Ann S. Epstein writes novels, short stories, memoir, essays, and poems. Please use the links or site menu to go to the HOME PAGE; learn about her NOVELS, SHORT STORIES, MEMOIR, ESSAYS, and POEMS; find interesting facts in BEHIND THE STORY; read REFLECTIONS on writing; check NEWS for updates on publications and related events; see REVIEWS; learn about her END-OF-LIFE DOULA credentials and services; and CONTACT US to send webmail.
Interesting history tidbits I’ve learned while researching my novels and short stories
“Negro kids as young as three preferred white dolls over colored ones. Thought they were prettier and smarter. That’s what finally shot down the idea of separate but equal. Children growing up seeing themselves as dirty and dumb.” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“Topeka argued that the district provided free busing, but they didn’t say those poor children got to class too tired to learn.” A quote about the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“‘Do you really think they give a goddamn about a poor little white girl?’ Lula Mae’s skin burns the color of hot bricks. ‘You can walk out of this mess. We can’t.’” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“Tazia will never be one of them, but she can be one with them. For now, that is enough.” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“I ain’t moving til this nigger-loving lady clears out the premises.” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“‘What the hell, is that a white woman riding with them?’ one of the white men yells. Too late, Tazia ducks behind Denton.” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“Tazia draws aside the curtain. Snow dampens the sound, but she sees a line of Negro men facing an angry white mob. Everyone is still standing but blood spatters the mounting drifts of white.” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“Well, Ma’am. I’ve always hired Negroes. I admire their work ethic. But a woman …” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“The sky is light enough for Tazia to read the signs: NIGGER LOVER, NO COLORED IN KANSAS, NO SLAVES FOR HIRE. The marchers swig from jugs of whiskey.” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“Lula Mae ladles deep into the pot. ‘We can always feed another couple of mouths.’” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
