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Homeward by Angela Jackson-Brown
Published by Harper Muse on 10/10/2023
Genres: Black & African American Historical Fiction, Black & African American Women’s Fiction
Pages: 400
The country is changing, and her own world is being turned upside down. Nothing—and no one—will ever be the same.
Georgia, 1962. Rose Perkins Bourdon returns home to Parsons, GA, without her husband and pregnant with another man’s baby. After tragedy strikes her husband in the war overseas, a numb Rose is left with pieces of who she used to be and is forced to figure out what she is going to do with the rest of her life. Her sister introduces her to members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee—young people are taking risks and fighting battles Rose has only seen on television. Feeling emotions for the first time in what feels like forever, the excited and frightened Rose finds herself becoming increasingly involved in the resistance efforts. And of course, there is also the young man, Isaac Weinberg, whose passion for activism stirs something in her she didn’t think she would ever feel again.
Homeward follows Rose’s path toward self-discovery and growth as she becomes involved in the Civil Rights Movement, finally becoming the woman she has always dreamed of being.
Book Referees is thrilled to be a stop on the Hear Our Voices blog tour for Homeward by Angela Jackson-Brown! This powerful novel takes readers on an emotional journey through themes of resilience, self-discovery, love, and transformation, set against a turbulent time in American history.
To celebrate this impactful story, we have put together a playlist that captures Rose’s journey as she faces heartache, embraces renewal, and strives to become the woman she has always envisioned.
A Change Is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke
This timeless classic captures the hope and struggle for a better future, echoing Rose’s journey toward personal growth and transformation.
Strange Fruit – Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday’s haunting anthem embodies pain and injustice, setting a somber backdrop for Rose’s inner struggles and awakening.
People Get Ready – The Impressions
A soulful anthem of hope and unity, this song inspires resilience and community, mirroring Rose’s growing connection to those around her.
Freedom Highway – The Staple Singers
Celebrating the fight for justice, this track mirrors Rose’s newfound purpose and her evolving sense of self.
Mississippi Goddam – Nina Simone
Direct and powerful, Nina Simone’s song channels the frustration and anger of struggle, resonating with Rose’s personal battles.
Walk On By – Dionne Warwick
This classic tune evokes Rose’s heartbreak and emotional numbness as she copes with the loss of love and shattered dreams.
Young, Gifted and Black – Nina Simone
As Rose finds her strength, this empowering anthem reflects her journey of self-discovery and embracing her own potential.
To Be Young, Gifted and Black – Aretha Franklin
Aretha’s soulful rendition embodies Rose’s growth and the pride she gains as she reclaims her identity.
Respect – Aretha Franklin
Symbolic of the empowerment Rose seeks, this song reflects her desire for respect and equality in her relationships and her life.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free – Nina Simone
An anthem of freedom and self-empowerment, this song perfectly captures Rose’s transformation and her desire for liberation.
Homeward by Angela Jackson-Brown takes us back to the troubled South of 1962, where Rose Perkins Bourdon returns to her hometown of Parsons, Georgia, under heartbreaking circumstances. Pregnant and mourning her husband who died in the war, Rose feels lost and struggles to rebuild her life.
Yet, amid her sadness, she discovers a new sense of purpose through the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a group of brave young people fighting for civil rights and justice. Jackson-Brown beautifully shows the tension and hope of the time, illustrating Rose’s emotional growth as she joins the movement.
Her journey is complicated, especially when she meets Isaac Weinberg, an enthusiastic activist who brings back feelings she thought were gone forever. Rose’s story is not only about healing but also about finding her place in a rapidly changing world. “Homeward” is a tale of strength, love, and activism, celebrating the bravery it takes to rebuild a life during difficult times.
Angela Jackson-Brown gives readers a heartfelt look at grief, identity, and the strength of community, making this novel a moving read for those interested in the personal stories behind historical events.
