A New York Times BestsellerA New York Times and Washington Post Notable BookA Best of the Year Selection of NPR, Time, and O, The Oprah MagazineAn Oprah's Book Club SelectionLonglisted for the National Book Award for FictionNewlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into their life together, Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn't commit. Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their weeding. As Roy's time in prison passes, she is unable to hold onto the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy's conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together.