Author Description

O'Toole (history, Boston College) recounts the lives of nine children of an Irish-American planter and his wife, an African-American slave. Covering the years from 1820 to 1920, the narrative focuses on how members of the Healy family were able to "pass" as white in a society that scorned people of mixed descent. The Healys were able to gain acceptance largely with the help of the Catholic Church, as several of the siblings became priests or nuns. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)