by Julie Kibler
In Texas, an elderly Caucasian woman, Isabelle, asks her much younger African-American hair dresser to drive her to Cincinnati for a funeral. It appears to be a rather odd request but Dorrie agrees to take some time off and do it.
During their time on the road the story weaves through Isabelle's past and Dorrie's present. Isabelle grew up in Northern Kentucky just across the river from Cincinnati. She and a local black boy fell in love and planned to share their lives together. While Isabelle's story unfolds we also learn about Dorrie's life as a single mom and her issues learning to trust.
I was fascinated with the story of the "illicit" love in the early 1900's. While the black boy was so aware of all the horrible things that could only come of their love, Isabelle was so naive and could only imagine they'd have a wonderful life together no matter how far they had to run from the world to have it.
All throughout the trip to Cincinnati, Isabelle withholds who's funeral she is attending. From the stories Isabelle is telling it's easy to make a guess, but don't be surprised if it's not who you think.
I really enjoyed this story and give it 5 of 5 shots.
