The Gilded Years

Karin Tanabe Simon & Schuster

This historical novel is based on the true story of Anita Hemmings, the first black student to attend Vassar College. She was only able to do so because she could pass as white. Some creative licence has been taken as there is not a lot known about Anita.

In her final year at Vassar in 1897, she is a very popular student – not only intelligent, but also a great beauty, descended from slaves. She has to tread carefully however, to keep her secret from everyone.

She rooms with Louise Taylor from New York who has a very proud pedigree – wealth and social standing. Anita enjoys the world she’s been drawn into, but wonders about her future after college. It’s only when Louise becomes infatuated with Anita’s brother – also light skinned – that her situation becomes dangerous.

This is a wonderful story set against such an interesting background.