(Reviewed by JD Jung)
“You don’t want to be caught up in other folks’ lies and secrets. Ain’t a good feelin’ to keep stuff in ya.”
It’s October 1941 and everyone seems to have secrets in this African American community in West Mills, North Carolina. Amazingly in a town where everyone seems to know everyone else’s business, residents are still able to keep secrets. Unfortunately, it can be at the expense of those who are affected by them the most.
Twenty-seven-year-old Azalea “Knot” Centre, who moved to West Mills for an elementary school teaching job, is such a person. She became pregnant from two relationships and gave her baby girls up for adoption to couples in town. Though she constantly sees them—this being a small town—she has no regrets. Somehow her family in Ahoskie, NC found out and renounced her. That hurt the most.
Luckily her neighbor, Otis Lee, looks after her, but she knows a secret about him that he isn’t aware of. In fact, many of the people are carrying secrets or are victim to them. When do these secrets become lies and which ones should be revealed, and which ones should be kept hidden?
In West Mills takes us through 1987 as we become emotionally involved in the lives of these memorable characters. They are relatable, believable and complex. For instance, Knot is strong-willed, determined yet vulnerable. She indulges in too much moonshine but is an avid reader of 19th century English literature.
I found myself sucked into the problems and secrets of the people. The story, told in a rural southern voice, kept me engaged as there were surprises throughout.
I just wished that the story included more events of the time, and the resulting effects on the community. Monumental events such as WWII, the Vietnam War and the 1960’s Civil Rights movement took place during those four decades. There were some thoughts on the Civil rights marches, but I wish there was more.
Still, those who enjoy intimate stories of family, love and friendship in a historical context are sure to love In West Mills.
