When Frankie's mother died and her father left her and her siblings at an orphanage in Chicago, it was supposed to be only temporary - just long enough for him to get back on his feet and be able to provide for them once again. That's why she is not prepared for the day that he arrives for his weekend visit with a new woman on his arm and out-of-state train tickets in his pocket. Now Frankie and her sister, Toni, are abandoned alongside so many other orphans, two young, unwanted women doing everything they can to survive. And as the embers of the Great Depression are kindled into the fires of World War II, and the shadows of injustice, poverty, and death walk the streets in broad daylight, Frankie must find something worth holding on to in the ruins of this shattered America - every minute of every day spent wondering if the life she's able to carve out will be enough. I will admit I do not know if it will be. But I will be watching, waiting to find out. That's what ghosts do. -- Jacket.

Spring, 1946: the sleep of the dead -- 1941: The guardians. Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrow ; Angels of blood and stone ; On the coast of the moon ; Haunts of the haunt ; Drowning ; The crow prince -- 1942: Fairy tales. Weak hearts ; Mermaids of Chicago ; What didn't burn in the fire ; Fairy tales ; What Frankie didn't confess ; Golden arm ; No and yes -- 1943: Wolves. The song of Solomon ; The three spindles ; Light, more light ; Little Red Riding Hood ; What are you doing, what have you done? ; Three letters -- 1944: Jezebels. The boys of war ; Bambi ; Bombardment ; For I have sinned ; The Jezebel ; The churning furnace ; The dragon king ; The magic words ; Tooth and claw -- 1945: Doorways. The queen in the tower ; Hunger ; Bless me ; Mercy ; No memories but one ; Witness ; Doorways.