1996

After having published several critically acclaimed novels like The Women of Brewster Place and Mama Day , author Gloria Naylor bought a house on St. Helena Island off the coast of South Carolina. She intended to relax, write in peace, and enjoy life and gardening. Her tranquillity was ruined, however, by her Jewish neighbour, who felt threatened by the presence of a Black neighbour. When this neighbour’s fears spurred a massive covert surveillance operation against Naylor in 1996, the year became one of discomfort and confusion for Naylor. This is her account of invasion of privacy in the extreme.