A compelling love story—inspired by the author’s own family history—set in the segregated South during and after World War II, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Women and Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half.
When three young Black men enlist in the US Army hoping to serve their country with honor, their lives are forever changed.
When Pearl Harbor is attacked in 1941, Cora’s brother Benny rushes to enlist against the wishes of Cora and her mother. Able to pass as white due to his pale skin and light eyes, Benny reports for duty only to realize he’s been mistakenly enlisted as a white man in a racially segregated military.
Lee has been friends with Benny ever since he was a troubled teenager, and he’s been sweet on Cora for nearly as long. When Lee enlists without telling Cora, she is heartbroken and feels betrayed by the man she expected to spend the rest of her life with.
Meanwhile, family friend Roscoe, encouraged by Benny, offers to marry Cora in order to ensure that she and her Momma—who both remain home—will be provided for should Benny not make it back.
Benny does return, but his new white identity leaves him struggling to find his place in between, in a country that only sees black or white. As America promises post-war prosperity through the GI Bill to white veterans, black soldiers are excluded.
While the war may be over, the fight has only just begun for Cora, Lee, Benny, and Roscoe.
Originally from the east and west coast of the USA, I have lived in the UK with my husband and three kids for the last twenty years. I love nothing more than to immerse myself into new places and experiences, and I love the way that books allow me to do that, travelling the globe or even back in time with the turn of a page.
Since earning my BA from Wellesley College, I have been a teacher of various ages and abilities as well as a copywriter and a translator. I've had the pleasure of seeing my short stories published in several literary magazines and being named the third-place winner of the London Magazine Short Story Prize 2018.
I love a historical fiction that tells me a story I haven’t read before! In this one, we are taken to Florida during and after WWII. And if you’re over WWll books, I promise this one delivers something new! And honestly, majority of the story is set post-war.
“When three young Black men enlist in the US Army hoping to serve their country with honor, their lives are forever changed.”
Cora and Benny are siblings with one major difference. Benny is able to pass as white. In fact when the attack on Pearl Harbor happens, he mistakenly gets enlisted as a white man into a segregated army. Meanwhile his friends Lee and Roscoe experience very different journeys both during the war and after.
This book examines a lot of the racial discrepancy both in the military in WWll and then after the war as soldiers look to the GI Bill for assistance and find that it’s not all it’s promised to be for all people. And the fight continues.
ARC review, all thoughts are my own. Thank you to Black Stone Publishing for offering a copy at a book convention.
If you’re going to read one historical fiction this year, let it be this one.
Refreshing, thoughtful, and soulful World War II story featuring siblings Benny and Cora, who grapple with how to navigate wartime America in the 1940s as Black Americans and fight for their country as well as with it. Benny believes he can show his country he deserves to live there and get equal rights through fighting for it. Cora believes he shouldn't bother because their country wouldn't care if he "lived or died." This all starts after the Pearl Harbor bombing, and the boys (including Jasper, Roscoe, and Lee, three other characters) talk about enlisting, which tears Cora to pieces. Jasper hates the concept of war altogether and ridicules the others for going, but he ends up getting drafted anyway.
This novel debates which is more important from the 1940s Black American: family or country? Does fighting for your country help your family, even if there's no equality in sight? Do you ride the line with your identity and step over it altogether? It offers a beautiful yet devastating discussion on not only racial but gender disparities, how women are treated during wartime, and what they have to sacrifice to feel safe and provided for. While containing romance, it's largely a war and survival story from those who wanted to fight to prove themselves, and could, while the women at home found their way. But only half the story is set during WWII. The other half takes place afterwards, when the men return to segregated buses and water fountains, and how they cope with the strangling realization that home may be more dangerous than abroad.
Not only that, but the character development is subtle as well as beautiful. The battle scenes are gripped with raw truth and tension. It's about dreams coming true while dying at the same time. I was absorbed throughout this entire novel. Well done.
I was thankful to be able to read an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Blackstone publishing. I really liked this book! I definitely agree with the description, that it is a good fit for those that liked the complexity of relationships in Kristin Hannah's book, The Women. The web of family and friendship had me so sad and sometimes hopeful! I really enjoyed meeting Cora, her brother Benny, Lee, and Roscoe. The tangled web of their loves and friendships were a roller coaster! I felt that this story was also a really interesting and new (but historically old!) perspective on "Passing", and the implications that may have carried post WWII. I would definitely recommend!
