African American History, novels, Social Commentary, Alabama, Georgia, Race Relations 

Here is an eloquent self-portrait of several generations of a black family and its search for dignity within the American dream. It is a book about small but nevertheless promising futures - a book with the appeal that audiences found in Roots.
Despite its initial promise, the north is no longer the promised land for blacks. In increasing numbers they are returning to the south, even at the cost of losing the economic security found in the northern cities, Goin' Home is the story of one such family's migration, told in its own words.
Mr. and Mrs. "Bud" Stanford live in the sleepy town of Eufala, Alabama, where for fifty years they have surrounded themselves with the fruits of their labors and loves. They have watches the changes in race relations but have remained isolated from their developments. However, for their sons, Hayward and twenty-four year old Arthur, times have changes, and both men set off for Boston filled with hopes of better opportunity. Arthur, during his six-year stay, finds his wife, Alma, but the better life proves bitter. Boston, with its traditions of democracy and its symbols of freedom, is divided by racial problems of frightening magnitude, and its subtle forms of prejudice erode self-esteem and human dignity.
Finally, Arthur and Alma leave Boston with their young son for Atlanta, and then ultimately build a house on the Stanford land. Although they live in conditions bordering on poverty, they believe that, close to their roots, they may achieve the inner happiness that will be their version of the American dream.
Goin' Home is a poignant story that brings the plight and promise of a new generation of black Americans into sharp and dramatic focus.