Throughout the book, which comprises a series of monologues, one marvels at the completely convincing characterizations of the fictionalized Burns, the invented granddaughter who appears partway through the narrative, and others who add their voices.

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At a time when not only the United States but also many other places are reckoning with the legacy of slavery and the systemic racism that remains, this remarkable collection by a brilliant poet, whose ancestry reflects all her characters, will be one of this year's essential books.