BEHIND LACE CURTAINS is a memoir of healing. Dorothy struggles to deal with the very recent death of her husband, Bill.

Surely his health could not have been that bad. Snapping his fingers, he often laughed, "I could drop dead, just like that.

" Now, he was gone. It takes Bill's last gift, a return trip to her southern hometown, to awaken her to not only the possibility he did indeed prepare her for his death but to uncover family secrets which as usual were addressed in that inimitable fashion of the South-the innuendo, the raised eyebrows, the meanness concealed in the sweetness.

There is also the remembered knowledge growing up colored brought. .

. the fact that from an early age she would never call it home in the way a white child could.

She and her classmates were groomed for life up North. The South became home in retirement with savings and social security in hand.

This gift. .

. how will she handle it? Many things are hidden within BEHIND LACE CURTAINS which can possibly contribute to Dorothy's ability to build a new life.

Bill's last gift will be honored. .