A TASTE OF REALITY

When Anise, a black woman, applies for a promotion to manager of human resources, she's impeded by a management team that wants an all-white male staff. As Anise fights racism, job discrimination, and sexual harassment, she also finds herself in the midst of a divorce from her light-skinned husband, who wants a white wife. Then she begins a relationship with Frank, an Italian with a preference for black women. Tracey Leigh brings Roby's characters to life, giving even the villains depth and personality. Caricatures abound, but reality wins out in this story of pride and persistence. M.B.K. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 03]