House Behind the Cedars

Set in post-Civil War North and South Carolina, the narrative follows Rena Walden, a young woman of mixed ancestry who chooses to live as a white woman to join her brother. Her secret identity complicates her romance with a white aristocrat when her heritage is revealed. The novel delves into themes of racial identity and interracial relationships, reflecting the author's own experiences with race. Despite its critical acclaim, the controversial subject matter hindered its financial success, making it a significant work in American literature's exploration of racism.