In Black and White

by MaryAnn Diorio

Winner of First Place in Historical Fiction in the 2020 Christian Indie Awards Contest. A white woman. A black man. And their forbidden love. Can endurance and faith sustain the love between a white woman and a black man, threatened by rejection, guilt, and racial injustice? Can love alone reconcile their starkly different worlds, lighting the way to a bright future together? When graduate student, Tori Pendola, a white American woman, and Jebuni Kalitsi, a Ghanaian exchange student and heir to his tribe's chieftaincy, fall deeply in love, they must face not only their own inner demons of rejection and guilt but also the demons of societal hatred bent on destroying their relationship. Will their love survive the cruel and bitter attacks against them? Or will hatred and prejudice gain the upper hand? In Black and White is a deeply moving story of the power of God's love to restore all that is broken in their lives.

Genres: Historical Fiction

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2019

About the author

MaryAnn Diorio writes award-winning fiction from a quaint small town in New Jersey where neighbors still stop to chat while walking their dogs, families and friends still gather on wide, wrap-around porches, and the charming downtown still finds kids licking lollipops and old married folks holding hands. A Jersey girl at heart, MaryAnn is a big fan of Jersey diners, Jersey tomatoes, and the Jersey shore. You can learn more about MaryAnn and her writing at maryanndiorio.com and/or by subscribing to her monthly newsletter at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Reviews

[Jes Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is a beautiful entity- and racism is a hideous monster. When Tori and Jeb meet at an art show, they start on a path that shows them the truth of both realities. The readers share their dual path, as we witness the whirlwind love story between two graduate students, one a white American girl struggling with feeling unwanted, and the other a black Ghanian boy who is struggling with guilt. But we also witness the terrible racism they face as complete strangers take offense at their relationship, and their own families disapprove. Will love surmount all? Will he still be able to become chief of his village if he marries an outsider? And will they both be able to earn the degrees they worked so hard to earn? Read to find out, but be ready for a rollercoaster.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, and the opinions are my own.

First published on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts on In Black and White:
Okay, first this storyline didn’t seem like the works of fiction to me. I mean it seems to happen a lot in our society now. My cousin is white. Her husband is black. Their kids are the absolute cutest kids I have ever seen. Okay, well. Truthfully mine are cuter but other than that.

So for me going into this story it almost felt like a let down because it’s a scenario that I am familiar with.

That being said, this book is very well written and does a decent job of talking about what a marriage like this entails and bringing to light how even attitudes of niceness can hurt sometimes.

The setting. This book is set back in the 1950s when intermarriage between blacks and whites was definitely not the normal occurrence and people often were killed because of it. The author did a really good job researching about Ghana and what background our main character came from. This was something I really enjoyed reading about that and getting to know a different culture.

I do have to say the cover disappointed me. With this book, I was expecting a pretty cute cover with a handsome couple in the big 50s skirt. Fashion of time periods is something I LOVE and I would have loved to see that on the cover. I would not have picked up this book to read based on the cover but it was a great read and I’m glad that I got the chance to read it.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Black and White

In Black and White is set in the year 1959. In that time and day people were really against black and white relationships. Tori who is white meets Jeb who is black. They know their parents plus other people will not agree.

Jeb is from Ghana and he has to go back there when his father passes away. Jeb is in line to be a tribal chief. They are supposed to pick his wife and it won’t be white girl.

I enjoyed the story of Jeb and Tori especially being love at first sight. The author did a great job of presenting how hard it was in that time and day. Definitely prejudice times, for example: of hard it was for them to find a place to live together. Things are different today but still prejudice exists which is sad.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the opening pages of this novel, we see Tori and Jeb meet each other at an art exhibition in Philadelphia in 1959. She is an art student and of Italian heritage, and he is an exchange student from Ghana and is next in line to become chief of his tribe. As their love for each other quickly grows so does the tension between Tori and her father who has never showed his love for her and who dislikes all blacks. As a couple they confront racial hatred on their university campus, discrimination at work and in the wider community. When Jeb is summoned back to Ghana on the death of his father, he will there too face the same kind of attitude from his family and tribe when he expresses his desire to marry a white woman. It’s apparent that the historical background for this story required much research on the part of MaryAnn Diorio. I was drawn into this couple’s struggles and found myself cheering for them when all seemed impossible and wanting them not to lose their faith in God and in each other. As a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, I’m familiar with many of the places mentioned in this story that speaks to the destructive impact of racial prejudice and to the grace of God to bring reconciliation.

[Diane Werckle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author MaryAnn Diorio tackles a difficult subject in her novel In Black and White.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1959: Apartheid separates, but love binds.

Graduate art student Tori Pendola has no inkling her life will change just by attending a lecture on Ghanaian art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. That night she meets Jebuni Kalitsi, heir to the position of trial chieftain held by his father in his homeland of Ghana, Africa, and their lives are forever changed.
I recommend all of Dr. Diorio’s books, but I found In Black and White to be one of those novels you can’t put down until you’re through—and then you wish for more. The author writes with sensitivity and grace. Its pages reveal the author’s heart, depth of research, and her love for Christ.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly all forms of discrimination are still an issue in the 21st century. This book was well written by this new to me author. I look forward to reading more of her works.

