Dawn Turner Explores Race and Belonging in ‘Majestic Hills’

Dawn Turner, known to Chicago for her perspective on the city, spent over two decades at the Chicago Tribune. Her columns frequently addressed race, class, and gender. Her roots in Chicago’s South Side influenced her stories and books.

Turner’s first novel, “Only Twice I’ve Wished for Heaven,” captures 1970s South Side Chicago life. Written on a Zenith laptop, it reflects her upbringing. Her second novel, “An Eighth of August,” explores a town celebrating emancipation events originating in Tennessee.

Turner’s memoir, “Three Girls from Bronzeville,” a decade-long project, examines second chances and is steeped in her South Side background with her sister and friend. Her latest novel, “Majestic Hills,” portrays a young Chicago couple seeking suburban life. Yet, they confront the reality of neighbors and personal histories.

Turner lived the narrative of “Majestic Hills” in 1989, moving from an urban lifestyle to suburbia. Neighbors became like family, but Turner reflects on the shift from civility to intolerance in society today. “The country’s imperfection is evident in its direction,” she stated, aiming to question prevailing social paths.

Themes of race, class, love, and belonging are central in “Majestic Hills.” Turner explores American mobility, comparing it to historical migrations and the pursuit of a “Promised Land.” She remarked, “Belonging speaks inherently to who I am.”

Current societal challenges make Turner more cautious, yet she insists on her freedom. She contrasts past optimism with present limitations imposed by political climates. “Racism never vanished, but possibilities felt more open,” she reflected.

Turner’s storytelling critiques misconceptions, as seen in a scene from “Majestic Hills” where characters mistake beekeepers for supremacists. Turner explains, “We see ghosts … haunted by the past and the present.” This nuanced portrayal reflects her personal suburban experience with communities.

In a discussion at Call & Response Books, Turner underscored the connection over division. Her narrative embodies characters who remain allies despite societal shifts. “Change demands active roles to ensure inclusivity,” she concludes.

Event Information:

Dawn Turner will discuss “Majestic Hills” with Heidi Stevens at 7 p.m. on Aug. 11, at Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark St., Chicago. For details, call 773-769-9299 or visit womenandchildrenfirst.com.