I read about this case in the news and reading this book was a deep dive from the woman behind the articles. While the case may be ongoing, this is a story that needs to be told. It encompasses so many important topics around restitution, reparations and how African Americans can and should delve into our history/family trees. I’d like to follow this story and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in those topics. The narrative mainly encompasses how the author, Tamara Lanier discovered the photo, her journey of getting representation and a summary of the legal arguments presented in the case. In addition to that, it also reveals the importance of oral vs. written history. The stories that our families pass on to us are just as important as those that are documented on paper or digitally.

This is an important book that I think should be required reading in high schools. It looks at the importance of reparations in a way I had never seen. As a white woman, I realize now more than ever that my privilege has kept me from acknowledging the depth of pain and continued discrimination that our citizens inflict on the ancestors of enslaved people. This includes through benefiting from enforced labor and segregating or discriminating minorities. I felt that Tamara Lanier really guided the reader through her process and helped unfold each discovery in such a way that the reader continues to learn and grow along with her.

I have a new understanding of ancestry, oral history, and family's rights to important historical documents. I also had to really confront my own biases and recognize the importance of believing victims and being willing to listen to new information when introduced to something that challenged my beliefs.