In her sensitively and beautifully written narrative, Jones examines this hopeful, promising young African American couple as their future is destroyed by a false conviction and separation by imprisonment. Roy Hamilton, a self-made man, Morehouse University educated entrepreneur, married to Celestial Davenport, also Morehouse educated artist from a wealthy background; an upwardly mobile couple, barely married for one year, suffers a devastating blow when Roy is falsely accused and convicted of a rape, and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

The stressful separation reveals cracks and weaknesses in this marriage. Celestial, a young woman delicately raised, given every opportunity by her parents, and whose artistry is supported financially by her father, wrestles with the emotional impact of the separation and the need to sensitively support Roy. Roy, we learn, meets his biological father in prison, who has arranged to be his cell mate, in an effort to protect him and help him survive. Celestial learns that Roy was raised by his mother and step father, the man who married his mother and adopted him, giving him his name to prove his love and loyalty. Before the arrest, Roy tells Celestial about his biological father, which leads to an argument the very night he is arrested.

Further complicating the couple's adjustment is the involvement of Andre, Celestial's lifelong friend and next door neighbor. Andre was long thought by Celestial's parents to be her obvious choice for marriage when the time came. While the two were extremely close, Andre never rises to the occasion, never commits himself to a life with Celestial. He pursues many frivolous relationships, perhaps feeling unconfident and unworthy of a life with Celestial. By providing emotional support to Celestial during Roy's imprisonment, Andre and Celestial come together. The reader may sense that Celestial's character is weak, unaccustomed to hardship, and allows herself to lean into Andre. Andre for his part, seizes this opportunity, perhaps taking advantage of Celestial's vulnerability, capitalizing on his second chance.

Roy and Celestial grow from this tragic circumstance. The story does not resolve as you think it might. I was startled by the ending, but not entirely surprised. It felt very genuine, very real. While the situation was so unfair and tragic, Roy and Celestial were able to grow tremendously from the sadness and loss. I couldn't help but think that if this tragedy had not happened, their lives would have missed a richness and growth that only comes from such suffering. It puts what is truly important into perspective.

The precariousness of young black men in our society, the risk of injustice, is palpable in this story. Many of us cannot imagine what it must be like to live with such risk in our lives. This novel opened a window for me into the black experience. I recommend it highly, to expand your perspective.