The Colour of Home by Tammye Huf #thecolourofhome @tammyehuf @bantambooksuk @randomthingstours #bookreview

 

A compelling and moving historical love story exploring the untold impact of segregation during WW2, for fans of The Women by Kristen Hannah and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

‘You want to risk everything – for a country that’s never cared if you live or die?’

1941: In a segregated Florida town, three young Black men enlist to fight for a freedom they’ve never known at home.

Before they leave, Cora marries in haste to secure her future – but her heart remains divided between the man she wed and the man she truly loves.

1945: As war finally ends, everything shifts. The boys Cora knew return as men she barely recognises, carrying scars no one can see – and truths that threaten to unravel everything Cora has fought to hold together.

Set against the backdrop of war where Black men and women weren’t allowed to be heroes, comes a powerful, deeply moving novel about love, sacrifice and the epic resilience of the human spirit.

The Colour of Home by Tammye Huf was published on 2 July 2026 by Bantam Books / Transworld. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy to review as part of this #RandomThingsTours Virtual Book Tour 

One of my very best friends, and top class book recommender; Nina (from Prima) raved about this book months ago. She told me that I would love it, and that it would remind me a little of the late Vanessa Lafaye's writing (I loved Vanessa and still miss her).  I had high expectations, and they were certainly met, I adored this book. 

The Colour of Home has very quickly worked its way into my heart. It is so emotionally rich and filled with beautifully created characters, the story has lingered with me for weeks. 

Set in a segregated Florida community during and after the Second World War, the novel features a part of history that deserves far more attention. While many novels explore the war itself, Tammye Huf focuses on the lives of Black men and women whose courage and sacrifice were met with prejudice instead gratitude when they returned home. It is compelling and thought-provoking. 

Cora is a wonderful central character. Faced with impossible choices, she is determined, loyal and so easy to root for. Her relationships with those around her are woven with love, hope, heartbreak and uncertainty. The young men who leave to fight return changed by their experiences, and watching them navigate a world that still refuses to see them as equals is so moving and unforgettable.

The Florida setting is created so very well. From close-knit neighbourhoods where everyone knows one another to the harsh realities of segregation that cast a shadow over everyday life. The contrast between the warmth of family and community and the cruelty of the society surrounding them gives the novel a real emotional depth.

Alongside its powerful historical backdrop, this is also a beautifully told story of love, family, friendship and resilience. The romance touched my heart but is not overwhelming the wider story. Tammye Huf balances hope and heartbreak with real skill, and has created a novel that is both enlightening and engaging.

I found myself completely invested in these characters and desperately wanted the best for them. Their journeys are filled with courage, difficult decisions and acts of strength, making this an emotional and utterly absorbing read.

The Colour of Home is a moving and memorable historical novel that combines impeccable research with wonderful storytelling. It's a book that entertains whilst also making the reader think, introducing readers to an overlooked chapter of history through characters they will care about. I loved every page and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with heart, depth and unforgettable characters.

Originally from the US, Tammye has lived in the UK with her husband and three kids for the last twenty years. 

Since earning her BA from Wellesly College, she has worked as a teacher, copywriter and translator. 

Her debut novel, A More Perfect Union, was published in 2020 and won the Diverse Book Award; it was also listed for The Times and The Sunday Times' Best Historical Fiction Novel, and selected as a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick.