Ann Petry, an African-American writer of the early 1900s, would seem to be an important figure of whom I had never heard. This short-story took my breath, because I could feel the building tension that casts your mind back repeatedly to the gentle banter of the morning and the reference to the winding sheet.

For those who like happily ever after in their stories, avoid this one. It is about reality, which is often harsh.

https://www.westga.edu/~sboyd/Boyd - Petry.pdf

I will be seeking out Ann Petry’s novel, [b:The Street|186926|The Street|Ann Petry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1495968348l/186926._SX50_.jpg|968007], which was the first novel by an African-American woman to sell over a million copies.

My thanks to Kathleen for the link to this story.
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