What's Happening?
L.S. Stratton, a former crime reporter and NAACP Image Award-nominated author, has released her debut young adult horror novel, 'Sundown Girls'. The book follows Naomi, a Black teenager who is reunited
with her biological family after being abducted as an infant. Naomi struggles with her identity and the reunion, rejecting her birth name and referring to her biological parents by their first names. The novel delves into themes of identity, trauma, and the hidden histories of sundown towns in America. Naomi's journey includes therapy and writing letters to her incarcerated kidnapper, while dealing with public scrutiny due to her story's media coverage. The family vacations in a small Virginia town with a questionable past, where Naomi encounters a ghost needing her help.
Why It's Important?
The novel 'Sundown Girls' sheds light on the often overlooked history of sundown towns in America, which were places that barred minorities after dark. Stratton's work highlights the complex emotional and psychological challenges faced by individuals who have been abducted and later reunited with their families. By exploring these themes, the book contributes to a broader understanding of identity and trauma, particularly within the Black community. The novel also addresses the societal impact of media coverage on personal stories, offering a nuanced perspective on the intersection of personal and public narratives.
