wealth while Mexico is fighting the France's occupation of the country after more than forty years of independence from Spain. While Coleman has a seemingly calm acceptance of his life, June continues to push Harper for her freedom, even more so when she begins to meet with Isaac, a free Black man who helps the local indigenous communities and seems to live a prosperous life. Both must decide what they want and expect for the rest of their lives after surviving enslavement in the American South.

Harris's writing is lyrical and thoughtful, and although the story meanders slowly to its conclusion, the tension Harris builds throughout the story makes the reader wonder if both siblings survive and if they will ever find each other again. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it delivers. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a slow-paced historical fiction that will make you curious to learn more about the time period in which the story takes place. Pick up if you liked Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine or The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers.

I started this book with very few preconceptions and was surprised many times over before the end. I suppose I expected an adventure. Brother sets out to reunite with sister, crossing wild desert filled with unsavory sorts and inhospitable terrain. And that’s certainly where it seemed to be heading in Coleman’s rambling, almost florid voice. But then June starts to tell her story with her frank, unimpressed voice and we begin to realize how much horror is hidden below Coleman’s mask of erudition. Each time the story reverts back to June, another layer is peeled away, over and over again, forcing the reader to confront the depths of corruption that slavery foments.

In contrast, Coleman encounters many men along his journey who wear their morality on the surface. These men don’t participate in slavery, per se, though that’s not out of any moral fortitude. Unlike Coleman and June, who are forced to bear cruelty and violence without any hope to power, these men seize some small measure of power by continuing the cycle of violence.

This was a deeply uncomfortable read. For most of the book, it wasn’t one I much liked either, though June’s journey from stoic despair to independence kept me engaged. The halting and sometimes roundabout storytelling is perfectly paired to our narrators’ characters, adding an imperfect, humanizing layer to the recounting. The story jumps ahead and back and sometimes never quite connects, showing us only what is important to the narrator. Everyone is this book is flawed, most irredeemably so. But it was INTERESTING. It was CHALLENGING. And in this present day, as we watch our American government tear at human rights on a grand scale, it was a RELEVANT reminder in a way I sincerely wished it didn’t need to be that deciding any individual or group of people is lesser is certain to end in evil.

Many thanks to Little, Brown and NetGalley for the ARC! The opportunity pushed me to read something far outside my usual comfort zone and I’m so grateful I did, as uncomfortable as it was.

Wow wow wow. The adventure and pacing of this are similar to that of “James.” Which, if you know, you know. The depth of character development and even the setting as a character completely immerse readers. I wanted to continue reading not only because of the plot, but I felt deeply for Coleman and June, and what happens to them. I literally haven’t been on the edge of my seat reading a novel since “James.”

What also made this fresh was the concept of freed slaves
In Mexico. This was a more unique exploration than what’s currently in the literary canon. The vivid descriptions and the experiences that each character has in Mexico could be a whole character study in and of itself.

I am so glad I read this. Thank you netgalley and the publisher!

It was a good read! Very good read showing the prejudice still shown to freed slaves and how hard their lives were after being freed. sad story

Amity is a powerful and deeply moving story set in the turbulent years following the Civil War. It follows Coleman and June, two formerly enslaved siblings separated by the whims of their former master. While Coleman remains in Louisiana, June is taken to Mexico, where freedom proves just as elusive.

I was captivated by the vivid imagery Nathan Harris brings to life, from the sweltering Louisiana swamps to the unforgiving Mexican desert. The landscapes are not just settings but emotional mirrors for the characters' inner lives. What truly struck me was the emotional journey of Coleman and June. Their bond as siblings despite separation, hardship, and time felt heartbreakingly authentic. As someone with a brother they grew up close to, I felt especially connected to their story and the deep love and loyalty they carried for each other.

This story is of survival, resistance, loyalty, and the unbreakable strength of family. After finishing this, I am eager to add the author's first novel to my TBR list. Thank you to the publisher, Little, Brown and Company and Netgalley for the ARC. I read this book as part of Camp Netgalley, and I am grateful for the opportunity to experience such a moving read.

Rather than DNF, I am setting this one aside for the time being (currently at 50%), until I have more extended opportunity to read. I am finding it far too slow moving to maintain my interest. I am not giving up on it entirely, the writing is wonderful, and I am very interested in June's story, less so Coleman's, and will take it up at a later date.

