https://electricliterature.com/46-books-by-women-of-color-to-read-in-2018/

"Love is not love/ Which alters when it alteration finds...O no! it is an ever-fixed mark/ That looks on tempests and is never shaken..." In my former life as a teacher, Sonnet 116 was my exemplar of figurative language and emotional intensity. The poem is beautiful to read aloud, its aspirations daunting, even unattainable.

Tayari Jones's love story [and social commentary] is tragic because the characters pursue Shakespeare's lofty ideals but are relegated to reality. After Roy is wrongly imprisoned, Celestial's letters convey her ongoing love and loyalty to him. As years pass, she must quietly grapple with her fading feelings, the shame of accepting the relationship's end, and the complications caused by Roy's early release.

Each character's perspective is relatable, authentic, and causes the reader to question whether love can and should always be born out "even to the edge of doom."

Racial injustice and false imprisonment test the limits of what a relationship can endure.

Beautifully well written and packed with emotion, heartbreak, and injustice, Jones invites readers to examine the marriage of Roy and Celestial, two newlyweds barely into their second year of marriage when they are ripped apart by an unjust legal system that deems Roy a criminal. Facing a 12-year sentence, Roy and Celestial struggle to maintain their relationship and are facing an uncertain future when Roy is released back into society seven years early. Rather than portray a rosy ending, Jones promotes realism, examining the ties that bind us and the choices that we all make

Innocent black jailed for rape. Not for book club

What happens to a relationship when someone is wrongly incarcerated? This powerful novel delves into the aftermath of such a tragedy, providing an unforgettable narrative and complex characters.

Tayari Jones does an excellent job of writing complicated characters. You'll find lots to discuss and ponder while you read this.

A twisty, turny, thoughtful book about marriage, love, race and how life rarely goes the way we plan. I burned through this in 2 days. I think this would be a great book club pick!

Now this is a NOVEL! This complex, character-driven story is full of love and injustice. Highly recommend. The audio version is great.

What a good read. Couldn't put it down. The characters, the situation were so compelling.