This is the third book I've read by this author and I found each of them enlightening. Also read Twelve Years a Slave and Wench. Balm is a well written book about slavery and emancipation, this book focuses on recovering from the trauma of slavery, a family divided and finally, healing. With the end of the Civil War three individuals move to Chicago to begin new lives. They are two women, Madge and Sadie, and a man named Hemp who is searching for his wife who was sold before he was freed.
The story of each is unique. Madge, an African American woman, was born free. Her family were herbalists, a talent that she, too, grew up with and nourished. Sadie is a Civil War widow who communicates with the dead. Their lives become entangled when Sadie hires Madge to help her in her home. The emerging friendship changes when Sadie discovers that Madge is selling her herbalist remedies out of Sadie's kitchen.
Hemp can neither read nor write but longs to find his family. Until he learns where his wife and child is, he cannot cope with a new relationship so his search continues. He chose the name because it was the crop that both he and his wife harvested. It is his hope that she will find him because he is called Hemp.
This is a lovely story that follows three unique individuals in the aftermath of the Civil War. Chicago has many such refugees but the author focuses on these individuals whose lives were so different. The reader begins to understand that the scars left by slavery, war and separation are complex and difficult. How can one emerge from such damage? Reading this novel helped this reader understand about the changes brought by these elements.
The story of each is unique. Madge, an African American woman, was born free. Her family were herbalists, a talent that she, too, grew up with and nourished. Sadie is a Civil War widow who communicates with the dead. Their lives become entangled when Sadie hires Madge to help her in her home. The emerging friendship changes when Sadie discovers that Madge is selling her herbalist remedies out of Sadie's kitchen.
Hemp can neither read nor write but longs to find his family. Until he learns where his wife and child is, he cannot cope with a new relationship so his search continues. He chose the name because it was the crop that both he and his wife harvested. It is his hope that she will find him because he is called Hemp.
This is a lovely story that follows three unique individuals in the aftermath of the Civil War. Chicago has many such refugees but the author focuses on these individuals whose lives were so different. The reader begins to understand that the scars left by slavery, war and separation are complex and difficult. How can one emerge from such damage? Reading this novel helped this reader understand about the changes brought by these elements.
