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by Shirley F. B. Carter (Author)
When I was very young and began to wonder about the world, I tried to answer the question, "Who are you?" My early answer was, "I am a child of God." When asked my name, I stated factually, "Barrow." I knew that's where I came from, the house I lived in and that's who I belonged to. I did not answer, Shirley. That name did not seem to belong to anyone else, but a stranger who did not accept my Sunday School answer, would know who I was if I answered Barrow. My family was right there with me: living proof of my identity.
Years can be spent trying to know who you really are, not just what family and society dictate. Many years of experiences with neighbors, friends, and workmates complete a pleasing picture that was not easily seen in youth. The author invites the reader to share her journey and perhaps compare and consider their own unique quest of identity.
As a young one the author chose to consider herself an Earl. This identity originated from her mother's playful naming of their humble home as Lee Heights. Mother and daughter were both trying to lift their spirits from the harsh reality of an unfinished, poorly heated shelter with no running water or electricity. Events in the story take place from the nineteen thirties up to the present day. Life stories are always unique and when shared, even with family members raised in the same household in the same era of time, one can discover savory surprises and hidden wonders. The Earl of Lee Heights is an invitation to the reader to explore the life of a New England colored girl and hopefully, be inspired you to share your own story with others.
