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Provenance: A Novel
Southern civility turns savage when Hank Whitaker’s dying words reveal the unimaginable. No one—not his socialite wife, Maggie, or young son, Lance—ever suspected the successful businessman, husband and father they loved, and thought they knew, was a black man passing for white. In 1931, in the segregated South, marriage between whites and blacks is illegal. Maggie, now a criminal, faces the real possibility of going to jail. When Lance receives death threats to atone for his father’s betrayal, the family decides to flee the U.S. for a new life in a more racially and socially liberal city, Paris.
Still grieving Hank’s death and fearful of their uncertain future as Europe marches toward war, Lance and Maggie mourn the lives they loved but lost. As they struggle to create a new identities for themselves, they find a surprising community of artists and American expats that are on the same journey. In a new city, with new friends, new loves and exciting possibilities, they start to believe that it might be possible to change everything, even the past.
Provenance is a sweeping historical saga about love, betrayal, tragedy, triumph, passion, privilege and the universal desire for acceptance—regardless of who you are or where you’re from.
“Such a satisfying read. This page-turner has characters steeped in psychological depth, a setting rich with historical context and a narrative that explores the heart-wrenching evolution of racial identity in America. Sawyer has brought us some solid storytelling with this fine book. I didn’t want it to end!”
Karen Deans author of "Playing to Win" and "Swing Sisters"
“Provenance is a gripping story with wonderful characters, and Sawyer manages to blend fiction and history in a convincing way. This is a quick, but substantive read that will nudge (if not force) you to rethink your perceptions of wealth, art, and racial identity.”
Kelly Hand author of "Au Pair Report"
“Provenance is the perfect combination of a love story and historical fiction with added reflection on our country’s struggle with race. Although this novel is set in the early 1900s, it was striking how many of the themes around race, privilege and survival are still relevant today.”
Kristin Battista-Frazee author of "Pornographer’s Daughter"
“A memorable tale of love, loss and redemption.”
Kirkus Review
Still grieving Hank’s death and fearful of their uncertain future as Europe marches toward war, Lance and Maggie mourn the lives they loved but lost. As they struggle to create a new identities for themselves, they find a surprising community of artists and American expats that are on the same journey. In a new city, with new friends, new loves and exciting possibilities, they start to believe that it might be possible to change everything, even the past.
Provenance is a sweeping historical saga about love, betrayal, tragedy, triumph, passion, privilege and the universal desire for acceptance—regardless of who you are or where you’re from.
“Such a satisfying read. This page-turner has characters steeped in psychological depth, a setting rich with historical context and a narrative that explores the heart-wrenching evolution of racial identity in America. Sawyer has brought us some solid storytelling with this fine book. I didn’t want it to end!”
Karen Deans author of "Playing to Win" and "Swing Sisters"
“Provenance is a gripping story with wonderful characters, and Sawyer manages to blend fiction and history in a convincing way. This is a quick, but substantive read that will nudge (if not force) you to rethink your perceptions of wealth, art, and racial identity.”
Kelly Hand author of "Au Pair Report"
“Provenance is the perfect combination of a love story and historical fiction with added reflection on our country’s struggle with race. Although this novel is set in the early 1900s, it was striking how many of the themes around race, privilege and survival are still relevant today.”
Kristin Battista-Frazee author of "Pornographer’s Daughter"
“A memorable tale of love, loss and redemption.”
Kirkus Review
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2015
About the author
Donna Drew Sawyer
1 book32 followersDonna Drew Sawyer advanced the creativity of others as a Madison Avenue advertising executive, public relations manager for Sesame Street and as a senior administrator for national arts organizations including the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Writing to attract audiences for others led her to start writing for an audience of her own. Born and raised in New York City, she now lives with her family near Washington, DC. PROVENANCE is her first novel. Her second novel, PROMISE, is scheduled for publication in 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 24, 2017
Hank Whitaker has built a substantial business, worthy of the pride of his family, wife Maggie, and young son Lance. It is only Hank's mother-in-law, Charlotte who does not think Hank is "not our kind." Little does she know that Hank is passing for white, and the whole charade tears him apart with worry that someone will find out. It is not until Hank is struck by a car leaving him in the hospital on his death-bed that makes him confess it all to Maggie and son Lance. Charlotte, of course said she knew it all along, and she has Hank buried in an unmarked grave in the colored cemetery.