A compelling historical fiction novel set in the segregated South before and after WWII. The novel powerfully examines the racist, segregationist policies and practices of the army and government, as well as the Jim Crow practices of banks and other institutions that flourished during this era. Drawing on her own family history and true stories, Huf crafts a fictionalized narrative of friendship and family tested by the ravages of war, racism and the difficult choices they are forced to make.
The story revolves around four friends and the different ways they experience the war and its aftermath. Benny, who is able to pass as white; Lee, who longs to prove himself; Roscoe who simply wants to do the right thing; and Jasper, who doesn’t believe in fighting for a country that doesn’t believe in him. Alongside them is Cora, the quiet sister that gradually emerges as a force to be reckoned with. Through these characters, readers are given an intimate window into the realities of serving and living in the South. Their anger, frustration, humiliation, shame, longing, grief, pride and resistance are rendered with striking clarity. The multiple POV offer a rich and comprehensive range of experiences and emotional depth, leaving the reader grappling with many of the same feelings.
Huf vividly captures the dehumanizing experiences endured by the Black community during this period, leaving you feeling shattered and furious. At the same time, the novel highlights the deep community spirit and strength, the resilience and the determination to keep fighting for their dignity and rights. The powerful love of family and community that sustains the characters through hardship shines throughout the novel, as does their deep connection to one another and their commitment to true love.
Inharmonious is a gut-wrenching and profound historical fiction that skillfully shines a spotlight on the injustices faced by Black Americans during and after World War II. Taking place mostly in 1940s Florida, the story follows a close-knit group of characters as they navigate love, war, and the harsh realities of segregation.
This novel is a beautifully written but it is a difficult read that left me with a heavy heart." It is a powerful story inspired in part bu the authors own uncle. I highly recommend this as an eye-opening addition to your bookshelf.
Many thanks to Blackstone Publishing for the #gifted arc
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Tammye Huf for giving me access to this eARC!
First of all, I think Tammye Huf was sent to this earth just to make me cry. This book was ALL the feelings. Set in Florida during WWII, Inharmonious centres on a group of friends/siblings (Cora, Benny, Lee, and Roscoe) along with their inner circle and how their lives change when each of the men enlist in the army for the love of their country, a country that doesn't love them back. All of their lives are changed by the circumstances that war brings to them, both while away and when they return. Huf covers a wide range of real topics that actually played a large role in the lives of the Black community during this time, particularly in Tampa Bay where this story's setting gained inspiration from. While I do think some of the character's transgressions were forgiven a bit too easily, I was quite happy with the epilogue and where things seemed to stand for the core four. I think this was a perfect Black History Month read, it's eye opening and some of the language and reasoning for discrimination is still being purported to this day in our current society. We love to see ourselves as an open and democratic society but that means open and democratic for all, something Huf used Cora, truly the best character, to aver in this novel.
I received this powerful and engaging audiobook ARC from NetGalley and thoroughly enjoyed it. The narration was exceptional and really brought the story to life. I can always tell when a book works for me because I keep thinking about it and want to get back to the characters, and that was definitely the case here.
The story doesn’t shy away from the realities of racism, segregation, and the unjust treatment of Black veterans. It’s not always easy to listen to, but it’s an important part of history that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Cora is a standout. She’s strong, determined, and easy to root for, and she really drives the story forward. I’ve already been recommending this one to patrons during reader’s advisory and now want to read her debut novel, A More Perfect Union.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with this audio in exchange for my honest review.
Great book! The characters were well-drawn, realistic and sympathetic. I enjoyed the WW2 story and the post-WW2 story equally. I'll suggest this book for readers of Kate Quinn, Pam Jenoff, and Sadeqa Johnson. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Engaging educational read about racial discrimination & the war. Takes place in Florida and ppl there suck - would recommend! Great historical fiction, short chapters, easy to read.
