In “A Note to the Reader,” Taylor writes, “All of my books are based on stories told by my family, and on the history of the United States.” The Land includes episodes from her great-grandfather’s life. Taylor also refuses to “whitewash history” in the book, standing behind her use of the painful language that was spoken during the historical time period. Taylor declares, “The language was painful, and life was painful for many African Americans.” In The Land, Taylor addresses issues of racism, injustice, and oppression, all of which affect Paul in his journey to manhood.