Agatha Briscoe

Marble Cake Agatha Briscoe

Dr. Henry Clark is hired as a surgeon by a community hospital in the Poconos of Pennsylvania in the 1960's. He establishes himself in the community, tackling the apprehensions of certain community members at having a Black doctor through his intelligence, charm, and great medical ability. He meets and falls in love with Monica, an airline stewardess from Montana who happens to be White. As the town learns of his relationship, its liberal veneer fades. The obstacles the couple faces comes in the forms of housing discrimination, social and professional snubs, an a drop in Hank's medical practice. He loses an important hospital position at the instigation of a White bigot. They also feel the barbs from the Black community. Hank feels torn between his mentor in the Pennsylvania town, the desire to stay and fight adversity, and the feeling that he should return to Harlem to serve his community. Monica, who has never faced such adversity, struggles to make sense of the chaos and ignorance around her. They are part of a marble cakean incomplete mixing of dark and light batters. Only the support of friends and family and their love for each other help them endure the strain.