Inharmonious by Tammye Huf is a stand out historical fiction novel that I loved reading. In this novel, we follow the lives of a brother (Benny) and sister (Cora), along with three of their friends who all end up enlisting in the US Army after America declares war on Japan following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. Prior to enlisting in the war, Benny is able to occasionally pass as white in his hometown, and ends up being accidentally enlisted in the army as a white man. However, Benny and Cora's friends who also enlist in the army (Roscoe, Jasper, and Lee) are forced to endure the brutal treatment that goes with joining the segregated United States army, which treats people of color as second class citizens. Once the men return from the war, their lives are forever changed and they struggle to adjust to a society that refuses to provide help to African American veterans who fought for their country.
The author's prose in the novel is beautiful and immediately draws readers into the story and into the lives of all of the characters in the book. I felt as if I knew the characters personally and truly got a sense of the struggles they were facing throughout the story. I appreciate that the author wrote extensively about so many little known issues that returning African American veterans faced, including being denied access to the benefits of the GI Bill just because of the color of their skin. The historical note at the end of the book also helped to provide context for a lot of the important historical events that the author mentions throughout the novel. I think a lot of people will love and connect with this beautiful story of hope and resilience. I could have read 100 more pages of this book and was sad when the story ended. I am so looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!
Benny and Cora are siblings; his pale skin and light eyes enable him to pass as white, and he crosses both worlds often. Lee is seen as the town’s bad boy, and he and Cora are in a secret relationship. Roscoe is Benny’s best friend and has always had a crush on Cora.
When Pearl Harbor is attacked, Benny, Lee, and Roscoe make the decision to join the Army. Lee leaves behind a heartbroken Cora but doesn’t tell her the real reason he’s leaving. Before they leave, Benny convinces Roscoe and Cora to marry; in case they don't come back, she can receive widow benefits to take care of her and their mother. She’s in love with Lee and greatly regrets the decision.
Their families are dead set against them going because of how they are treated in America today. They leave believing that life will be better for them because finally, America will recognize them as men; they’ll get to fight for their country and receive military benefits. When they enlist, Benny is mislabeled as white. We get to see the differences in treatment they receive.
Fortunately, all three make it back alive; life isn't the same when they return. Black soldiers return to treatment worse than before. Benny witnesses an incident and decides he can’t go back to being treated as a colored man, so he decides to continue passing. The GI bill, which granted no down payment and low-interest home and business loans and free education, did not apply to Black soldiers.
The book does a great job of contrasting and comparing the lives of the three friends. We also get to see the impact of how “passing” affects the lives of those who choose to do it. We get to see the consequences of the decision to marry someone you don’t love.
Inharmonious drew me in from start to finish. The narrators did a great job, and the book had me feeling so many emotions. The book is based on a member of the author’s family.
Highly recommend this book and her other one, “A More Perfect Union”.
I am not into historical fiction but Inharmonious definitely kept my attention. When I wasn’t reading I thought about the characters. This book several characters: Roscoe, Cora, Benny, Lee and Jasper; each on a journey of finding their way in life! Reading this book not only gave me experience of what times were like and the challenges during segregation but also the bravery of those who fought for rights. It may be curious about those who are white passing if it crossed their minds to take on another identity to live a different life. There was love in this book that no matter how much time passes, when it’s real , it can bring you back together! There were choices made a little too late or a little too soon that made you feel annoyed but you had to see it through. I think a few times I asked the characters “Why?”or asked “Are you for real?”. I was a little sad it ended because I could’ve read 100 more pages. Lol! I love how Mrs. Huf navigated back and forth chapter to chapter, with different characters, and being able to go back and pick up where she left off with their story. I also love how Mrs. Huf researched and used actual facts to create this story; also that it was told using some of her family history! Thank you Net Galley and Blackstone publishing for sending me this ARC to review! I look forward to reading more from Tammye Huf! If you love historical fiction or new to historical fiction, definitely add this on your TBR! #NetGalley #Inharmonious
Thank you @blackstonepublishing for reaching out to send me an advanced copy.
I loved this story! I was immediately pulled in from the very first chapter and could not put it down up until I finished it within 24 hours!! I even found myself wishing that it went on for a few more chapters in the end.
