Content Warning: This section mentions domestic and sexual abuse and racism.

One of the defining experiences of Viola’s life as detailed in the book is how she grew up poor; another is her lived experience of being a Black woman. As Viola goes on to describe how each of these aspects of her life shaped her in significant ways, one of the main themes of the book emerges: the relationship between race and adversity. From Viola’s retelling of her life, there is a distinct sense that the two are related—not because one causes the other, but because attitudes, beliefs, and systems exist within society that disadvantage some people at the very outset. Based on one’s racial identity, there may be a higher chance of experiencing certain kinds and degrees of adversity.

For instance, the book opens with Viola running, something she has had to do from a very young age because she is the target of racist insults and harassment from her third-grade classmates. This experience goes on to define her in significant ways even as an adult, greatly impacting her self-esteem and self-worth. Being Black and poor is something that Viola sees as a dual challenge she and her sisters must fight very hard to overcome; their attempts are inspired by her sister Dianne’s encouragement.