A fascinating sweeping epic of a story that draws you in from page one. The characters are well-written, sympathetic and believable. Certain points in the story will leave you gasping for breath as you follow the adventures of three black women and the trials they face. There is pain and suffering - particularly in Grace's story (points of which will stay with me for a long time). Lolo's ability to put everyone first (often to the detriment of herself) will enable you to believe in the power of women. You won't always agree with decisions that individual characters will make, although at times you will wonder what you would have done in similar circumstances (although you have to remember that their story is not ours). I liked the way the stories intertwined and was rooting for different characters throughout the book. Highly recommended.