I loved the way Huf portrayed the complex dynamics of all of the relationships in this story. Each connection felt honest and raw. There was so much pain and emotion in her writing that tugged on my heart strings causing me to truly root for these characters to find their own happy endings even though they were getting on my nerves at times.
Reading about the injustice that each of them experienced both in and out of the military and the access they were denied because of their skin color was heartbreaking, as these stories always tend to be. Stories like these do tend to make you uncomfortable but my goodness it’s the type of story that matters because it is important.
I have to say that I do think it is perfect that this book is releasing this month, right on time for Black History Month. If you love historical fiction stories with an emotional punch, this is it.
If you read this and love it, share it with everyone and their mama. This book deserves way more visibility!! 👏🏾👏🏾
Inharmonious is a compelling & emotionally layered historical novel that explores Black life before, during, & after World War II. Inspired by family history, the story doesn’t just center on love—it examines identity, survival, & the cost of navigating a deeply segregated America.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its commitment to perspective. Through characters like Benny, Lee, & Roscoe—three Black men who serve in the same war—we see how vastly different their experiences become based on circumstance, identity, & personal choices. Benny’s ability to pass as white adds a particularly complex dimension, forcing him into a liminal space where he belongs fully to neither world. His storyline highlights the psychological toll of “passing” & the broader racial tensions of the era.
The novel also does an excellent job of balancing romance with historical reality. While there are love stories woven throughout, they never overshadow the larger narrative. Instead, relationships feel grounded in the harsh realities of war, racism, & economic inequality—especially in the context of systemic issues like redlining & the exclusion of Black veterans from the GI Bill.
Cora’s journey, along with the decisions made by Roscoe & Lee, reflects how war reshapes not just individuals but entire communities. Particularly striking is the contrast between Roscoe & Lee: both enter the war with similar unstable upbringings, yet emerge on very different paths. Roscoe’s bitterness manifests in destructive ways, including domestic violence, while Lee channels his experience into building independence through entrepreneurship. These diverging arcs underscore the long-term emotional & social consequences of war.
One of the more poignant disappointments in the novel is Jasper’s storyline. His death feels especially heavy given that he never receives the same emotional or romantic development as other characters. The suggestion that he may have been part of the queer community adds another layer that, if explored further, could have deepened the narrative even more.
Ultimately, Inharmonious delivers a powerful portrayal of Black resilience amid the intersecting challenges of war, racism, & identity. The ending offers a sense of closure, though it remains grounded in the reality that in the Jim Crow South, happiness is often complicated & hard-won.
This is a richly textured historical fiction novel that sheds light on overlooked experiences while telling a deeply human story.
*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
reading history books and the newspapers, knowing on an intellectual level how racism is endemic and institutionalised in america, is one thing. truly grasping and grappling with the horrors of segregation (as someone who is neither black nor american) is something else entirely. that's what you get through fiction - really getting to see just how profoundly unjust laws, hateful policies and bigoted behaviour can weigh on the soul
that's what huf's novel does - it is a challenging, sobering, horrifying read because it confronts head-on the notion of going to war for a country that would never go to war for you... of trying to find hope, home and community in a place that doesn't believe you deserve any of those things, that would take your dignity if you let it. the characters in this book try so hard to LIVE and FIGHT and just BE, but keep slamming into the massive brick wall that is america's hypocrisy - viz the way it positioned itself as a champion of democracy when its racist laws actually inspired the nazis themselves
getting to see jim crow laws in action through the characters in this novel is sobering as hell. there is so much violence contained within the pages of this book - literal violence of the sickening physical variety, but also the violence visited on anyone who cannot live freely simply because of the colour of their skin - that it will make you wonder how anyone survives, much less thrives, in the racist hellhole that is america
huf's novel makes this forgotten and overlooked history come alive, and is well worth the read for that reason - although i will say i found the writing a little cold, almost like the book was trying to hit predetermined marks about racism and bigotry rather than really explore the innermost depths of its characters (a bit more tell than show, so to speak). also found it odd how one of the main characters disappears off-stage and is not really revisited in the final act of the book, other than a couple of unsatisfying lines in the epilogue to conveniently round off his story.
