Helpful Score: 10
A very well-written book. Intriguing, but dark. I was immediately drawn into the characters' lives. I really liked how the author uses two different voices to tell the story, because it gives the reader a more well-rounded viewpoint.
The actual subject matter of the book itself was rather depressing, but I couldn't tear myself away from it. I would definitely read another novel written by this author.
The actual subject matter of the book itself was rather depressing, but I couldn't tear myself away from it. I would definitely read another novel written by this author.
Helpful Score: 10
What stuck with most about this book was the overwhelming frustration, and powerlessness of the characters, whether, white or black, slave, indentured or free, the women and men of this story were at the mercy of some dark, cruel men.
Right from page one you know that Lavina, comes to the house to find it burned down and someone is dead, and Lavina's 7 year old daughter is with her. But you are compelled to read the story to find out who fathers this child, cause there are a few possible outcomes. For that reason you will keep reading to find out who, and what and why, and when. You just cant stop reading until you know.
Right from page one you know that Lavina, comes to the house to find it burned down and someone is dead, and Lavina's 7 year old daughter is with her. But you are compelled to read the story to find out who fathers this child, cause there are a few possible outcomes. For that reason you will keep reading to find out who, and what and why, and when. You just cant stop reading until you know.
Helpful Score: 7
Before starting this book go to the back and read the author's note, I almost put it down after 50 pages but instead the pages just kept turning until I was engrossed in the story of plantation life about the slaves and their owners. Very well written.
Helpful Score: 5
I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down. A completely engrossing read that takes place in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Told in the alternating voices of an Irish indentured servant and the daughter of a slave and her white master. I was immediately pulled into the story, and became immediatley invested in the lives of the many characters who come to life so vividly on the page. Very accomplished debut effort which I highly recommend.
Helpful Score: 4
This is a disturbing but riveting book that provides a unique perspective on the relationship between white indentured servants and black slaves, while also highlighting the cruelties and horrors of slavery. And it shows how one's sense of family crosses color lines -- and what an impossible situation that is in late 18th c. Virginia. In general, I thought the book was excellent -- well worth reading, but be prepared for heartbreak and despair.
