In Quakertown, Lee Martin's eagerly awaited first novel, Martin travels back to 1920s Texas to tell the story of a flourishing black community that was segregated from its white brethren-and of the remarkable gardener who was asked to do the unimaginable.

Based on the true story of a shameful episode in north Texas's history, Quakertown draws on the rich texture of the South-the Pecan Creek running along the edges of Quakertown, the remarkable and rare white lilac, and the rising tensions marking each nod and greeting. With strength and a deep wisdom of heart Martin carves out the delicate story of two families-one white and one black-and the child whose birth brought a gift of forgiveness.