A powerful exploration of love, identity, and resilience, this novel transports readers to the segregated South during and after World War II, drawing inspiration from the author’s own family history. Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Women and Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half, the story follows three young Black men—Benny, Lee, and Roscoe—whose lives are forever altered when they enlist in the US Army, each confronting the realities of racism and the burdens of expectation.
The narrative is anchored by Cora, whose brother Benny’s ability to pass as white leads to complex questions of loyalty and belonging as he navigates a divided military. The author deftly explores the heartbreak of separation, the complexities of colorism, and the heartbreak of returning home to a society intent on maintaining the status quo, even after the sacrifices made by Black soldiers.
Through Cora’s tangled relationships with Lee and Roscoe, the novel delves into themes of duty, sacrifice, and survival. The postwar era’s broken promises—particularly the unequal benefits of the GI Bill—are rendered with heartbreaking clarity, highlighting the systemic injustices that shaped generations.
Beautifully written and emotionally resonant, this book is both an intimate love story and a sweeping portrait of a country at a crossroads. It challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race, identity, and the meaning of home. A must-read for anyone seeking historical fiction that is as enlightening as it is moving.
Thank you, Tammye Huf, NetGalley, and Blackstone Publishing, for the ARC.
Inharmonious is the WWII story you didn’t know you needed. From the very first chapter, it delivers an unmistakable wow factor that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. This isn’t just another wartime novel; it’s a gripping, raw, and profoundly human exploration of three young Black men whose lives diverge in ways that are as heartbreaking as they are unforgettable.
We follow three men, Benny, Lee, and Roscoe, each shaped by one hometown, one war, and three completely different experiences. Their journeys unfold with an intensity that keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more. Every chapter feels like a moment that keeps you reading long after you planned to stop.
What makes this story shine is its emotional depth. It’s a narrative filled with all the feels; loyalty, love, betrayal, identity, and the heavy weight of choices made in morally gray spaces. Tammye Huf doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the era, yet her storytelling remains tender, intimate, and deeply human, creating an emotional reckoning that stays with you long after the final page.
This is historical fiction at its finest; compelling, thought‑provoking, and beautifully layered.
Inharmonious is a story of survival, sacrifice, and the complicated truths that linger long after the war ends.
If you love historical fiction that grips your heart and refuses to let go, this is absolutely one to add to your list.
🥰Thank you so much to @blackstonepublishing for the gifted book!
📖Title: Inharmonious ✍️Author: Tammye Huf 📅Pub Date: February 3, 2026
📖 I don't even know where to start because this book truly surprised me and these characters stole my heart. I'm not one to typically be drawn to stories based around world wars (as they all start to feel the same to me), but I just knew there would be more to this story than the typical wartime story.
⭐ From the very first chapter, the action started! Just as quickly as we're introduced to these characters, Pearl Harbor is attacked and their whole world changed in an instant. Families are torn apart, lovers are separated, and everyone is filled with uncertainty.
📖 The story follows several characters and their perspectives of fighting in the war, staying at home, and just their day-to-day thoughts and experiences.
⭐ At its core, I'd consider this a love story, but it's truly so much more. It's a brutal look at the realities of life in the segregated south during and after WWII and a history of the many struggles of post-deployment reintegration. The characters felt so real to me and their emotions were so well-portrayed.
📖 This book stirred up many emotions in me along the way as well. I felt anger for the injustices these characters endured, hope while they continued to preserve through adversity, and joy when things went their way. I can't recommend this book enough!
This beautiful story, inspired by the author’s late grandmother and great-uncle, completely took me by surprise. It’s a rich and deeply moving historical novel, and I didn’t expect to learn as much as I did about World War II, especially about what Black people, and Black soldiers in particular, endured during the war and after returning home.
The way these men were treated after fighting for their country made me emotional, angry, and honestly disgusted at times. To see them denied basic rights after such sacrifice was heartbreaking. I became invested in every character, and by the end of the story, I already missed them and enjoyed each POV. It truly felt like I was right there alongside them.
The love story was well done and was a great bonus to the story although I found myself more drawn to the historical and legal elements. Still, I was happy with where each character ended up. This book is especially great for readers who don’t usually enjoy history or historical novels that feel like history textbooks. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it. If you pick up this book, please read the Historical Note at the end to learn more about events, people, places, etc. that are mentioned in this book.
