Release Date: July 30, 2019

Effie Jones was an escaped slave raised by an army surgeon and his wife. During her time in Indiana, she learned to read and write while gaining life skills living with a doctor. She eventually returns to her native New Orleans during the reconstruction era seeking work as an embalmer.  Her motivation is to trace her roots and to reconnect with anyone from her family.

Effie focuses on her work as an assistant to an undertaker and has little time to socialize.  Her mindset changes after she meets Samson Greene and activist who is passionate about changing the culture of the city. Effie starts to experience romantic feelings for Samson but he is not ready for a relationship.  In the background, racial tensions in New Orleans begin to spiral leading to a dark period of violence.

The Undertaker by Amanda Skenandore brings to life a delicate period of U.S.  history with her realistic characters and plot line. Effie is an engaging person and I enjoyed watching her navigate through social and personal barriers.