And it is Charlotte who sells the family houses, and quickly moves Maggie and Lance to France, changing their last name in the process. Lance is still a young man with a little too much money and no drive to do anything other than take up with an older woman, Belle. It is Belle who teaches him the value of artworks, preparing him to become an art dealer.
After many years in France, Lance has become fluent in French, and learns the value of artwork with the help of Walter Chrysler who teaches Lance how to bargain for art, and enhance his own collection.
After Maggie kills herself and Charlotte keeps the death secret, Lance continues to live in France, not knowing how Charlotte has lied through letters she has sent to Lance using Maggie's name.
There are too many secrets in this novel and Charlotte holds onto most of them. Lance promised Charlotte that he would provide for her for the rest of her life. When he learned of Charlotte's deceit, Lance decided he was through with her lies, but continued to provide a staff and companionship for his grandmother. As it turns out, it was a young lady who migrated from London, Emma, who became Charlotte's best companion.
I have family members who "passed for white," and I never thought it was a big deal. Those who moved away from the South to Chicago and other points North, managed to live a good life, but I always imagined that the secret life tore their family relationships apart.
And it is Charlotte who sells the family houses, and quickly moves Maggie and Lance to France, changing their last name in the process. Lance is still a young man with a little too much money and no drive to do anything other than take up with an older woman, Belle. It is Belle who teaches him the value of artworks, preparing him to become an art dealer.
After many years in France, Lance has become fluent in French, and learns the value of artwork with the help of Walter Chrysler who teaches Lance how to bargain for art, and enhance his own collection.
After Maggie kills herself and Charlotte keeps the death secret, Lance continues to live in France, not knowing how Charlotte has lied through letters she has sent to Lance using Maggie's name.
There are too many secrets in this novel and Charlotte holds onto most of them. Lance promised Charlotte that he would provide for her for the rest of her life. When he learned of Charlotte's deceit, Lance decided he was through with her lies, but continued to provide a staff and companionship for his grandmother. As it turns out, it was a young lady who migrated from London, Emma, who became Charlotte's best companion.
I have family members who "passed for white," and I never thought it was a big deal. Those who moved away from the South to Chicago and other points North, managed to live a good life, but I always imagined that the secret life tore their family relationships apart.
October 25, 2016
I'm more than a little biased when it comes to this book, I wrote it. PROVENANCE is an emotional tale about the redemptive power of love, the healing influence of the arts and the ultimate aspiration — freedom. In an expansive saga that weaves historical fact with fiction across five decades and three generations, PROVENANCE is about an American family determined to escape the barriers of race, class and gender.
The book begins in the early part of the 20th century, when an unpredictable incident puts Hank Whitaker in a situation where, because of his racially ambiguous looks, he is mistaken for white. He decides to seize the chance to experience life without the limiting restrictions of being black in the segregated south. After passing for more than two decades, another accident forces Hank to reveal his true identity to his unsuspecting wife and son. Determined not to lose the advantages of white privilege they have always known,the family on a journey that will test who they are and what they're made of. They choose to challenge a privileged society designed to make it impossible to achieve anything. PROVENANCE’s flawed and captivating characters succeed by gaining unparalleled access to everything. However, they must ultimately come to terms with who they are—evoking Shakespeare’s caution, "to thine own self be true," or pay the price for living a lie.
The primary character in Provenance all come from my imagination but I call upon many real historic characters like Josephine Baker, Eugene Bullard, Walter Chrysler, Belle da Costa Greene, Peggy Guggenheim and Nelson and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, to play fictional roles in my characters' lives. My characters take the reader along as they live, love and learn in New York, Paris, Florence, Italy and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
I hope you'll read PROVENANCE and leave a review on Goodreads to let me know what you thought.
