GONNA LAY DOWN MY BURDENS by Mary Monroe is a remarkable romance that delves both painfully and humorously into the lives of southern African Americans. Her richly drawn characters will stay with readers long after the book is finished.
At 30, Carmen has spent her whole life in Belle Helene, Alabama, shouldering enough sadness and guilt to make her feel like an old woman. There are friends who have been lost in accidents, friends in destructive relationships, and her fiance, Burl, who has ended up in a wheelchair. To top it all off, Carmen has been in love with the unattainable Chester since she was a little girl. Luck finally shines down on her, and she spends one magical night with the man of her dreams, but guilt forces her to accept that she must stand by Burl whether she loves him or not. Then everything comes to a climax on the eve of Carmen's marriage to Burl when she goes to help a friend in need and ends up on the run from the law.
Mary Monroe is the author of two acclaimed novels, God Don't Like Ugly and The Upper Room. An avid traveler, Mary currently lives in Oakland, CA, and is hard at work on her next novel.
February
2003