Huge thank you to BlackStone, Netgalley, and Tammye Huf for the ARC.
Inharmonious needs to be read by everyone! This is the untold history that is supposed to be forgotten. History that is supposed to be buried and burned along with those tortured, humiliated, and betrayed by their own country, their neighbors, and even their family at times. I am obsessed with WWII historical fiction and am A huge fan of reading from different perspectives. This one is post WWII back in America, but from the perspective of black soldiers. WOW!!! I loved every single character, but I especially loved Cora. Narrated by Nicole Cash, Cora is a brave, intelligent girl that develops into a woman who makes difficult choices, but always makes sense. Cash brings her to life with a delicate, yet fierce voice that is unwavering once she sets her mind on something or someone. Unfortunately, I’m sure there are too many similar stories just like the ones found in this book. Stories of injustice that is so systemic it’s almost unbelievable. Almost…Buts it’s true…this country was founded on such racism that there is no wonder we are the way we are today. My eyes opened widest when Roscoe said something like, “I helped save you from the Germans, who is going to save me?” He is talking about how much he sacrificed during and after the war and when he got home he received nothing but discrimination and plight. It’s unconscionable the way blacks were treated, when all they wanted to do was prove that they were also Americans. They were willing to die for the country that wanted them dead. It’s a MUST READ for me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Right, wrong or just indifferent! The 5 characters are all connected through their youth with a bond so tight but then the war had made them so different. Bennys true identity was stripped from him when he enlisted as a negro but to the eye he was a white man, he continued that lie primarily out of survival and never let it go. He was a good son, brother and friend but he chose himself over his family. We learn through their story the struggles black people endured just because of who they were. Roscoe was a perfect example of the Negro man trying his best but getting knocked down at every opportunity he tried to take. Becoming angry, abuse and just misunderstood he looked like the villain in this story but he was simply a product of his circumstances and the mental strain he dealt with post war as a black man in the south. Jasper was the glue to the friendships but he like so many lost their life at war, the friends often reflected on their memory of him. Cora and Lee, teenage love but forbidden love. Lee wanted to prove himself but Cora was to afraid to disappoint her family, so enlisting was his solution. Their story of love will give anyone hope and desire to follow their hearts.
The synopsis says it all! This story covers war, segregation, racism, passing, colourism, sexism, romance, redlining, toxic masculinity, love affairs, infidelity, social stigma, and all else. The most fascinating parts for me were the machinations against segregation and redlining. I found myself a bit frustrated by the gendered typecasting, especially when Cora is also presented as the brains of the group and the sexism against her clearly framed as bad in the narrative. Yet, there's no question about her being a homebody who cooks and cleans for the men. Eh? All in all, a captivating story that raises less-covered elements of history to the fore.
The narration by William DeMerritt and Nicole Cash was excellent. But I wish that each had taken on the other's characters/genders instead of trying to sound like those characters or masculine/feminine. Not that they did a bad job, per se, but I can't fathom why they wouldn'tve. That would've elevated the narration, for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the advance copy of the audiobook.
This story takes us through the complexities of five lives during segregation in Florida and after World War II. Four friends Benny, Lee, Roscoe decides to enlist (voluntarily) and Jasper is drafted.
Their story shows the complexities of joining at the time of segregation, from the Pearl Harbor Attack to post war-era. They also take us through the complexities of navigating as a black soldier, the ability to "pass" while in War and also in Florida, past and present relationships back home. The hardship of coming back home and trying to be recognized for the heroes you are and reap the benefits of whats owed to you was a hard take.
A great story on the resilience that Black Americans had to go through and still do. This story deals with military, racism, resiliance and perseverance. A story of friendship, sibling love, family, first love and second chance romance.
Benny- uggh when he came back home his decision tore me to pieces. Roscoe-man Jasper-tears Cora-My Girl Lee- love love love
When the United States is attacked at Pearl Harbor Benny, Lee and Roscoe make the decision to join the Army. Benny leaves behind his sister, Cora and Lee leaves behind Cora; though no one knows about them. Before Benny goes he convinces his friend Roscoe and Cora to marry; in case they don't come back there are widow benefits. Though all three boys make it back alive, the life they left isn't the same when they return. An emotional historical fiction about love, loss, persistence and the ugly side of the Jim Crow South.
