What is the author's style in Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush by Virginia Hamilton?

The language and meaning used in Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush by Virginia Hamilton reflects the times in which the story is set. Hamilton does not give an exact time period for any of the stories but offers clues to the reader that might help to pinpoint a general era. For example, there are several references to the 1950s and how things have changed since that time. There are cultural references in the present as well as the era in which Tree travels when she is with Brother Rush. One reference that does not fit entirely is the scene in which Tree rides in a car for the first time. The episode at the hospital also indicates that not much has changed in the way of segregation. M'Vy has to work hard to be heard. "'Another part is that Dabney some amount of retarded, you unnerstan? He just some slow'" (M'Vy to the nurse, chap. 13, p. 148).

Overall, the time periods dictate the language but not in such a way to make the language difficult for the reader. The language used is common but Hamilton uses it in such as way that the common language used reflects the times and proper behavior of the characters. Even the most difficult use of street slang can be understood through the mood, scene, and context.