An interesting piece of fiction that explores the uncertain time after the Civil War, ranging from Louisiana to the fluid regions of the Mexican/American border. The story focuses on the journeys of siblings June and Coleman, formerly slaves who are now 'freed' but still working for their former 'masters,' the Harper family. Everything changes when the Harper family decides to attempt to find new fortune across the border in Mexico. June and Wyatt Harper (the patriarch of the family) go first, and then Coleman, Florence Harper (Wyatt's daughter), and Florence's mother are summoned at a later date to join them. Circumstances are not at all what they appear, however, and both groups are in for a grueling journey that puts the focus on June and Coleman and their struggle to survive and free themselves from the situation they find themselves in. There is also a wonderful dog named Oliver, who is Coleman's best friend and comes along for the adventure... which adds some very cute, heartwarming, and believable scenes amidst a lot of very dire occurrences.

A very good read, and an easy book to reach for if you are in a book group and are looking for a nice historical fiction selection that most people will love.

No doubt that Nathan Harris is a very talented writer -- this was such a strong historical fiction read about this period of American history; but I found myself really enjoying June's perspective and skimming through Coleman's.

4.50 STARS OVERALL!

I wasn't sure if I would like this book based on how it began. But I am so glad I kept reading!
This story is based on historical events, events that I was not familiar with, and now I am interested in learning more. Southern slave owners headed south to Mexico after the Civil War to colonize, take land, and use former slaves to provide labor. But they were stopped by Indigenous groups.

After the Civil War, a brother (Coleman) and sister (June) are torn apart when the sister is forced to join her former slave master in Mexico, where he sought to establish land and wealth. Unexpectedly, the former master summons her brother to Mexico, and a journey ensues. Coleman is left to endure the trip with the slave master's daughter.
The journey for Coleman is so engaging! And for June, she is trying to find her freedom, and unbeknownst to her, Coleman is trying to find her. Their drive to reunite is what drives the story. (Coleman's little companion will steal your heart)
The events are well-paced, interesting, suspenseful, shocking, and sad! It is a great ride for the reader (not so much for the characters!).
The writing is engaging, and piqued my interest in the history behind this fictional story.

Great follow-up novel from the author!
Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC and the publisher Little, Brown & Co.
Due out Sept 2, 2025. You will want to read this one, highly recommend it!
Thank you, Camp Netgalley!

Thank you Little, Brown and Company, Nathan Harris, and NetGalley for this ARC!

This is a powerful and heavy story of survival, resilience, and redemption during post Civl War. After the abolishment of slavery, formerly enslaved siblings June and Coleman did not get the freedom that was promised. Instead, their former master took June when he left for Mexico to escape the south. Both siblings were met with disasters, perils, harrowing escapes as they journeyed toward a reunion. The characters were richly portrayed. Harris vividly depicted the brutalities and injustices.This book was well-researched, the history treated with reverence.

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Amity tells the journey of formerly enslaved siblings, June and Coleman, who have yet to truly be freed after the end of the Civil War. After being seperated when their enslaver takes one to Mexico to escape the post Civil War south, they cling to hope that they will one day be reunited. However, an epic and tragic journey begins when a strange man appears back in Louisiana to bring Coleman to Mexico and to June.


This is a gorgeously written book. The descriptions of the setting in 1860s Mexico truly steal the show here. Harris does a great job of developing this place and both its beauty and its unforgivingness into the main character of the novel. He also does a great job of dispelling the long held myth in America that everything was fine and everyone who was formerly enslaved was freed as soon as the war was over. Harris does not shy away from the brutish reality. However, I did have a few gripes with the story. I think a few too many side characters are introduced which can make the story harder to follow and some of them do not serve to move the story along very much. Lastly, there were times that I think I was more interested in the setting than in the characters traversing it. Overall, this is a powerful piece of historical fiction that I hope gets its due.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this second novel by Nathan Harris as part of Camp NstGalley. The story is told from 2 POVs, siblings and former slaves, June and Coleman and is set in post Civil War New Orleans, Mexico and Texas. As former slaves, June and Coleman have their freedom but continue to live with and work for the Harpers, a middle-aged couple and their adult daughter, Florence. June and Coleman are separated when Mr. Harper takes June to Mexico as part of a group to start a settlement that will keep Southern traditions. Eventually, Coleman is summoned to Mexico and boards a ship along with the Harper women and an incredible journey begins while June is having adventures of her own.
While the story is engaging and creative, the book is also very character-driven. The adventures described are fantastic and life-changing and the character development is superb. Like The Sweetness of Water, this story is very different from other historical fiction, the plot is unique and the characters are so interesting. The book is well written and a pleasure to read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

