"The Queen of Palmyra" is a novel by Minrose Gwin, published in 2010. The story is set in the 1960s in a small town in Mississippi and follows the experiences of 9-year-old Florence Forrest, who is growing up in a racially divided and turbulent time.
Florence's mother, Emma, is a socialite who is obsessed with appearances and keeping up with the Joneses. Her father, Vernon, is an alcoholic who struggles to provide for his family. Florence befriends a young African American girl, Zenie, whose family works as domestics for white families in town.
As Florence navigates the complexities of race, class, and gender in the South, she begins to uncover dark secrets about her family and the town. She also learns about the harsh realities of racism and discrimination, as she witnesses the violence and oppression inflicted upon African Americans in her community.
"The Queen of Palmyra" is a powerful coming-of-age story that explores the themes of race, identity, and family in the context of the Civil Rights Movement. It sheds light on the personal and societal struggles of those living in the segregated South, and the courage it takes to confront and overcome systemic injustice.
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