The ways in which Zelda Lockhart weaves these lives and stories together is fascinating. Trinity is at both intimate and epic, a sweeping tale of the ways in which we are connected not only by love of family, but also by the traumas that we endure.

This is not a book that is for the faint of heart, but any reader willing to sit with this story will find it enriching and life-giving as Lockhart animates stories that still live and breathe in the legacy of our country.

Trinity delves into the painful memories of past betrayals, recalling the actions of Ghanaian ancestors involved in the slave trade and their abandonment of the Black family. Set in 1939 Mississippi, Leander Lee's (Lottie's husband who is fifty years older than her) bitterness and mistreatment drive away his young wife Lottie and their sons. Lottie's sudden disappearance and Bennie's (Lottie and Leander's son) impulsive enlistment lead to lifelong torment. Through these interconnected narratives, Zelda Lockart explores the deep wounds of history and the lasting impact of trauma, highlighting the characters' resilience as they seek redemption and healing.

Lockart's prose is rich and evocative, immersing readers in the vibrant landscapes of the South and painting a vivid picture of the characters' emotional landscapes. The author masterfully handles themes of intergenerational trauma, racial identity, and the resilience of the human spirit. Trinity is a testament to the enduring power of love and the indomitable strength found within the bonds of family.

Trinity captivated me with its gripping narrative, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to readers enjoy Southern storytelling. Zelda Lockart expertly weaves together the tales of the African Diaspora, delving into the stories of the characters while exploring their deep connection to our homeland and the longing for answers. This blend of genres adds an intriguing layer to the novel, making it a compelling and unique read for those seeking a thought-provoking exploration of history, identity, and the unbreakable bonds that span generations.

Huge thanks to Amistad and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This is a tough read. It's around 90% trauma. Deep, generational trauma with heavy character impact. This isn't really what I expected from this book, and I can't say it's something I enjoyed overly much. The majority of the family's story takes place in Fayetteville, North Carolina, which is where I currently live, so I did feel a connection with the characters based on location. Most of the characters though are pretty difficult to empathize with! I wish more of the story had been about Lottie Rebecca, but I understand why it was structured the way it was. The prose itself is beautiful, but be prepared for a heavy read if you pick this up.

Narration of my audio copy was flawless! Thank you to Zelda Lockhart, Amistad, Harper Audio, and NetGalley for my advance audio copy.

Book Title: Trinity: A Novel
Author: Zelda Lockhart
Narrator: Lynnette Freeman
Publisher: Harper Audio
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pub Date: July 4, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 272

This is the story of three generations of Southern blacks trying to free from the struggles of racial discrimination.
Benjamin Lee, is Lottie Rebecca Lee’s grandfather who was born during the Great Depression and his son
Benjamin Junior, his son and Lottie Rebecca’s father, was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where the post Korean War GI Bill promises prosperity.
Story is very emotional; one that was difficult to read but yet couldn’t stop.
Actually this was an audiobook and the narrator Lynnette Freeman is amazing. Her performance of [author: Zelda Lockhart)’s poetic words and characters was a pleasure yet disturbing.
My husband is a big history buff and I had to discuss this story with him after I finished.
In fact, I am sure this will be a very popular discussion with book clubs.
It certainly is a story will stay with me for a long time.

.Want to thank NetGalley and Harper Audio –for this amazing Advanced Audio Edition.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 4, 2023.

Thanks #netgalley for this review in exchange for an honest review. I tried but I just could not get into this book.

This was almost too good. The narration is amazing. This was one of the best performances I have ever listened to.
The stuff with the dog fights was amazing. The young boy struggling with becoming a man and still needing his absent mother had me close to sobbing.
I don't want to reveal too much but I will say that everyone needs to read this. I know a lot of black americans don't have access to their family history the way the rest of us do, but this book is a great representation of a fictional family history novel.
I think I will buy this one.

The stories flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****