Praisesong for the Widow

Avey Johnson–a black, middle-aged, middle-class widow given to hats, gloves, and pearls–has long since put behind her the Harlem of her childhood. Then on a cruise to the Caribbean with two friends, inspired by a troubling dream, she senses her life beginning to unravel–and in a panic packs her bag in the middle of the night and abandons her friends at the next port of call. The unexpected and beautiful adventure that follows provides Avey with the links to the culture and history she has so long disavowed. Originally published in 1983, Praise Song for the Widow was a recipient of the Before Columbus Foundation American Book Award.

“Astonishingly moving.”–Anne Tyler, The New York Times Book Review