Overview
Jessie Redmon Fauset's searing novel of “respectability” among the 20th century African-American middle class, newly reissued for Union Square & Co.’s Herald Classics line.
Set in a small, suburban town in early 1900s New Jersey, The Chinaberry Tree follows Laurentine, a young woman struggling to overcome her “bad blood” inherited from her mother's illicit interracial union. Proud and independent, she feels the only way to gain respectability is through marriage with a decent man. Her plans are uprooted by the arrival of her tenacious, overly-confident cousin Melissa, who also aspires to “marry up” in life. However, as family secrets and new revelations come to light with explosive consequences, both women must redefine "respectable" for themselves, as they find their own sense of identity.
Featuring a new introduction, this reissue of a marginalized author's masterpiece is an essential but overlooked classic.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry The Chinaberry Tree, we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of The Chinaberry Tree.