If Sons, Then Heirs: A Novel [Paperback]

“An absorbing and moving tale” (Publishers Weekly)—a uniquely American story of the consequences of past decisions on present realitiesthrough the narrative of a Black family in Philadelphia rediscovering their roots in South Carolina.

After World War II, the Needham family moved north to Philadelphia from South Carolina, leaving behind the tragic injustice surrounding the violent death of their patriarch, King. His devoted widow, Selma, remains on the old home place. Over the years, she raises King’s children, including his great-grandson, Rayne, who is now burdened with the responsibility of bringing the family together, saving the family land, and mending the rift with his mother.

IfSons, Then Heirsis a tour de force that explores the power of family secrets, bonds, and love. Rayne and the other characters face challenges big and small that mirror the experiences of families everywhere. But in the masterful storytelling of Lorene Cary, their voices are so distinct and unique that they will live in the minds of readers long after the last page is read.Lorene Cary is the author ofIf Sons, Then Heirs,Pride, andBlack Ice, which was a 1992 American Library Association Notable Book. Cary currently lectures in creative writing at the University of Pennsylvania. She founded Art Sanctuary, a model non-profit lecture and performance series. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two daughters.CHAPTER 1


Jewell Thompson nosed her sedan into the narrow Philadelphia street. She had directions on the seat next to her, and also the letter. In her mind, a voice from the past, her grandmother’s, shouted: “We home!” which was ridiculous, since she’d never been on this street, or even in this section of the city, before.

Outside her noisy mind, rows of identical two-story brick houses squatted beside Cobbs Creek Park, muffled by heavyl-