So Far Back : A Novel

Louisa Hilliard, the last descendant of one of Charleston's oldest families, finds her quiet life turned upside down when she comes upon the diary of one of her ancestors, which recounts the story of Diana, a 19th Century slave who worked for the Hilliards. As Louisa learns of Diana's tragic fate, she begins to sense a presence roaming in her house. Attempting to appease this presence and set right age-old wrongs, she discovers how her own life is entangled in her family's haunted history.

“Durban has sewn an exquisite novel by reaching back in time and pulling her characters forward, again and again, creating an intricate and lasting design.” —The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Durban's knowledgeable descriptions of the area allow the reader to practically smell spring in Charleston.” —The Boston Globe

“A graceful, poignant and ultimately satisfying story.” —The State