The Gilded Years

Karin Tanabe Simon & Schuster, $30

Anita Hemmings is among a group of trailblazing women in 1897, attending prestigious Vassar College studying languages and planning her future as a professor. But as she embraces an exclusive life among some of America’s wealthiest young ladies, she is burdened by a secret that could see her expelled – light-skinned Anita is of African-american heritage. Anita knows her privileged life, hopes, dreams and friendships could be shattered instantly if her true origins are discovered or betrayed. Based on the real-life story of Anita during the prosperous “Gilded Age”, this is a thought-provoking tale of how perception can change everything, especially when it comes to race.