Yael Politis brings her Olivia series to a wonderful conclusion in Whatever Happened to Mourning Free. Tying past and present together, combining a complex sense of “plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose” with the possibility and eternal slowness of change, and adding a recent historical twist to a tale initially set in the 1800s, this novel transcends genres and assumptions, and, quite simply, demands to be read. It’s a powerful standalone story, and a perfect ending to the tale of Olivia, Mourning and Little Boy.

In 1960s Detroit, it’s one thing to believe you’re not prejudiced, but quite another to act on that belief and see your neighbor as yourself. A romantic distant relative who loved a slave might be fodder for bedtime reading, but a black boy who might be your cousin, in a neighborhood you really shouldn’t enter...

A novel filled with parallels, Whatever Happening to Mourning Free answers the question in its title, as Olivia’s distant relative Charlene reads diaries left behind and transcribes the tale. But Charlene’s romantic emotions are as conflicted as her hopes for people and the future, just as Olivia’s were. And the troubles in Detroit are coming to a head.

“One thing at a time,” Aunt Olivia would have said. But Yael Politis fills her novel with many things and many times, keeping them all convincingly in their place, offering a beautifully plotted, wonderfully well-researched, and truly compelling tale, that spans times and spins its message powerfully into the present, or any other day.

In the end, what happened to Mourning Free can’t be separated from what happened to his descendants, or what happens today. And this novel intrigues, informs and entertains, inviting readers to ponder their own world too.

Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review. ( )

Dearborn, Michigan – 1967 - Charlene Connor has in her possession her great-great-great Aunt Olivia’s diary. Having read the journal many times, Charlene felt a deep connection to her Aunt Olivia, and wondered many times what had become of Olivia and Mourning Free. Charlene knew Olivia had been active in the Underground Railroad and ran a boarding house called OK Accommodations. Had Mourning been with her at the boarding house? Why had they left the farm? Where did she come up with the money to buy a boarding house? These questions are answered and many more revelations develop as the story unfolds and goes back in time to 1842.
The two timelines were integrated smoothly into one storyline. It is amazing how little times had changed from the 1840’s to the 1960’s where racism still lingered.

The strong characters displayed hope, determination, and courage. I just couldn’t get enough of Olivia and Mourning, having been connected to them from Book 1 & 2 of the series. Just amazing characters! The characters of Charlene and Charlie were realistic and complex, and I was eventually drawn into their world and the midst of their drama. They were portrayed in depth.

I must admit that this book certainly was not what I expected, and that isn’t a negative comment. I did have a bit of a problem getting into the storyline early on with Charlene’s story, but when the time changed to 1840, I became fully engrossed. The story eventually shifts back to the 1960’s with the racial riots in Detroit and I became fully engaged to the storyline.

This book was beautifully written and the author certainly delivered a satisfying closure to this superb series. I highly recommend, but be sure to read Books 1 & 2 of the Olivia Series first. My rating is 4.5 stars.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion and review. All opinions shared are my own. ( )