The book begins in the early part of the 20th century, when an unpredictable incident puts Hank Whitaker in a situation where, because of his racially ambiguous looks, he is mistaken for white. He decides to seize the chance to experience life without the limiting restrictions of being black in the segregated south. After passing for more than two decades, another accident forces Hank to reveal his true identity to his unsuspecting wife and son. Determined not to lose the advantages of white privilege they have always known,the family on a journey that will test who they are and what they're made of. They choose to challenge a privileged society designed to make it impossible to achieve anything. PROVENANCE’s flawed and captivating characters succeed by gaining unparalleled access to everything. However, they must ultimately come to terms with who they are—evoking Shakespeare’s caution, "to thine own self be true," or pay the price for living a lie.
The primary character in Provenance all come from my imagination but I call upon many real historic characters like Josephine Baker, Eugene Bullard, Walter Chrysler, Belle da Costa Greene, Peggy Guggenheim and Nelson and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, to play fictional roles in my characters' lives. My characters take the reader along as they live, love and learn in New York, Paris, Florence, Italy and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
I hope you'll read PROVENANCE and leave a review on Goodreads to let me know what you thought.
October 14, 2015
A Compelling Story about Race and Love in a Historical Context
Provenance is the perfect combination of a love story and historical fiction with added reflection on our country’s struggle with race. Although this novel is set in the early 1900s, it was striking how many of the themes around race, privilege and survival are still relevant today. The main character, Lance Henry Withers, grew up in Richmond, Virginia thinking he was a white man until at age 18 when his father, Hank Whitaker, revealed he was a black man passing for white. Lance’s struggle to come to terms with his father’s deception and his newly discovered African American heredity, will haunt Lance for the rest of his life. What readers will find most relatable is the reason why Lance’s father hid his African American heritage. The answer reflects anyone’s desire to protect their family and survive in the face of overwhelming odds, even it means portraying their own identity. Also reflected in this novel is details about the emerging art world before World War II and the swoon worthy love stories of the main characters. The best question raised in this novel, “Will you be the art or the collector?” which cuts to chase about how someone can control their fate or become a victim of it. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Provenance is the perfect combination of a love story and historical fiction with added reflection on our country’s struggle with race. Although this novel is set in the early 1900s, it was striking how many of the themes around race, privilege and survival are still relevant today. The main character, Lance Henry Withers, grew up in Richmond, Virginia thinking he was a white man until at age 18 when his father, Hank Whitaker, revealed he was a black man passing for white. Lance’s struggle to come to terms with his father’s deception and his newly discovered African American heredity, will haunt Lance for the rest of his life. What readers will find most relatable is the reason why Lance’s father hid his African American heritage. The answer reflects anyone’s desire to protect their family and survive in the face of overwhelming odds, even it means portraying their own identity. Also reflected in this novel is details about the emerging art world before World War II and the swoon worthy love stories of the main characters. The best question raised in this novel, “Will you be the art or the collector?” which cuts to chase about how someone can control their fate or become a victim of it. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
July 15, 2017
Out of all the books I've read so far this year, this one is by far the best! There are SO many unexpected twists and turns!
Provenance is a story about a Black man who was run out of town because of an altercation he got into with some cops after attending a Negro League baseball game. He and his brothers were caught in a "sundown" town after sundown. Hank left and never returned and, since he looked white, he decided to do what many colored folks did in those times: pass. But his whole world unraveled when he fell in love and when he revealed his secret on his death bed to his wife and son, it tore their world apart.
That's all I can say without writing any spoilers. There are SO, SO many more plot twists that you just don't see coming. This book is well worth the read!!!!! I can't wait for the sequel!!!!!
Provenance is a story about a Black man who was run out of town because of an altercation he got into with some cops after attending a Negro League baseball game. He and his brothers were caught in a "sundown" town after sundown. Hank left and never returned and, since he looked white, he decided to do what many colored folks did in those times: pass. But his whole world unraveled when he fell in love and when he revealed his secret on his death bed to his wife and son, it tore their world apart.
That's all I can say without writing any spoilers. There are SO, SO many more plot twists that you just don't see coming. This book is well worth the read!!!!! I can't wait for the sequel!!!!!
