In Search of Us

In Search of Us by Ava Dellaira is a novel that tells a multi-generational story about the power of love and the bonds between mothers and daughters. The narrative alternates between two perspectives: Marilyn, a white woman in the 1990s, and Angie, her biracial daughter in the present day. Marilyn dreams of escaping her mother's strict expectations and becoming a movie star, but her life takes an unexpected turn when she falls in love with James, an African-American boy. Despite the racial tensions of the time, they share a deep connection. However, their relationship faces challenges, and Marilyn ultimately raises her daughter alone. Angie, unaware of her full heritage and believing her father is dead, embarks on a journey to find out more about him after discovering a photograph that suggests he might still be alive. As Angie searches for the truth about her past, she uncovers secrets about her family's history and comes to understand her mother's sacrifices. The novel explores themes of identity, race, and the enduring impact of first love.