Where the Rivers Merge: A Novel

Since Gone with the Wind, there is a formula for creating a strong southern woman who is ahead of her time, business-like, empowered like a man, and above all, who helps the black people in her charge. In fairness, it is not only women in this genre who are featured as being anti-racist, but the white protagonist who is chiefly able to protect the disempowered black person from the cruelties of racism. A quick review of books, movies, and overall culture reveals that this is an archetype for those who wish to cast the white race in the helpful mode of friendly anti-racists. Eliza, the strong, rebellious heroine of this novel, is such a character. That being said, this novel is well written and readable. We all long for such a virtuous, strong woman who defies the odds to succeed better than any man, live independently, and prosper. Conveniently, the love of her life perishes early, so there is no distraction from the single-minded storybook tale. Those readers who long for another Scarlett O’Hara—or a character cast in that mode will be rewarded by reading this fable.