The story is a modern retelling of the biblical tale of Judah and Tamar, set in contemporary New York City among powerful African American families. The narrative begins with historical roots in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, where both the Jacobson and Cohen families survived and rebuilt their lives in New York.
The main plot follows Tamar Cohen, a highly educated young woman from a prestigious legal family, who enters into an arranged marriage with Er Jacobson, the eldest son of banking magnate Judah Jacobson. Their union is meant to solidify the alliance between two powerful families. However, Er dies mysteriously in a plane crash, and Tamar is then married to his younger brother Onan.
The second marriage proves disastrous as Onan is abusive and unstable. This marriage also ends in tragedy when Onan dies in a car accident while driving under the influence. According to tradition, Tamar is promised to the youngest brother Shelah, but Judah continually delays this promise.
After Judah's wife Savannah dies, he begins frequenting a VIP social club. Tamar, learning of this through her friend Rita who works at the club, devises a plan. She disguises herself as an exotic dancer named Ruby and seduces Judah, taking his Masonic pin as proof of their encounter.
When Tamar becomes pregnant, she reveals to Judah that he is the father of her child, using the Masonic pin as evidence. This creates a scandal within their social circles. In a surprising turn of events, Shelah, who has always loved Tamar, offers to marry her and raise the child as his own. The story concludes with Tamar giving birth to twins, Perez and Zarah, and finding happiness in her marriage to Shelah.
The novel explores themes of power, justice, family legacy, and redemption within the context of wealthy African American society. It also examines how traditional biblical narratives can be reinterpreted to address contemporary issues of gender, power, and social justice.