October 26, 2015
The author creates characters in this book that feel real -- and like friends. Their strengths, flaws, sense of humor (and in some cases, lack of it) remind me of people I know. I have no first hand experience of this historical period, or about passing, and yet everything about this book resonated with my life experience. All of us are passing in one way or another and how much we reveal about our past and who we really are defines us. The story unfolds during a fascinating time in history and in places such as the deep south and Paris which bring unique framing to what takes place. The tie in to the art world and the themes of this book are provocative: how does our place of origin shape who we are? what risks are required to live authentically? is it true that if we know someone's story it is easier to forgive them?
This is a perfect book for a book group but I advise readers to plan pick it up when you have a block of time because it's a page turner -- you won't want to put it down. I was sorry when the book ended and want more stories by this author.
This is a perfect book for a book group but I advise readers to plan pick it up when you have a block of time because it's a page turner -- you won't want to put it down. I was sorry when the book ended and want more stories by this author.
January 13, 2016
Donna Drew Sawyer’s novel Provenance provides lots of suspenseful drama, loving moments, enchanted dreams, deceptions at all levels and most importantly warm feelings with many surprises.
She provided detailed writing of the characters, their backgrounds and along with her use of southern colloquial language, draws the reader into deeply knowing the characters.
The novel's central theme is about racial identity, however, as the story weaves through a period of American History interspersed with historical people covering two continents, these issues are the foundation and backdrop for and incredible novel.
The writer had me hooked within the first few pages until the end, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page. I’m glad I found this great novel and look forward to more of her writings.
She provided detailed writing of the characters, their backgrounds and along with her use of southern colloquial language, draws the reader into deeply knowing the characters.
The novel's central theme is about racial identity, however, as the story weaves through a period of American History interspersed with historical people covering two continents, these issues are the foundation and backdrop for and incredible novel.
The writer had me hooked within the first few pages until the end, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page. I’m glad I found this great novel and look forward to more of her writings.
October 10, 2015
A young man discovers in 1930 Virginia that his father is a black man passing for white. He flees to Paris and its art scene, determined to preserve his life of white privilege while struggling with questions of identity and truth. A timely story of race.
February 9, 2016
Knowing your origins (family background) is so Important!! This gave insight or different perspective why secrets should not exist, most will justify but they're damage to one's true existence! Great Book!!!
September 23, 2020
Realistic Look at the Pros and the Pains of Passing
Gripping and heartwarming historical fiction set in the midst of our country’s time of racial terrorism and legally sanctioned sexism. This book will make you feel for the characters who are living the consequences of their circumstances and their choices.
Without being a spoiler I have to say I didn’t give this 5 stars because I felt the ending did not tie up lose ends that needed to be tied up. There’s a matter of a death bed wish never fulfilled and a never resolved love story. I realize that’s how life can be. But when reading for pleasure I sometimes want to escape reality where all too often things don’t end up the way we wish they would. Overall a very enjoyable read.
Gripping and heartwarming historical fiction set in the midst of our country’s time of racial terrorism and legally sanctioned sexism. This book will make you feel for the characters who are living the consequences of their circumstances and their choices.
Without being a spoiler I have to say I didn’t give this 5 stars because I felt the ending did not tie up lose ends that needed to be tied up. There’s a matter of a death bed wish never fulfilled and a never resolved love story. I realize that’s how life can be. But when reading for pleasure I sometimes want to escape reality where all too often things don’t end up the way we wish they would. Overall a very enjoyable read.
February 25, 2022
This book was an enjoyable, quick read that was easy to keep reading. There are huge themes of status, race and survival in this book. You really feel for Hank and his own survival story as he is able to get away with passing for most of his life - although it did weigh him down from having to keep this huge secret. I enjoyed the early characters - minus Charlotte. Although when the family gets to France I felt that the book slowed down quite a bit and didn’t have that original message of what your race means and the historical implications of that time. I thought the ending was done well but we still have many unanswered secrets and questions about Hank’s family and how Lance is living his life. The book had a good premise, message and insight on passing in the early 1900s - but I wanted it to be more real and felt like it could have been more emotional of a read.
