East of Troost: A Novel

East of Troost is a novel that explores subtle racism in the present and overt racism in the past, and the author's personal experiences as a teenager in the 1960s. The story is set in a neighborhood that was once predominantly white but has become predominantly Black due to an expressway. The narrator moves back to her childhood home and deals with various challenges, including crime, home repair, and skepticism from her neighbors. The novel explores universal themes of human behavior, compassion, cruelty, fear, and courage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2022
Publisher: She Writes Press

East of Troost is a novel that explores subtle racism in contemporary society, overt racism in the past, and the challenges of addressing it in everyday life. Set in a neighborhood that has undergone significant change due to an expressway displacement, the story's fictional narrator returns to her childhood home, now predominantly Black and significantly impacted by this development. The area, known as East of Troost, was established in the early 1900s as an invisible barrier to keep the west side of Kansas City white and separate from the Black families on the east side.

As the narrator embarks on her journey back to her old neighborhood, she faces various challenges, including crime, home repair, and skepticism from her neighbors. They question her presence and purpose, wondering what a middle-aged white woman is doing alone in this community. However, she is supported by a wise neighbor, a loyal dog, and the local hardware store. Through their interactions, the narrator navigates her adult world while also providing glimpses into author Ellen Barker's real-life experiences as a teenager in the 1960s. During this period, white families were fleeing and Black families were moving in, often facing hatred and violence.

East of Troost is a regional story with universal themes that delve into the depths of human behavior. It explores compassion and cruelty, fear and courage, comedy and drama, and sheds light on the complexities of race relations and the ongoing struggle for equality. The novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of the past and present, challenging readers to reflect on their own experiences and attitudes toward race and to consider what actions can be taken to promote positive change in society.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647422295