Indigo

Where do I begin?

Well, I suppose I should begin with the man himself; the Black Daniel. Or maybe I should start with the strong-willed (read: contrariest) Hester? These two make the most stubborn couple. But what are we to do? When they fall in love, it's hard to not fall in love with them.

Indigo had a good mix of light and serious moments.

In the light moments, we got to see Hester and Galen unabashedly in love. We see bits and pieces of Galen's life, before and after he became the Black Daniel. The strength and mutual respect behind their community. The bond Hester and Galen gained and shared. The slow build towards their love for each other. No matter how much they denied it, it was inevitable.

Although the core of Indigo is about love, it also delved into racism and slavery. I don't know much as I wasn't taught American history but I knew enough going in to know that it wasn't going to be an easy topic. Keep that in mind and I'll be sure to tread lightly as I continue to write this.

One of the more jarring moments to me was when Hester recounts her time as a slave. Her and her friend, Ella, were standing over a vat of indigo ink. Ella said something to mean that she looked forward for her hands to be as dark with ink as her mother's were. The reason this struck out to me was that the children didn't know how the world was then. The lives they lived was all they knew and that was the life of a slave. Children are innocent with only love and joy in their hearts. They have to taught hate or to hate. My heart was full of anger and eyes tears.

Another thing I'd like to note is the white passing mentioned throughout the book. Galen was not only white passing, he was also unimaginably wealthy. Therefore, for most of his life, he was able to get away (almost) unscathed. Until he realised the brutality black people had to endure that is. But instead of turning a blind eye, he chose to aid those who didn't have the privileges he had.

Segue approaching!

Here's a few more things I loved:
Hester's vanilla scent
The name Black Daniel
The fact that Foster came back married?!? (i gasped and proceeded to rant at no one)
The Sheriff
The parts set at Galen's grandmother's home after they were married.
Raymond's constant teasing

All in all, I loved it. I loved Hester's sharp wit, Galen's incorrigibleness. I loved their acceptance for each other. Loved the family they made for themselves. And finally, I loved how much they loved each other.

“Indigo is what you are, Indigo is who you will be to be. At least to me, you will be Indigo.”