Kelly Rodgers 
The Truth Together 

Families are complicated. The Herndons are no exception.

Only a few decades removed from slavery, Alonzo, a self-declared ‘money man, ‘ is climbing his way to success in Atlanta, with a string of barbershops and real estate.

Adrienne, his wife, is not as contented in her skin, literally. A drama and elocution professor at Atlanta University and aspiring stage actress, Adrienne has lived her life somewhat sheltered from the restrictions of racism. As Jim Crow spreads its dark shadow over Atlanta, the family’s wealth and safety are put in peril.

Effie, the Herndon’s daughter, graduates from the Municipal Training School for Colored Nurses and takes a one-year nursing position at the Georgia State Sanitarium. Effie craves a different life than the one she’s been given. If only someone had told her to be careful what she wished for.

Life at the sanitarium is beyond all of Effie’s imaginings. While there, she meets Fern, a fearless and free-spirited young woman, bearing the actual and figurative scars of her upbringing. Haunted by the events of their own lives and the circumstances and choices of their families, Effie and Fern get tangled up in the intrigues of the institution. Ultimately, they discover truths together and begin to make sense of the world in a way that many others never do.

The Truth Together, challenges the mythic southern narrative, upending conceptions of patriarchy, wealth and race in early 20th century Georgia.