Never – by Joel F. Johnson – independent book review – Memoir (United States)

Here is a beautifully written and deeply insightful coming-of-age novel in which the author tries to reconcile his warm memories from childhood with the adult recognition that he grew up in a small, strictly-segregated Southern town, at a pivotal moment in United States racial history. I loved every page! Awarded five stars on Goodreads.

At the start of NEVER, the protagonist (affluent and White Morris “Little” Nickerson) and his older sister, Allyn — both in their 70s — are conferring about whether to return to their childhood town, fifty years after moving away. The event they discuss attending is the unveiling of a monument to a local civil rights hero. But a bigger draw is that the keynote will be delivered by an educator both siblings knew as children. In fact, the speaker will be the only daughter of the Nickerson family’s former maid, Bit.

Employing a non-linear timeline, the author then adds chapters that review Max’s reminiscences about being a 12-year old boy one summer in the small town of LaSalle Georgia, at the time of the budding 1960s civil rights movement. His memories focus around two families, including his own:

1. The Nickersons. Dad (Big Morris) is an ardent segregationist who runs a successful woodworking business that has provided an enviable residence high on a hill, with a backyard pool, and full time help in the person of Bit. Mom (Elizabeth) is a deeper thinker but also a lonely woman who both craves human connection and shuns it. Daughter Allyn is a high school student focused on criticizing her parents. And Morris (or “Little” as he’s known then) is a quiet, cerebral, and somewhat naive pre-adolescent.
2. The McAllisters. The father, Rob, is the attractive and imposing minister of the Episcopal church the Nickersons attend in LaSalle. Rob is increasingly wrestling with his conscience because of all the ways racial segregation sits in opposition to his deeply-held Christian values. He lives a modest existence with his wife Carol, rebellious high school daughter Julia, and adventurous and outgoing son Jamie (who is Little’s best friend).

Moving among the two families is Bit. She provides loving stability to the Nickerson children in the presence of a remote mother. Bit’s competence, dependability, and long hours are indispensable to Elizabeth. Bit even takes on the extra work of helping out the McAllisters when they need it. And she supports Little and Jamie in their summer enterprises. But Bit has also learned to keep her true thoughts and opinions to herself. At home, she is a dedicated single mother to Emma G., a high schooler whose own social conscience is developing.

Through all these rich, multi-dimensional characters, author Joel F. Johnson shows us the human side of racial tensions in the 1960s. Both overt and subtle. The unspoken but understood social rules White people impose on Black people. The ways in which segregation impacts Black Americans on a daily basis. And how power plays out differently depending on the color of your skin.

As a debut novel, NEVER is impressive. Previously published as a poet, Johnson’s writing is so skillful and tight and his imagery will stay with me for a long time. I was so sorry to leave these characters behind. Be sure NOT to miss this one.

More about the author, Joel F. Johnson.