I found this book to be excellent. It had unique, descriptive language; the scenes were effectively set throughout; and the imagery was exceptional. I found Coleman’s perspective particularly interesting, especially when he justified actions he regretted and how his character developed. The Epilogue did a perfect job wrapping the story up, again showing character development from the perspective of one sibling describing the other.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for this ARC as part of Camp NetGalley.

Amity is a beautifully descriptive story that reads like a literary novel but has more scenes of danger and action that I typically associate with literary. The main characters are flawed in a very human, relatable, and endearing way, and the growth they exhibit is brought about so naturally. This book was truly a delight to read. So many of the descriptions of the scenery or emotions surprised and enchanted me with their creativity and uniqueness and overall accuracy (but expressed in ways I’ve never heard before). Amity is a wonderful, heartfelt journey of a tale that deals with heavy topics without ever losing a sense of hope.

***Animal-related spoiler***
The dog does not die. I was anxious about this the whole time but trust me, the dog gets a happy ending.

Disclaimer: This is my honest review in exchange for a free eARC copy of this book.

This is a beautifully written story of 2 siblings-Coleman and June, who are separated during the post slavery world of 1864. Although freed, they say with their owners out of comfort and familiarity. June would like to get away from Mr. Harper, while Coleman is content to work for Mrs. Harper and spend time with his dog Oliver. When Mr. Harper takes June with him to Mexico, fleeing the Union Soldiers, Coleman is bereft. He is then summoned by Mr. Harpers man, to help find June, who had run off with her Indian boyfriend.

The action scenes are written expertly. As the ship sinks that they sail on to Mexico, flames rising from the bow, you are reminded of the Titantic. Once Cameron arrives, he struggles to adapt to this new changing world. June, however, is drawn to her freedom, and is excited to escape the claws of Mr. Harper. They will both eventually converge but the journey there is the best part of the story. The terrain, the danger, the heat, it's as if you feel the sand of the desert in your pores. The hardship, the abuse, and the exhaustion they suffer is a testament to their will to survive, and reunite with each other.

I never read this author's first book but now am inspired to do so. An amazing story!

Thank you to Net Galley, I received an advanced reader’s edition of Amity through their site.
This story about a brother and sister, once enslaved, later separated, navigating through the desert of Mexico, hoping to reunite with each other. June and Coleman. June is traveling with the patriarch of the Harper family that once owned the siblings, Coleman is with the matriarch of the family, Mrs. Harper, her daughter, and the family dog, Oliver. Coleman and the Harper ladies are traveling to Mexico to reunite as a group, after the family patriarch sent for them. June and Coleman’s separate journeys are similar as they encounter rough terrain, questionable characters, and persons who assist in helping them along the way.
Coleman’s story includes his having become a self-taught young man who has a closeness with Oliver, the dog. June’s point of view at times is centered on what her role was as a big sister trying to look out for Coleman, which repeats itself in a way during her journey in Mexico. Her story’s pace is different, but rooted in her how her character is introduced and how she navigates within the community she is with in Mexico.
Nathan Harris is a vivid storyteller and I enjoyed this read. I’m looking forward to what he pens next.

📖⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📖

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the E-ARC of this book. It was a wonderful Camp NetGalley read.

From the Author of The Sweetness of Water comes this beautifully put together work of historical fiction.

