One of my resolutions is to be more careful about making
sure
I read books which are about characters of color and/or
by authors of color. I've been following the calls for
diversity and the pushbacks saying there is already
tons of diversity, but we're simply not paying attention
to it. And one name that comes up over and over and over
again as a recommendation in the romance genre is Beverly
Jenkins. Jenkins is a grand dame of the genre full stop -
her sweeping historicals are beloved. She is an
author of color and writes largely about characters of
color so if you've never picked her up before, do so now!
FORBIDDEN is, in fact, a great place to start, especially
if you're in the bag for non-Regency historicals. The
story of Rhine and Eddy, FORBIDDEN deals with issues of
racial identity, belonging, family, hope, immigration,
despair, frustration, and America's awful sin of
racism in general. It's a book I would recommend the next
time I'm teaching a sociology class on racism - this
microcosm of the experience is so well presented. If
you're a fan of Piper Huguley's work, for example, there
is great evidence that she draws on Jenkins heavily.
Rhine's story is particularly gripping for me. A
biracial, educated individual, Rhine has spent most of
his life trying to pass off as a white man. This is not
just to advance in life and have opportunities black
people simply did not in this era (Old West Gold Rush-y),
but because he was often afraid for safety and because he
felt he fit into neither world. His relationship with
Eddy teaches him otherwise, but you can absolutely see
why he would make the choices he made.
I hugged this book when I was done. I was taken in by the
language and the narrative and the description - it all
just worked for me. If you like or are open to books set
in the American Old West, I'd highly recommend giving
FORBIDDEN a chance. I don't see how you'd regret it.
USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins returns with
the first book in a breathtaking new series set in the Old
West
Rhine Fontaine is building the successful life he's always
dreamed of—one that depends upon him passing for White. But
for the first time in years, he wishes he could step out
from behind the façade. The reason: Eddy Carmichael, the
young woman he rescued in the desert. Outspoken, defiant,
and beautiful, Eddy tempts Rhine in ways that could cost
him
everything . . . and the price seems worth paying.
Eddy owes her life to Rhine, but she won't risk her heart
for him. As soon as she's saved enough money from her
cooking, she'll leave this Nevada town and move to
California. No matter how handsome he is, no matter how
fiery the heat between them, Rhine will never be hers.
Giving in for just one night might quench this longing. Or
it might ignite an affair as reckless and irresistible as
it
is forbidden . . .
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