Phillipa Gregory does a wonderful job of showing you the horrible world of slave trading and the divisions in society. At times I had to stop reading because I was overwhelmed with horror at what was acceptable behavior for the time. It's a great book and well worth the read. Would be perfect as a book club choice.

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It took me awhile to buy this book because I wasn't sure I could read about slave trading. I finally convinced myself to buy it because I am a huge fan of Philippa Gregory's. Once again she didn't disappoint me. Parts of it can be graphic so be ready for it, and had me crying in some parts, but wonderful read and I can't wait for her next new book.

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This book will haunt you with images of the truth behind slavery. It will open your eyes to a true human tragedy that has never fully been resolved in this world. If you think you know what happened during the days of the slave trade, think again. In my opinion, this book is as much about the problems in the world today as it is about the past.

Warning: If you are sensitive, this book might be very difficult for you to read. I literally had nightmares while reading this book. I kept with it because I think it is important to realize what the slave trade did to human beings.

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This was certainly not Philppa Gregory's best book, but I enjoyed it well enough. The author appears to have done an amazing amount of work researching the slave trade. I think many people have heard the horrors of the slave trade but not the details. It is good to remind people that not so long ago western nations condoned the brutal treatment of their fellow human beings.

The story itself revolves around an annoying twit of a woman, Frances, and the slaves her new husband brings to Britain. The story covers all the basics; unacceptable love, intrigue, and the backstabbing that ruled the lives of "society".

The best parts of the book are the explanations for why the slaves accepted their fate instead of rebelling. Ms. Gregory explains that well.

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Interesting.. great historical fiction about the slave trade.

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This was not Philppa Gregory's better books, not even one of her good ones. But I plowed through it. There appears to be an amazing amount of work researching the slave trade. The horrors of the slave trade are generally well known but the details here are well described. Over all, I think it is good to remind people that the western nations condoned the brutal treatment of their fellow human beings.
BUT THE REALITY IS INCOMPLETE. The story hints that the evil Brits are actually hunting the black population in Africa to enslave them. Where the reality was that the black people enslaved & sold their own people into slavery. There is also issue with the character interactions. Historically speaking none of them would be behaving this way. The class rules of conduct and separation is absolute and it makes this novel a fiction. The way they talk and behave is against their own rules.
The story itself revolves around an annoying twit of a woman, Frances, with a 21century ideas of morality and the slaves her new husband brings to Britain. The story covers all the basics; unacceptable interracial love, between the slave she is educating, and who is a gentleman despite being a primitive from Africa. Readers will see compassion to her animalistic savage husband she is incapable of making into a gentleman. You will find predictable intrigue, and the backstabbing that ruled the lives of "society" at the time.
The most interesting parts are the musings as to why the slaves accepted their fate instead of rebelling. Ms. Gregory explains that well on an elementary level. Basic knowledge. Logical deduction.

Overall I suspect she is just cashing in on the hype of white guilt.

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