The Sun Shines Brightest at Midnight - Book Review

"THE SUN SHINES BRIGHTEST AT MIDNIGHT" by Youlanda Brewster published by Black Rose Writing. This book is a fascinating read as it bounces about over a period of approximately 250 years. In the story, as in real life, we are introduced to a myriad of characters throughout the book. It first appears to be a collage of tales or an anthology. Brewster skillfully weaves the stories like sisal twine making a rope, a rope of strong-willed and committed women rising above their tormentors in life and even in death.
These stories move from slavery on the African Continent in the colonial days through America’s civil war. It is here we meet Nora and Xeres who are escaping persecution and fleeing to France. We are then introduced to  Myra, Rita, Charles, and Thomas, all living on a plantation and helping abused slaves as best they can. The story has us meeting an American Indian princess and sharing in her trials and tribulations. Further on in the book, we meet in the chapter titled "MY MOTHER, MY MOM OR A TALE OF TWO WOMEN" a wife and an ex-wife living as best friends next-door to some interesting neighbors who sell Mary Kay cosmetics. These vignettes introduce us to a myriad of characters: many women, blacks, whites, Jewish, Irish, soldiers including a World War II entertainer. This story really runs the gambit of how these women and a few men have overcome adversity. How diversity is embraced in this land of opportunity by many but not all of its people. 
Slavery, oppression, torture, aids, death, loss are in vivid contrast with freedom, victory, success, life, and love. All of these threads Brewster has skillfully woven into this story.
 There are interesting views contrary to the societal norm seeing the setting of each situation in a new light and from opposing points of view.  It makes for an interesting and refreshing tale. This is a fast-paced book, and the storylines are definitely intermixed and intertwined.  Wouldn't you like to see how these characters come out on top? What would it feel like to them? In the end, Brewster pens a final justice, how evil people really do reap what they sow.