The Acceptance of Adonis Jefferson

Families Who Cross the Racial Barrier

Mavis Jefferson is a black single-parent who is facing a serious dilemma. Her Greek neighbor Eirene is dying and has requested that Mavis would agree to adopt and raise her five-year-old Adonis after she is gone. Mavis, of course, is reluctant, given the predictable reactions by her neighbors and the community. The black middle-aged woman, nonetheless agrees, and accepts the young lad for adoption. But opposition by Eirene's relatives, including her devoutly religious sister, and her estranged husband, is fierce as these vow to prevent the ailing Greek woman's wishes from being honored. But Mavis is a compassionate and loyal neighbor. So she is determined to respect Eirene's request, despite an ensuing custody hearing and resistance by the woman's family. In addition, there are subtle forces at work , which reveal the underlying racial prejudice and religious bias so evident in today's society.But Mavis loves the orphan and does not wish to see him placed in an environment where he will be neglected and abused. She can discern that Eirene's sister and her husband would subject Adonis to such an abusive atmosphere. What complicates matters is the refusal of Mavis' young son to accept the Greek boy. Yet, Mavis does what she can to make Adonis part of her family, which Mavis and her daughter work hard to accomplish.Read this gripping novel. It will tug at your heart, and give you hope that just about anything can succeed when one puts his or her mind to it. Mavis proves this to be the case as all involved in this story put aside their differences and come to accept Adonis as a part of the Jefferson family. There are vital lessons we can learn from "The Acceptance of Adonis Jefferson."