[Gee Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was very heartwarming, especially for the times we are in; in our lives right now. Tori, a student at Penn State meets Jebuni, a foreign exchange student from Ghana. They become friends and eventually fall in love. They were not accepted and there were threats and harassment issues they had to deal with. Also, in Ghana Jebuni was to become the Chief of his Tribe and the elders would find a wife for him. Tori and Jebuni get married and eventually she moves to Ghana after their studies at Penn State were done. Her father had disowned her and she was pleased that she was now accepted in Ghana. This story continues on and ends with a happy note but my heart still stirred because we are all from Adam and Eve. God loves all of us. We are not picked out by color we are all his children. I am blessed to be one of his children.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when an author tackles a tough subject and writes a story that not only teaches us lessons but opens our heart up to God’s Word. The Bible says, “We are created in His image.” He doesn’t see color, only hearts. This story has been hard to read because I cried throughout the book. Everyday we hear about violence because of race or religion and I pray that someday that prejudice does not exist.
Tori is a young woman on the way to graduating college. She has felt unwanted and a mistake by her father all her life. I could feel her need to be accepted and God had a plan to show her that she was loved. We can’t help who we fall in love with. The heart wants what the heart wants. Finding your soul mate is something we all desire and for Tori she may have that dream come to pass.
I was especially intrigued by Jeb because of his heritage. The author has done a great job of researching customs from other nations. When Jeb and Tori meet you could sense a connection right away. As their relationship grows, they find theirselves in the midst of hatred among the community. It was sad to hear how many times they were verbally or physically attacked by people who were deceived by the enemy. Their troubles start with their parents and I was dismayed by the hatred that came from Tori’s father.
The story is set in 1959 when whites and blacks were not welcomed to interact with each other. As I read the book I can remember the day when a young man was beaten because people wanted to get revenge. Oh how I cried when I saw the riots in the streets and the pain that spread across a nation. Tori and Jeb will face many challenges and with their faith they will stand together and fight for what is right. It is a beautiful example of forgiveness and trust. I won’t give anything away but I will say the author writes a story that is prevalent even today. Will Jeb and Tori marry? Can love overcome hatred?
“With God all things are possible.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tori Pendola is a graduate student in Art History. When she attends an art lecture featuring art from Ghana, she meets Jebuni Kalitsi, a graduate student from Ghana. They are immediately drawn to each other and soon fall in love. But, will their love be able to overcome the prejudices from both of their people?

The white people in the US, including Tori's parents, have no problem with showing their feelings about a white woman and a black man being together. And, Jeb's tribe is no better. Jeb is the heir to his tribe's chieftaincy and tradition says that the tribal elders will pick his wife. They definitely wouldn't pick Tori to be that wife! "Tradition must and will prevail."

Does skin color define a person? Will the love between Tori and Jeb be strong enough to face the many challenges from everyone around them? The author, Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, has written a poignant, touching story, full of faith and love. Her book reiterates the power of God's love to restore all that is broken in our lives.

This is a book that can be read and enjoyed by people of all ages and I am sure that God will speak to each reader through the author's words. Dr. Diorio's writing really spoke to my heart and make me rethink some things in my own life.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book are these:

"Praying always makes a difference, as long as one prays to the only true God."
"What is in the heart is what truly matters. The lips speak lies, but the heart never lies."
"God's plan for your life is always better than your own."
"Doing the right thing is often very difficult. But we must do it, nonetheless."
"There is only one race, and that race is the human race."

I will try to remember these quotes and live by them in my daily life. Thanks for sharing this beautiful story with the world, Dr. Diorio!

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author MaryAnn Diorio has written a powerful story that shows all of the racial bigotry that was rampant in 1959. Tori has experienced rejection from her father for many years and this escalates when she shows interest in an exchange student from Ghana. As their friendship deepens into something more, both Tori and Jeb suffer insults, threats of violence, and the possibility of being cut off from both of their families. Jeb even faces being stripped of the honor of being named chief of his father's tribe back in Ghana. Is it possible for a white woman to find happiness with a person who is both black and from another country? Can Jeb convince his fellow tribe members that a white woman is suitable to become his wife? Both Tori and Jeb are believers but is this truly a part of God's Plan?

I was drawn into this story and I tried to imagine how I would have felt if I had faced this situation. It is a reminder that skin color has nothing to do with a person's character and we can't always choose who we love. Jeb's gentle nature is so appealing to Tori because of the hurt and rejection that she has always felt and she sees much more than the darkness of his skin.

Sadly, this story that is set in Philadelphia in 1959 is still very relevant in 2020. Differences in race and religion often cause hurts or injuries and we need to be reminded that equality, love, and forgiveness are very much needed. I recommend In Black and White to all who enjoy Christian fiction and I applaud Diorio for her attempt to educate as she also entertains.

I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required and these are my own thoughts.

