Tangled Roots
- 2014 INDIES Finalist
- Finalist, LGBT (Adult Fiction)
Childhood companions in the early 20th century grow to love each other amid the turmoil of racist upheaval and sexist restrictions in a touching story of abiding loyalty. In Tangled Roots, Marianne K. Martin presents two intelligent women faced with intolerable choices that will curtail their future together.
Raised by an African American farming family, Nessie must exercise caution in her friendship with Anna, the daughter of comfortable white landowners. In this era, interracial entanglements are frowned upon and same-sex partnerships are forbidden. With two strikes against them in a Southern community that will destroy any chance at happiness, they must resort to secret interludes. Precarious promises that may never be kept form the foundation of their relationship.
Steeped in the brutal reality of a historical period on the brink of violent change, Nessie and Anna live according to the rules of discrimination. This exploration of tender passion, perhaps too sane to be permitted in an insane society, allows a candid look at past contrivances and established tradition. Rooted within this moving novel is the seed of freedom beginning to sprout.
“Maybe the days of seeing each other every day were numbered, but Nessie would not be counting. She chose, instead, to believe the lilt in Anna’s voice, and let it lift her past the truth. Even while what she knew clung stubbornly to the hem of her denial, Nessie reveled in Anna’s smile and lost herself in the blue of her eyes.”
Marianne K. Martin is a best-selling author of lesbian romance. She has garnered numerous awards.
This post-Civil War romance will enthrall an audience seeking diversity in a subgenre often immersed in stereotypes. Deeply engrossing and quite beautiful, Martin’s talent for creating human characters that could walk off the page into real life will leave her audience craving more.
Reviewed by
Julia Ann Charpentier
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
