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Shilpa is a Black woman with blue eyes. She creates artwork and sells it. Living in Little Village, she enjoys a close relationship with her neighbors, especially two sisters named Anna and Ariel. Another neighbor, Ms. Romano, is someone Shilpa is quite fond of. However, she does not have a good feeling about Ms. Romano's nephew, Blake. In her dreams, Shilpa is married to a white man named Jacob, which surprises her because she typically prefers Black men. In these dreams, they have two beautiful daughters together. Shilpa has a friend named Winnie. It is later revealed that Winnie's boyfriend is Blake, Ms. Romano's nephew, who is physically abusive towards her. With the support of Shilpa and another friend named Chaz, Winnie reports Blake to the police, only to discover that he is wanted for killing his mother.
In her novel, Lane explores the intricate, often ambiguous relationship between reality and the dream world. She skillfully addresses profound themes such as racism, racial profiling, discrimination, and the dynamics of interracial relationships. The character of Shilpa serves as a lens through which the reader can examine the intersections of reality and dreams. Lane delves deeply into Shilpa's thoughts, emotions, and internal struggles, allowing readers to empathize with her experiences and engage with her on a nuanced level. Furthermore, Lane offers compelling examples that illuminate the experiences of those who have encountered racial discrimination and profiling. By portraying Shilpa's struggles, the author invites readers to reflect on the broader societal implications of these issues, fostering a deeper understanding of the character's plight. This captivating narrative features unexpected twists and turns that create suspense, keeping one enthralled from beginning to end.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review