Behind You by Jacqueline Woodson continues the story
of Jeremiah and Ellie, two teenagers in a relationship that pushed cultural
boundaries and levels of acceptance, even in progressive New York City. Unfortunately, tragedy befalls Miah, which,
in turns, impacts so many who loved Miah.
The silver lining of tragedy is that it brings people together, and may establish and/or strengthens bonds. Ellie finds comfort and a special friendship with Carlton, a good friend of Miah, and a renewed, special relationship with Miah’s mother. The grief they experience is raw, yet,around their sadness, glimmers of hope can be heard in their words because of what and who they are to each other.
The silver lining of tragedy is that it brings people together, and may establish and/or strengthens bonds. Ellie finds comfort and a special friendship with Carlton, a good friend of Miah, and a renewed, special relationship with Miah’s mother. The grief they experience is raw, yet,around their sadness, glimmers of hope can be heard in their words because of what and who they are to each other.
The voice of others close to Miah are heard, and these, too, are real, true to themselves, and reflect the experiences and realities to which we, the reader, can relate. Woodson’s stories may appear to be limiting or superficial, yet the depth of emotion, realism, and humanity lies in each chapter, and, many times, within each sentence.
