A review by zinelib
Acts of Forgiveness by Maura Cheeks

dark reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Journalist Maura Cheeks turns to fiction to explore the idea of reparations. Her protagonist, Willie (for Wilhemina) Revel had also been a journalist, but family obligations forced her to choose a different path, helping her father, Max, run his construction business. An old professor of Willie's, now president of the country, has introduced legislation called The Forgiveness Act, which will grant adult descendants of enslaved Africans $175,000 each to help make good on centuries of inequity. Willie's own grandfather, Marcus, suffered when the GI Bill failed to secure him a home loan or access to education because of redlining, and VA douchery. 

But guess what? Reparations are not that simple, not even including the stupid name. Forgiveness? How about Apology?!? White people are not happy with Black people getting a handout, especially Black people who aren't poor. And guess what again? Only people of means are able to fund trips to southern historical societies to search for documentation to prove their ancestors' enslavement. It's a mess! 

It's a heartbreaking concept that is well explored via Willie and her daughter, parents, grandparents, and friends. Highly recommended!

My sister recommended this book to me, and I've been recommending it to others. Thanks, NetGalley for the free ARC.