Mary M. Barrow was born to a large Southern family in Tennessee. As was customary in the 1950s, the Barrow family employed Amelia. She served as both nanny and housekeeper.

Early in the 1960s, Mary’s family relocated to New Jersey when her father found new employment there. Amelia moved with the family, leaving the south and life as she knew it behind. Times were changing for the Barrows, Amelia, and America. It was the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement.

Mary shares her experiences, as seen through the eyes of a child. Making it even more unique, she was a child from the south who moved to the north. This made her acutely aware of the differences in the treatment of Amelia. She also learned the truths of Amelia’s past. The trials of her life included extreme poverty, the consequences of alcoholism, abuse by a spouse, and the heartbreaking loss of a child.

Mary M. Barrow shares her memoir of a time and place in American history. However, this book is so much more. Her beautiful writing involved me from beginning to end. I will not forget the people of this very heartfelt and moving book.