To Do Justice by Frank S Joseph (Book Review #1948)

Frank S Joseph’s “To Do Justice” vividly captures the turbulent summer of 1965 in Chicago through the eyes of a young girl named Pinkie. This novel masterfully intertwines themes of identity, race, and justice against the backdrop of a city on the brink of change.

At ten years old, Pinkie yearns to understand her origins. Though she ‘looks White,’ she is being ‘raised Black’ by Jolene, who has cared for her since infancy. The city erupts into riots, and in the chaos, Pinkie runs away. She finds herself taken in by Missus Sawhill, a hunchbacked crone who is paradoxically the wealthiest and most influential person in her precinct.

As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to a nun named Judy, who is later revealed to be Pinkie’s birth mother. A cautious and tentative relationship begins between Pinkie and Mollie, another central character, over the course of a year. This period of growing connection is punctuated by significant historical events, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s open-housing campaign in Chicago.

The story takes a heart-wrenching turn when Pinkie’s beloved ‘baby sister,’ Bettina, is lost during another riot. In her grief, Pinkie turns to Mollie for help. However, her journey takes a dangerous detour when she falls into the hands of Rev Bivens, Dr. King’s right-hand man. Bivens places her at the forefront of a march where she confronts a gauntlet of White hatred, leading to a dramatic and perilous escape with Bettina.

The climax of the novel sees Pinkie finally meeting Judy, only to be told that Judy cannot be her mother. Concurrently, Sawhill’s grand scheme of fraud is uncovered by Mollie and Steve, resulting in Sawhill’s imprisonment. Jolene, who had stolen Pinkie as an infant and exploited her for child support, is also jailed. With both Jolene and Sawhill out of the picture, Pinkie and Bettina are left alone.

In a poignant conclusion, Mollie offers to adopt Pinkie, but Pinkie, showing remarkable resilience and independence, declines, stating, “I’ll find my own way now.”

“To Do Justice” is a powerful narrative that delves into the complexities of identity, the search for belonging, and the fight for justice in a racially divided society. Joseph’s rich character development and historical context provide a compelling backdrop for Pinkie’s journey of self-discovery. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate stories that blend personal growth with significant social themes, reminiscent of the works of Toni Morrison and Alice Walker.

Written by Jeyran Main

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