You May Plow Here: The Narrative of Sara Brooks

This book was especially touching for several reasons. A former neighbor knows Mrs. Brooks personally and felt I would benefit from reading about her. She was absolutely correct! I lived in a suburb of Cleveland for several decades, but spent my formative years in the South. Her travails, even though years prior to mine, mirror parts of my own life. The most pronounced difference is the absence of a father. I'm envious because I never knew the kind of devotion she speaks of receiving from her father. His dedication to family and willingness to sacrifice for them is admiral especially since African Americans are sometimes portrayed as devoid of family cohesiveness. I seriously doubt if I'll ever forget that my father left before I knew him personally. I sincerely appreciate the relationship between Mrs. Brooks and the author and the fact that Mrs. Simonsen assisted Mrs. Brooks in fulfilling a dream, one that might have resulted in a stage or acting career had she been born later. The fact that she thought of her as not an employee, but a friend is gratifying. I plan to send a letter to the author expressing my feelings for her part in this endeavor. It goes past being a mere aquaintance to being a part of someones life and dreams.

I am a Southern white woman raised by a Southern black woman who was our housekeeper. I heard Ms.Thordis Simonsen speak in Bowling Green, OH some years ago. She spoke about Miss Sara Brooks with such tenderness and love that it made me think of the woman who raised me. I bought a paperback copy for myself and a hardcover for Thelma. We both enjoyed the book. It is a backdoor peek into the times that were. If you think racism is overwrought white liberals and selfish black radicals seeking more than is theirs, think again. This narrative will bring it to your front door and you will not be able to look away.