New Harmony

A NOVEL

Margaret Butler tells the story of her boy’s murder, and as a deeply spiritual woman born in 1905, her story also reflects the laments of former slaves and their descendants, because Thad’s murder, as well as the truth of who killed him, is wrapped up in the paternalism and racism of the South, reflected in the lives of Ophelia and Hollis Demmings, occupants of the Big House. Their two children, Candy and Floyd Demmings, as well as the objects of their affection, become collateral elements that contribute to Thad Butler’s murder and the eventual murder of Hollis Demmings. After recounting Thad’s funeral in the first chapter, Margaret begins her memoir as a ten-year-old, who fervently wishes to be schooled, and this part of the book follows the contours of her life from the innocence of her childhood to the death of her son. Part Two of her memoir recounts what unfolds from her son’s death, continuing until they learn the reasons for his murder and the person responsible.