set in alabama, treasure chronicles the de jure racial segregation of the jim crow era in the south. it is a candid account of the biloxi family and the decisions they made generations ago. family secrets will never die, and their impact resonates in more ways than one. the story follows the lives of sisters who are raised in an influential family, and who are forbidden to marry outside of their race. lines are drawn, and sides are taken as family members challenge the way of life that many in the family had become accustomed to. the opposition and defiance, steeped in self-hatred, was the catalyst that drove the wedge between family members who wanted to remain a part of the dominant culture. confronted with countless family issues and grappling with their self-identity, treasure, the oldest, provides as much protection as she can in shielding her younger siblings, from the lies, guilt, and pain.