Iola Leroy, Or Shadows Uplifted by Frances E. W. Harper is a landmark novel of African American literature that explores themes of identity, freedom, education, and racial uplift in the aftermath of the Civil War. The story follows Iola Leroy, a young woman of mixed heritage, as she navigates personal loss, social injustice, and the pursuit of dignity and purpose in a changing America.

Through richly drawn characters and moral reflection, Harper addresses issues of race, gender, class, and social responsibility. The novel blends romantic narrative with political and ethical inquiry, offering insight into the challenges faced by African Americans during Reconstruction.

As one of the earliest novels written by an African American woman, Iola Leroy remains an essential work for readers interested in American literature, Black history, women's writing, and the intellectual foundations of racial justice movements.