From start to finish Inharmonious had me in a vice grip. Author Tammye Huf writes an emotional and gripping piece of historical fiction that makes you feel all of the emotions, while also educating about what life was like for black people living in the Jim Crow South; even if they fought for the United States. I really enjoyed the depth of the characters, the highs and the lows even when they made me cry.
One of the best books I've read this year.
Thank you Blackstone Publishing for the gifted copy.
"Inharmonious" is a deeply impactful book that stirred a multitude of emotions within me. It's a tough yet important read, allowing one to relive the experiences and perseverance of those who came before us. The depiction of the injustices faced by Black individuals is profoundly saddening. The fact that Benny had to sacrifice so much to realize his and his family's dreams is both heart-wrenching and heroic.
The storytelling is remarkable, particularly the accounts of Black soldiers who, despite facing rejection, chose to fight for a country that didn't reciprocate their loyalty. The narrative's foundation in a true story adds significant weight, and the author's commitment to preserving her family's legacy ensures that future generations will remember the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors.
Overall, "Inharmonious" is a powerful and poignant tribute to the resilience, courage, and determination of a people who faced immense adversity. It is a story that deserves to be widely read and remembered.
I'm a sucker for a WWII story and this one delivers on all the fronts you'd expect from a story set during this era. It's a heartbreaking and at times hopeful story set against WWII in the segregated south. It follows a group of friends before, during and after the war and details what life was like during the time. There's a heartbreaking element to all war time stories but one told from the perspective of a black american living in a segregated america hits a bit harder. This story depicts the unjust and cruel aspects of being a black soldier and the ripples throughout their lives. This one was written beautifully and with care, giving the story an element of hope that these characters could come out ahead. There are complicated relationships woven throughout and family bonds that hold tight despite circumstances. It's a story about finding your way in a world that is doing everything to hold you back and letting love carry you through.
Inharmonious is a beautifully written book about the racial prejudice and treatment of “Negros” prior to, during and after WWII. Although historical fiction from what I have read of history, Ms. Huf accurately exemplifies what people faced during these times, and unfortunately what many people still experience today. She writes with compassion and develops the lead characters very convincingly. I could feel the pain and suffering, desires and joys and the inequalities experienced by each character. I believe that this book highlights how if people were "color-blind" the world would be so much more accepting and peaceful. In my opinion, this book should be mandatory reading. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review and I thank them, since this book was already on my reading list!
I’m glad this Goodreads challenge introduced me to a book that I might not have otherwise picked up. As with any great book, it had things to teach and great characters to deliver the lesson.
This book followed the stories of four young African Americans before, during, and after World War 2. Beyond the standard Southern Jim Crow injustice, it turns out the US government threw in a few extra bitter injustices for Black soldiers and veterans. One response to this was to find a country that was more inclusive. Another response was to pass as white and avoid the injustices. The response for others was to stand and fight for change. What’s clear is that there was no easy choice and that all choices carried a heavy price.
Inharmonious is a story of war but mostly it’s a story of racial discrimination and the hope for change.
I was so invested in this book. Tammye Huf has written characters that are gripping and undoubtedly driven. You can’t help but read their stories with a heavy heart but hope for their plight. There were so many aspects of race, belonging, and ambition that were well addressed and explored.
At this point, we have all read a ton of WWII historical fiction but exploring the lives of black soldiers before and after the war was so refreshing and I think Huf had a wonderful handle on educating the reader on those complexities of emotion.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for giving me a review copy of this novel to read.
This was a first read for me by this author and it was such an amazing story. This was a a super emotional rollercoaster ride for me.
Every character, every scene so well written.
I love the fact that this story is part of the author’s actual family history and she really did a great job with her research!
A beautiful story of love within the black community, family love, friendship,strength, resilience, determination, the fight for black American’s rights during and after serving in the war.
The injustice, segregation, racist polices of the Army and the Government toward Black Americans just breaks my heart.
I definitely recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading more from this author .💜