The story follows Becky and Elliot, an artistic couple navigating life in 1980s Manhattan, where their interracial marriage faces societal challenges. Their joy turns to tragedy when their newborn dies shortly after birth, prompting them to confront their grief and vulnerability. In the wake of their loss, they turn to spiritualism for solace, exploring themes of love, cultural identity, and the impact of personal tragedy on their relationship.
The Naughty Girl's Guide To Life Marshall, Sharon and Palmer-Tomkinson, Tara
Set against the backdrop of early 21st-century America, the narrative follows Charles Rivers, a weary Black professor and Vietnam vet grappling with loneliness and the mystery of his missing son. His life takes a turn on 9/11 when a homeless former student leaves her child in his care, leading to a complicated affair with a younger colleague. Through the perspectives of Charles, his student Keisha, his lover Rosetta, and his son Jason, the story explores themes of connection, loss, and love in a fractured, racially divided society.