May 22, 2017
Enjoyed the book but
I was enjoying the book. It gave me another perspective on why people who are of fair complexion choose to pass for white and the fears an anxiety of being found out. I had a biased opinion that they all were ashamed of their heritage or thought they were better than their darker complexioned African Americans. I enjoyed the book until the ending which left me very much feeling like there should have been more
I was enjoying the book. It gave me another perspective on why people who are of fair complexion choose to pass for white and the fears an anxiety of being found out. I had a biased opinion that they all were ashamed of their heritage or thought they were better than their darker complexioned African Americans. I enjoyed the book until the ending which left me very much feeling like there should have been more
March 26, 2022
review
This story caught me from the beginning. It was a fast easy read and didn’t bore me with the story. I did feel the relationship of emma and lance was rushed in the end of the book. I could have used more interactions of how their relationship became so strong with being a professional relationship for so long. Not the ending I was expecting but good and wanting more.
This story caught me from the beginning. It was a fast easy read and didn’t bore me with the story. I did feel the relationship of emma and lance was rushed in the end of the book. I could have used more interactions of how their relationship became so strong with being a professional relationship for so long. Not the ending I was expecting but good and wanting more.
October 1, 2017
Bang, bang you’re dead.
You must read this wonderful book to understand bang, bang you’re dead. I would have given it 5 stars, however, the pace slowed down towards the end, but picked up again the last 15% of the book.
You must read this wonderful book to understand bang, bang you’re dead. I would have given it 5 stars, however, the pace slowed down towards the end, but picked up again the last 15% of the book.
February 10, 2018
I need more
This book was great. I love how she used history to tell the story of the Whitaker Family. I want to know what happened to his black family in VA. There could easily be a second book.
This book was great. I love how she used history to tell the story of the Whitaker Family. I want to know what happened to his black family in VA. There could easily be a second book.
April 7, 2019
Heart wrenching subject not sufficiently explored
Disappointing. Thinly fleshed out characters and too hung up on international personalities and wealth. Improbable ascent to wealth and fame.
Disappointing. Thinly fleshed out characters and too hung up on international personalities and wealth. Improbable ascent to wealth and fame.
May 12, 2017
Really good story.
August 21, 2017
I enjoyed this book which depicted the complexities of the "passing" experience.
September 1, 2017
Really a 3.5
September 9, 2017
Great historical fiction.
March 15, 2018
Not as African American focused as I expected.
January 24, 2019
This book was amazing! I never wanted it to end and demanded to know more after I reached the end. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT????!!!! I hear there is a squeal in the works and I hope its true.
July 16, 2019
I enjoyed this book so much. There were so many twist and turns. It was easy to follow though. I couldn’t wait to finish it and learn all of the families secrets.
January 27, 2022
A must read! This book is so well written and the characters are so exquisitely crafted. The story takes you on a ride through a past all too relevant to our present time.
May 20, 2017
Secrets, family and lies
This book had me coming home wanting to know what the family was going to do next, it kept you guessing and thinking about all the secrets hidden within this family!
This book had me coming home wanting to know what the family was going to do next, it kept you guessing and thinking about all the secrets hidden within this family!
July 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Donna really made the characters come to life, and my heart ached for each of them for different reasons. I also loved that she was able to capture the mood of the time period...made me feel like I was living moment to moment with the characters. Donna also gives you a good understanding of what those who chose to "pass" actually dealt with internally during those times, and the effect it had on their loved ones. I strongly recommend this book. It was a great read.
October 17, 2015
A quick search reveals that there are already some novels with the title Provenance, but the title has such wonderful resonance in Donna Drew Sawyer's novel that I hope it becomes the Provenance everyone thinks of. This novel is, in part, about an art world in which a work's origins and history determine its value. Provenance's protagonist comes from such a world also, and enjoys the privileges of growing up white and wealthy in provincial Richmond during the decades prior to the Depression. When his father informs him upon his deathbed that he had grown up in a "black" family and had chosen to pass as white to avoid being blamed (and possibly lynched) for the accidental death of a white man, Lance must reconsider his own provenance and its power to shape his destiny. This novel is fascinating in part because it demonstrates that even if racial identity is inextricable from the constant threat of discrimination, it also comes along with social networks that have sustained African-American communities in the aftermath of slavery.
