This book if used properly would be an excellent tool for teaching the next generation about the struggles of race & religion/faith and the battle for true freedom in both - AND - the reality that neither are freely given or earned without trial and tribulation. The horrible relationship between the father and his wife and him & his daughter was the epitome of contradictory love and misplaced values. This book shows how the daughter/Ruth/Rachel had to find her on truth about race and religion because she did not have a fair or loving presentation of it from the strongest influence in her young life –her father. Good job.