The Filling Station: A Bestselling Historical Fiction Novel about the Tulsa Race Massacre

Heartbreaking truths! But the people’s will and determination to make it through. All this devastation in 1 night changed this black community. The love story that develops, the internal trauma and struggles that has to be overcome. More than anything the love that is shown from the Threats

The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller is a heart-rending yet exceptional retelling of the horrendous 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. It follows sisters, Margaret and Evelyn’s lives after surviving the devastating massacre. I started listening to this audiobook yesterday and finished today. I shed so many tears while listening to this novel but the overwhelming sadness only deepened my empathy for the characters and enhanced my appreciation of the story. This novel was beautifully written and I adored Evie, Margaret and the citizens of Tulsa. I experienced a strong personal connection with this author’s work and I plan on reading every book she has written!

Vanessa Miller has become a favorite that I can count on for a winning and insightful story that makes me feel uplifted and connected to my roots! ‌ “The Filling Station” is a powerful ((Christian-based)) story of suffering & triumph, heartache & resilience—but above all, hope. In 1921, Greenwood, Oklahoma—a thriving Black neighborhood—was devastated by one of the most horrific acts of evil & racial violence. ‌ Though the destruction was catastrophic and many lives were tragically lost, the survivors demonstrated extraordinary courage and resourcefulness. Against overwhelming odds, they rose to rebuild their community, embodying a spirit that could not be extinguished. ‌ Margaret and Evelyn are sisters who suffered the loss of their father and home in the fires. We are with them as they realize danger has struck, watching their beloved community go up in flames. But, we are also with them in the grueling months after where they grieve their losses and attempt the uncertain task of moving forward. ‌ The author masterfully drew me into the sisters’ experience, making me feel their rage, despair, and the depth of their suffering. It left me feeling hollowed out—I could truly feel the pain of their losses. I had to take several breaks while reading; the weight of their reality was hard to bear. ‌ I love that the author sprinkled in some goodness. There was love, community and a place to seek refuge. The Filling Station provided a safe escape for all to come and refuel, rest up and revitalize. It’s a place where the sisters received support from strangers; it’s where they learned how prayer can get you on the other side of your worst day. ‌ Elijah was my favorite character. Although I saw more of myself in Margret (losing faith because of their circumstances), it was great to have his faith. The inclusion of voices from real survivors & historical articles deeply moved me. It grounded the story in truth and made the experience feel even more powerful. ‌ This was a remarkable read. I’m deeply grateful for authors who continue to bring Black stories to the forefront, honoring voices that have too often been overlooked. Highly recommend! “𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐲? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?” “𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝’𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝟔𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰… 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧”

Vanessa Miller’s The Filling Station is a powerful and well-crafted historical fiction novel that sheds light on the Tulsa Race Massacre while honoring the resilience of the Black community. This five-star read is both educational and deeply moving, weaving together fact and fiction in a way that brings history to life. Miller does an exceptional job of portraying the strength of the community while also acknowledging the lasting trauma that each individual experienced in different ways. The characters are richly developed, making their struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal. The novel doesn’t shy away from the horrors of the tragedy, but it also highlights the perseverance, hope, and unity that emerged in the aftermath. What makes The Filling Station stand out is how seamlessly it blends historical truth with compelling storytelling. It not only teaches but also leaves a lasting emotional impact. This is an essential read for those who appreciate historical fiction that honors real-life events and the people who lived through them.

I can't say enough about this book. Vanessa Miller takes a deep dive into the aftermath of the 1920's Tulsa Massacre which occurred in Tulsa, Oklahoma, beginning on May 31, 1921, and lasted for two days but left open wounds of destruction and devastation. The massacre left somewhere between 30 and 300 people dead, mostly African Americans, and destroyed Tulsa’s prosperous Black neighborhood of Greenwood, known as “ Black Wall Street". The mere fact that the range of deaths is so wide speaks to how the masses concealed this atrocity. The Filling Station tells the story of survival in the aftermath. Two sisters, Margaret and Evie, with the same experience, the same tragedy, yet different perspectives on what survival looks like. The Filling Station with it's well-developed characters, gives the reader a front seat view of the struggles when the dust settles after the massacre. The battles, externally and internally, that were fought, the continued racism, the strength of wounded people, having unwavering faith in despair and perseverance. This story is a testament to a favorite quote, Still I Rise, Maya Angelou. Is this a must read? Yes, don't wait.