Set in the tumultuous year of 1968 in southern Virginia, A Calamity of Souls is a gripping courtroom drama from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci. The story revolves around a racially-charged murder case that pits a duo of white and Black lawyers against a deeply unfair system as they work to defend their wrongfully-accused Black defendants.
Jack Lee, a white lawyer from Freeman County, Virginia, has never challenged racism. Yet, he finds himself representing Jerome Washington, a Black man charged with the heinous murder of an elderly, wealthy white couple. As Lee questions his decision, he fears his legal skills may not suffice against the overwhelming odds.
Desiree DuBose is a Black lawyer from Chicago, dedicated to the fight for justice and equality. She joins Lee in Freeman County, forming an uneasy alliance against the state's best prosecutor. DuBose is also cognizant of the external forces seeking to undermine the Civil Rights movement's gains.
Lee and DuBose are vastly different, and alone, they stand little chance against a prosecution bent on a guilty verdict. But united, they strive for what once seemed unattainable: a fair trial and justice. With over a decade spent on its creation, A Calamity of Souls vividly brings to life a past era, navigating a world both alien and recognizable to the modern reader.
The American Daughters is a gripping historical novel about Ady, a spirited girl who, alongside her fierce mother Sanite, dreams of a loving future while enslaved in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Their days are filled with memories of their family's rebellious past. When separated from her mother, Ady finds herself hopeless until an encounter at the Mockingbird Inn introduces her to Lenore, a free Black woman.
Lenore, recognizing Ady's potential, invites her to join the Daughters, a secret society of spies. The courage passed down by Sanite, combined with the strength of these women, empowers Ady to prioritize her own well-being. This marks the start of her quest for liberation and the ability to envision a new future.
The American Daughters is a novel of hope and triumph, celebrating the power of community solidarity in the fight for freedom.