Set over three generations and involving three women, One Blood tells the story of Grace, brought up largely by her grandmother Maw Maw in segregated Virginia in the 1960’s, Lolo (Delores) who has her own battles with being a mother and Rae, daughter to both Grace and Lolo and in turn a mother herself to Skye at the turn of the 21st century. This sounds complex and it is a complex, tough, raw, real, engaging book with topics including abuse, abortion, racism and rape. It spans many decades of American Deep South history and culture and highlights the importance of family, motherhood, marriage and fighting to protect and be protected.
It would interest readers who enjoy American history, deep south culture, family dynamics and the role of women as mothers, daughters and wives. It is a highly emotional book, at times I was so angry, at times I cried. That, to me, is a sign of captivating writing. A must read.