The Road to Memphis openly attacks the treatment of blacks at the beginning of World War II, showing how they were often denied hospital care, the use of public restrooms, and justice itself. Moe Turner, one of the main characters, is provoked by three white men who taunt him and as a result must flee for his life. Although the majority of white characters are presented as bigoted and oppressive, Taylor does not suggest that all whites are guilty of such behavior. Mr. Jamison and Jeremy Simms, familiar characters from earlier novels, provide help. In the end, Jeremy must leave home as a result of helping his black friends. As in all of Taylor's books, there is the suggestion that some of these problems might eventually be overcome, although at the moment things look hopeless. At the same time, Taylor does not suggest that all of...