The team of Leonard Pitts, Jr., and Sean Crisden has created a post-Civil War masterpiece. The lives of freed slaves, particularly that of Sam Freeman, are presented in unsparing brutality, with snippets of kindness and humanity by an occasional white person. Crisden expertly depicts Sam’s journey on foot from Pennsylvania to Mississippi in search of his wife. Every emotion, shattered dream, and joyous occasion is deftly captured regardless of the background of the character–man, woman, or child black or white Northerner or Southerner. Crisden excels with the beautifully descriptive words, nuanced characters, and perfect dialogue, making not only the people but also the events come alive. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine