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Back in the innocence of a time when many Americans were eager to bring the races together, a white boy and a black girl fall in love. The boy's father, professing to want the best for his son, breaks up their romance. The years roll forward. Long after the two teenage lovers last saw each other, they are reunited. They are still in love, but for them to marry would still cause great family discord. Will history repeat itself? Thus begins We Had a Dream, Howard Kohn's intricate morality tale about America one generation after the modern era of civil rights activism. Kohn brings us a true story that unfolds against a backdrop of racial politics, suburban culture, and fired-up emotions. The principal characters are sympathetic souls, people who want to make good on the dream. And yet... The first love affair soon coincides with a second one. A black boy and a white girl are attracted to each other, but not long after they meet, the boy is found shot to death outside the girl's bedroom, killed by her father, a local police officer. However, the father is not arrested. Instead, his daughter is, charged in a murder conspiracy with her dead boyfriend. And this is still only the beginning of the story.
A white boy and a black girl's love is thwarted by prejudice, only for history to repeat itself with a second, tragic romance. The narrative explores the enduring impact of racial tensions in America, following individuals who strive to realize the dream of equality. The story unfolds against a backdrop of racial politics and suburban life, presenting sympathetic characters caught in cycles of discord and violence. The framework appears to be a non-linear, true-story narrative, examining societal issues through personal relationships.
This novel delves into the complexities of race relations and love in America, presenting a narrative that challenges readers to consider the persistence of prejudice. The story's dual timelines and interwoven romances highlight the societal struggles faced by individuals attempting to overcome racial barriers. The author's approach, grounded in a true story, offers a poignant look at the challenges of making the dream of equality a reality. The reception suggests a thought-provoking exploration of morality and societal progress.
Page Count:
366
Publication Date:
1998-01-01
ISBN-10:
0684808749
ISBN-13:
9780684808741
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