The Ditchdigger’s Daughters, by Dr. Yvonne Thornton
(originally posted March 27, 2008)
In my introduction of Dr. Yvonne Thornton, for our interview about her memoir, The Ditchdigger’s Daughters, I gave this synopsis of the book:
It’s the story of five girls born into a black family as World War II came to a close and America looked to its next challenge: the Civil Rights movement. Donald and Tass Thornton loved each other and they loved their children. That’s it. He was a laborer and she was a housekeeper. But, as often is the case, what we do isn’t always the true measure of what we are. They saw a country on the verge of change. Through astounding dedication and love, they wrung more hours than there are to be had out of a mere mortal’s day and boosted their daughters to regional musical fame and to accomplishment and security via the highest achievements in education. They ended up with two doctors, a dentist, a court stenographer, a teacher, and a nurse. Yeah, I know that’s six, but the plan only got bigger as this family pulled together and sent strong, successful woman out into the world, one-by-one, until the nest emptied.
And, indeed, that is what happens in The Ditchdigger’s Daughters. But as we talked, I was no longer sure that was what the book is about.
I realized that the ‘what’ may not be as important as the ‘why’. I came to the conclusion, by something she said during the interview, that Dr. Thorton’s memoir is a parenting book. And it’s about parenting with a goal in mind, about parenting in hard times, and about parenting with the conviction that education trumps all. The book’s not been out of print in thirteen years and it’s never been more relevant.
They had a hard time, and a long road to run, in getting this book published. It was said that it didn’t have enough conflict. Rubbish. It’s fascinating and enthralling and inspirational. And the Pulitzer Board thought so too, enough to consider it for the top prize in literary achievement in 1995.
It’s a great book. Click below to hear us talk about it. And to learn more about Dr. Thorton, visit her website at www.doctorthornton.com.