It’s 1866 in Louisiana. Though the Civil War is over and enslaved people have technically been emancipated from their enslavers, we know that it was not so simple. And neither were the lives of brother and sister, Coleman and June. When June is taken to Mexico by Mr. Harper with promises of a land of milk and honey, she has little choice but to do as she is told and Coleman is left behind to see to the rest of the family. After he receives a letter from Mr. Harper requesting Coleman’s presence in Mexico, he has no other option than to go and hopefully reunite with his sister. Tragedy after tragedy, Coleman is now fighting for both his life and the life of Mr. Harper’s daughter, Florence, as they make their way through the Mexican desert. They have no idea what they’re in for as they battle thirst, hunger, and thieves.
This book transported me right alongside Coleman and Florence as they fought for their lives on the dusty and suffocating frontier. Nathan Harris is an extremely talented young writer, and the research he puts into his novels is second to none. I highly recommend this book and you’ll have a hard time putting it down!

I picked this as my Camp NetGalley read because I had heard a great thing about Harris’s debut The Sweetness of Water and because I am a sucker for historical fiction in atypical settings. Set between 1864 and 1866, Amity follows the lives of a pair of siblings who wants freed continue to work for the family that had held them as slaves. There’s a bit of a dual timeline situation because we follow Coleman in 1866 after he gets a letter from the man of the household who had taken Coleman’s sister and gone to Mexico, leaving Coleman with the wife and daughter of the house. We also get interludes from the sister’s perspective as they make the trip to Mexico.

I think what worked for me is the setting. Our characters are a white Louisiana family and their now freed slaves, and we got to see a bit of what society was like as the Civil War was ending. We also get to see an interesting take on the Mexican border at the time and how that plays into the era’s race relation relations. That setting and that time period are all just so interesting to me that I enjoyed spending a couple hours in that world.

Where I struggled, I think was in the pacing, and honestly, I think it might’ve been a me thing. I found myself much more interested in June’s story than in Coleman’s, and it got to the point that the longer we were following Coleman the more I didn’t like him. The ending is supposed to make it seem like he was changed so dramatically by his journey, but I felt like we skipped through a lot of his reckoning with what was happening to him. As we followed his story, it was this traumatic event and then there was a time skip and then it was this traumatic event so yes, he should have been changed by the journey, but it didn’t feel like he was. I also feel like for a book named after town. We really didn’t spend any time in that town.

Overall, I think this was a good book, but not my favorite. I own The Sweetness of Water, and I will give it a try, and I do recommend this if it sounds interesting to you.

June and Coleman are siblings...raised as slaves in Louisiana by the Harper family. As the Civil War ends, both siblings should be considered as free persons, but the master of the house Wyatt Harper is not accepting of this fact. He decides to take June (whom he is obsessed with) with him to Mexico and create a fortune through silver mining.

When Muriel Harper and daughter Florence are shown a letter from Wyatt that requests Coleman to come to Mexico to help retrieve June whom is reported as abducted by Indians, the three (plus adorable dog Oliver) begin an odyssey that will take them through the Mexican desert.
Mexico at this time (1865) is a land in turmoil: the French army (currently in control of the government), Juaristas are Mexican rebels that are trying to regain control of their country, and slave traders sent from the US to recapture and return slaves all make the country a very dangerous place.

Both Coleman and June will experience many horrible things as they remain hopeful in reuniting. Will they also find the freedom and security of a home that they can call their own? INCREDIBLE adventure scenes in this book. This is a must read.

Thank you Netgalley/Little Brown and Company for this eARC.

"A gripping story about a brother and sister, emancipated from slavery but still searching for true freedom, and their odyssey across the deserts of Mexico to finally reunite, all while escaping a former master still intent on their bondage."

It is just after the Civil War when Coleman leaves New Orleans with his master's daughter and wife to find his master and sister, June. Although emancipated, they find their harrowing journey proof that they must take their freedom in hopes of being reunited. June's experience is expertly threaded in with Coleman's adventure.

The writing is absolutely exquisite with perfect pacing, and I found this to be a riveting, vital read. What could have been a boring travelogue through the Mexican desert is a captivating and essential addition to emancipation literature. The bond between siblings is quietly revealed and imprinted on your heart as well as the bond between human and animal. The strangers they meet along the way that come to their aid restore your faith in humanity after seeing those who exploit and hurt others for gain. I was captivated from start to finish and will be thinking about Coleman, June, and Florence for a very long time. Nathan Harris is a brilliant voice in literature, and I can't wait to see what he writes next.

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

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