The Hairstons

In The Hairstons, journalist Henry Wiencek explores the complex legacy of one of the Old South's largest slaveholding families over two centuries. The narrative follows the intertwined lives of both black and white descendants as they navigate their shared history, from the plantation era to the present day, grappling with themes of heritage, identity, and the enduring impact of slavery. Through extensive research across Virginia, North Carolina, and Mississippi, Wiencek uncovers stories of resilience, tragedy, and triumph, highlighting the family's evolution and the broader national struggle to confront a painful past.