Wall of Silence

Book #1 Tobias Bascom was the result of a gang rape. He was born in Harlem, New York, in the year 1897. He was abandoned by his fifteen-year-old mother who fell prey to a life of prostitution. Only his grandparents, both emancipated slaves, were left to rear the boy. When Tobias turned seven in 1904, they were no longer able to care for him so they put him on a train to go live with relatives he did not know.

As this story begins, fifty years have now passed; yet another train ride will prove to be one of the richest experiences of his life. Having been handed off and reared by two elderly ex-slaves in the pre-Civil Rights South, Tobias has every right to be broken and bitter about his lot in life—but he isn’t.

What could possibly right such a bad beginning and redeem a life to rich, full contentment and joy? What paths did Tobias choose to take in order to discover the treasures in his tin box?

Therein lies Tobias’ story.

This novel shares the struggle to overcoming the effects of slavery through four generations of the Bascom family. It covers one hundred-twenty years, both during and post slavery. Having had everything stripped away was not going to defeat the three Bascom siblings. Raised under slavery, decisions, dreams, and goals had been forbidden; but life after emancipation depended upon their ability to make good decisions, set reasonable goals, and learn how to dream of a better future.

Family stories were carefully passed down in order to help the younger members understand what their family had experienced. Love, support, forgiveness, self-determination, and integrity became the hallmark of the Bascom family. The rich history of life after emancipation is revealed in the lives of these beloved characters.

Join Tobias as he reviews the family history and reveals the amazing treasures in his tin box.