The Civil Rights Movement in the South represents one of American history's most important, bloody, and terrifying periods. Seven Laurels takes place during that time, encompassing the years between 1954 and 1994. The novel traces the life of African-American Brewster McAtee, a hardworking and innovative carpenter, as he struggles for his dreams to own land and build a home and respectability in rural Alabama. When the Civil Rights Movement explodes, he is drawn into the core of the conflict, where he and his family face the ultimate loss from which they may never recover.

Brad Watson, author of Last Days of the Dog-Men and The Heaven of Mercury:

"Flat-out beautiful writing fills this rich, full, satisfying novel. The care taken with each word is so evident and true."

Booklist:

"It's the truth of Brewster's viewpoint, the daily details of work and family, that gives this docu-novel its searing power."

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  Study Guide for Seven Laurels (rtf document)