Alex Bynum - Ragtime summary

Ragtime's setting beings in a very populated New York city named New Rochelle. The book is narrated in the first person by the boy of "mother" and "father". The mother and father are not given specific names nor is his grandfather which is addressed as "grandfather". This normal, American loving family begins to take a metamorphosis once a stranded black child enters their lifes'. Not too long after they find this black child, his mother comes along desperately looking for him. She has run from her husband with her child. Her husband claims to be a prestigious musician and attempts to sooth and persuade his wife into letting him back into their lifes. Through his singing and magnificent piano skills, he gains the trust of this proud American flag making family. From one little black child walking into their lifes, this family has much more to overcome and learn as the book goes on.