The House Behind the Cedars

Author: Charles W. Chesnutt

Description:

The House Behind the Cedars by Charles W. Chesnutt is a novel set in the post-Civil War American South that explores themes of race, identity, and societal norms. The story follows John Warwick and his sister Rena, who are light-skinned African Americans passing as white to escape the limitations and prejudices of their heritage. As Rena attempts to navigate her new life, she faces challenges that test her loyalty, love, and sense of self. The novel provides a poignant commentary on the complexities of racial identity and the impact of societal expectations.