Two Women of Little Rock

As described in yesterday's Washington Post, this book tells the story of two very young women caught in a Civil Rights struggle, who later tried a reconciliation. Although I haven't read the book, I have read the review and found the story compelling and moving, even though the out-come to date is less than what some might consider ideal.

How do these two women feel now? How do they feel so many years after this contentious scene -- the one shouting in anger at the other? The one -- a white student enraged that an African-American simply wanted a good education.

The review of the book is too pessimistic in my view. Certainly, interracial friendships can be a challenge. Perhaps the reviewer is himself of another generation and place -- I don't know.

The review left me wondering just how hard it is to establish a friendship across race lines. Surely it is easier for the young, than for the old, in general. But I think it can be done and can be well worth the effort.