I originally bought this book because it begins in the summer of 1968 in Detroit and I was going to college in Detroit at this time. I was hoping that it would bring back some of my memories from that time period - I got the memories and so much more. This was a fantastic well written book about family and forgiveness, protests and the justice system but most important it was about sisters and their love for each other despite their estrangement.

In the summer of 1968, Rosa and Esther participated in an anti-war protest in downtown Detroit. They were both fervent in their opposition but Esther had a small baby and her family was the primary focus in her life. They both made a bad decision which caused a policemen to get hurt. When their pictures showed up on the evening news, they were identified and arrested. It was apparent that they would both have jail time in their future, until Esther made the decision to testify against her sister so that she would be able to raise her baby. Her decision caused a major estrangement between the sisters and totally ended any communication between them. Over the years, they both wrote letters to each other but never mailed them. They missed each other but were both convinced that they were right and didn't make any effort to ease the division.

This is a novel about a family divided during a time that the country was divided. One sister wants to help the future through the family that she is raising and the other sister feels that it is important to fight injustice on a larger scale no matter the consequences. Even though this book took place in the 60's, much of it is relevant in the divided country that we are living in now ( )

Brings to life the fervor and earnestness of sixties activism and explores the interplay between idealism, altruism, and personal responsibility and love. An engaging story and a good read for boomers who traded political ideals for conventional success and comfort, and for the new wave of young climate and social activists. ( )

Current Quarantine read: Her Sister’s Tattoo by Ellen Meeropol. I’m not very far into it, but can tell it’s a novel that comes from deep in the heart. The author’s passion for justice shines through from the start. Before my copy arrived, I read a fascinating article by Ellen Meeropol in @momeggreview which I highly recommend you read. (http://momeggreview.com/2020/02/03/au...). I’ve known the author for decades now, first when each of us lived lives as nurses, and continuing as we grew into other lives to pursue. Ellen’s books have always been ones I look forward to reading as much for how they share the strong core of her beliefs as for what I learn. I expect this book, about two sisters, who, while at a Vietnam protest, become caught in a situation that puts them at the center of a court case, will carry that tradition foreword. It is a book of choice, of loyalty, and of passions, and a most welcome read in my hot little hands. (PS All of Meeropol’s other novels are in this set of our shelves.) #hersisterstattoo #quaranread #bookshelfie
#quarantinereads #reading #books #shelfie #bookshelves #redhenpress #ellenmeeropol #bookstagram #chsbookmobilequarantinechallenge Pandemic Read. ( )

In Her Sister's Tattoo, Ellen Meeropol tells the story of two sisters. They protested the Vietnam War together in Detroit in 1968, but were torn apart when one went to prison and the other testified against her to stay with her own infant daughter. Later, the daughters of the two sisters meet at summer camp, the one knowing nothing of her family history.

Meeropol moves chronologically, starting with the powerful events of 1968, following through to 1980, then jumping to a final section set in 2003 during the Iraq War. She tells the story from multiple points of view and the sisters' never-sent letters. It's a timely story of political protest and sibling loyalty. ( )