Overshadowed: A Novel

The novel opens with a powerful meditation on the African‑American struggle to find its footing in a society shaped by Anglo‑Saxon ideals. Using the image of a lone grain of corn growing beneath the shade of a great oak, the author sketches a world where every step toward equality is shadowed by entrenched power. This somber allegory sets the tone for a story that confronts the weight of history, prejudice, and the relentless push for dignity.

Against this backdrop, the narrative follows Erma Wysong, a striking young woman whose restless pacing betrays a mind full of questions, and Astral Herndon, a quietly observant visitor drawn to her mystery. Their early interactions hint at deeper currents of love, ambition, and the social forces that shape their lives. As the first act unfolds, listeners are invited to witness the quiet heroism of a woman who, despite the gloom, shines with a fierce, unapologetic spirit.