[Anna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Black And White is inspirational historical fiction at its best. Centered around the interracial relationship between the protagonists, the author gives us a candid look at prejudice in the year 1959.
The lives of Jeb and Tori took me back to memories of my neighborhood in the early 1970s, as they faced persecution from family, friends, and strangers alike.
This is a story of faith and love triumphing over personal struggles of rejection and guilt, as well as the combined injustice that came from hate and fear directed toward them as a couple.
Separated not only by race and geography, Jeb and Tori managed to bridge the space between America and Ghana, finding common ground and enduring love through their unwavering faith in Christ.
For Christians and non-Christians alike, this book is well worth the time to read, and might even be life-changing for some.
An excellent read! I was given this book courtesy of the author through Interviews and Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I highly recommend this book and would happily give more than 5 stars.

[Donna C · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I think you should know:
In Black and White is a historical fiction novel by MaryAnn Diorio. It is set in 1959 when societal norms in both America and Ghana forbid interracial relationship. Tori is a white American Woman and Jebuni is a black Ghanaian man, they meet at an American university and quickly fall in love. Can their relationship withstand the prejudice from both cultures?

What you might need to know:
Tori and Jeb both suffer violence due to their relationship.

What I think about this book:
Although it is a hard book to read at time due to the prejudice that both Tori and Jeb endure it is a beautiful story of how God loves each of us and no matter our race we need to love each other. I was fascinated to see that many in Ghana were as opposed to their relationship like many in the United States. The story was a beautiful story of forgiveness of both others and yourself. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more of Diorio’s work.

I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Black and White, by MaryAnn Diorio, is a heartrending love story--a multicultural love story about forbidden love. Racism in the mid 20th century was strong, and in all honesty, it remains a force in our culture. The love between a white woman and a black man brought about many struggles. The author portrays those struggles vividly and realistically. The reader easily relates to the situations in which the characters find themselves entangled. The characters are vibrant and yet depicted with their weaknesses as well as their strengths. Tori and Jeb's romance is gentle and sweet but fraught with difficulties and opposition from family, friends, and strangers. This is an emotional story, to be sure. It is a story of strength, forgiveness, and love, one which readers who love stories of overcoming and romance will not want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really felt the emotion in the book "In Black and White" by Maryann Diorioo. The author has taken a tough subjest and written a compelling novel about love and discrimination because of a person's skin color. I was drawn into the story from the beginning. It was because the main female character's name was Tori, my granddaughter's name. But, her name wasn't want kept me reading. I kept reading because I wanted the other characters attitude to change. Did they? The point of this whole story is that God made us all and we are all human not just a skin color. This is a story that will touch any heart.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lt. These opinions are my own.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Bible, it is clear that God does not see a person’s skin color but their heart instead. Unfortunately, we are not blessed as humans to always be that free. This book does an excellent job of examining the difficulties that arise when a Caucasian woman and an African male meet and eventually fall in love.

The message of the book is a powerful one that society sometimes puts unreasonable demands on individuals of different religious or ethnic backgrounds. But when someone has faith in God and feels called to love someone, faith can ensure they can overcome obstacles.

So if you want to read a book about finding true love in the midst of racial tensions and more, check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

[Natalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness - love in action.
What a powerful story! There are very few books that have touched me deeply…this is one of them. I am reminded yet again that forgiveness is one of God’s most precious gifts. The story shows how deeply we can wound and hurt one another with our prejudices and false assumptions. But if we focus instead on serving our Lord, we’ll find the peace that surpasses all understanding.
“In Black and White” is a great example of true love. “Yes, love had a price. And Love Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ, had paid that price.”
What are you waiting for? “God’s plan for your life is always better than your own.” And this story might change your life :)

[Sonnetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tori and Jebuni met at an Ghanaian Art Show and formed an instant connection. Of course there were many issues that Tori who is white and Jebuni who is African. They racism they encountered on campus and at home is so heartbreaking. Jebuni and Tori had to learn to fight for what was important and maybe change lives in the process.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Slavery diminished man and reduced him to only specter of what he was created to be.” Page 48

I received this book from the publisher and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Jennifer J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story with a resounding message of love, hope and forgiveness. In this fictional account, the author tackles the highly emotional, deeply rooted and troubling subject of racism. Although written with a “love conquers all” theme, readers are offered an opportunity to consider for themselves the many injustices perpetrated by hearts and minds darkened by bias and racism. Thoughtful, considerate and timely. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.

[Linda Slomin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Black and White is a suspense filled novel that everyone can relate to on some level. It takes place in 1959 and Maryann Diorio helps you to know the characters on such an intimate level that their pain becomes your pain. The topic of racism is covered so well that you can't help but become more sensitive to it in your daily life. I found myself thinking of this book throughout the day and looking forward to reading it at night. I think you will too.

[Marta Aldrighetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tori is a young woman, studies art at Penn University.
Jebuni is from Ghana and sudies economy at Penn University.
They meet at an exibition in the museum of the city, they have much in common, except the color of the skin. Is it a problem in this big world?