Lance's story constantly reminds us that "being black" is not simply a matter of skin color. As a legacy of slavery, mixed ancestry has enabled many people to shed racial labels, yet there are serious emotional consequences for all who sever family ties in order to fit seamlessly into the white world. Lance chooses to continue identifying as white, yet living with such a secret interferes with his ability to develop close bonds with others.
Provenance is a gripping story with wonderful characters, and Sawyer manages to blend fiction and history in a convincing way. This is a quick, but substantive read that will nudge (if not force) you to rethink your perceptions of wealth, art, and racial identity.
Lance's story constantly reminds us that "being black" is not simply a matter of skin color. As a legacy of slavery, mixed ancestry has enabled many people to shed racial labels, yet there are serious emotional consequences for all who sever family ties in order to fit seamlessly into the white world. Lance chooses to continue identifying as white, yet living with such a secret interferes with his ability to develop close bonds with others.
Provenance is a gripping story with wonderful characters, and Sawyer manages to blend fiction and history in a convincing way. This is a quick, but substantive read that will nudge (if not force) you to rethink your perceptions of wealth, art, and racial identity.
June 23, 2017
The cruelty and absurdity of racism in the American South haunts the lives of characters in Sawyer’s novel, which traces a family from the late 19th century through 1970. Hank, whose family lives on the “back side of town,” feels this racism when he is unjustly accused of murder simply because of his race and flees for his life.
Hank soon realizes that strangers assume he is white. His grandfather was white, and Hank himself looks white. Although in the South the infamous “one drop rule” defined anyone with even a trace of negro heritage as a negro, Hank finds that based on appearance he can easily “pass” for white. But here is where the trouble begins. The novel shows the sense of guilt that can develop from the effort to pass as white. Hank feels that he is living a lie in the hypocritical white society in which he finds himself.
The novel shows racism for what it is by putting a human face on it. The characters are well developed. The story moves quickly, and there are surprises at the end.
Hank soon realizes that strangers assume he is white. His grandfather was white, and Hank himself looks white. Although in the South the infamous “one drop rule” defined anyone with even a trace of negro heritage as a negro, Hank finds that based on appearance he can easily “pass” for white. But here is where the trouble begins. The novel shows the sense of guilt that can develop from the effort to pass as white. Hank feels that he is living a lie in the hypocritical white society in which he finds himself.
The novel shows racism for what it is by putting a human face on it. The characters are well developed. The story moves quickly, and there are surprises at the end.
February 11, 2016
Choose this book if you're after a vibrant, well paced novel in which the author has a good eye for historical detail and is a skilled writer of dialogue.
The characters come to life in a story that took me in unexpected directions. I enjoyed the central themes of the book and the settings were well described but not overworked,
The only thing that prevented this book from being 5 for me was the constant change in point of view which I found hard to connect with and the inner voices didn't help the drama.
That said, worth a read.
The characters come to life in a story that took me in unexpected directions. I enjoyed the central themes of the book and the settings were well described but not overworked,
The only thing that prevented this book from being 5 for me was the constant change in point of view which I found hard to connect with and the inner voices didn't help the drama.
That said, worth a read.
April 29, 2017
I simply must find someone who didn't like this book bc I'm starting to wonder what's wrong with me. It had one of the highest ratings I've seen and I wS so looking forward to it. The idea of padding is a fascinating one and a very interesting part of history. But this book was so stale! The dialogue actually made me laugh out loud it was so unnatural and every character was a stereotype. I actually gave up at 60%. Good lord who does that!
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June 30, 2017I enjoyed reading this fine piece of literature! Ms. Sawyer provided a revealing look at what "passing" means and how it affected the lives of Hank and his family. Charlotte certainly worked tirelessly to keep her secrets and acquired lifestyle. I can hardly wait for her next book release!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews