Books matching: harsh realities of plantation life
5 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom is a historical novel set in late 18th-century Virginia, exploring the intertwined lives of an Irish indentured servant, Lavinia, and Belle, the daughter of the plantation's master. The story delves into the harsh realities of slave life on a tobacco plantation, contrasting Lavinia's white skin and indentured status with Belle's white skin and slave status. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, highlighting the complexities of relationships and secrets within the plantation community. The novel portrays the emotional journey of characters facing the evils of slavery and the impact it has on their lives.
The Kitchen House weaves a compelling tale of love, family, and resilience amidst the backdrop of plantation life in the Southern United States. Through vivid storytelling, the author captures the struggles and triumphs of characters like Lavinia and Belle, showcasing their growth and relationships in the face of oppression and tragedy. The novel addresses themes of identity, class distinctions, and the enduring bonds formed in challenging circumstances, offering a poignant exploration of the human experience during a tumultuous historical period.
IN THAT SPRING OF 1791, I did not understand that the trauma of loss had taken my memory. I knew only that after I woke, wedged between crates and bags, I was terror-stricken to discover that I did no... - #2
Save:"Sold Down the River" in the Benjamin January series by Barbara Hambly follows the protagonist, Benjamin January, as he reluctantly returns to a sugar plantation where he had once been a slave. Asked by his former owner to investigate a possible slave revolt, January goes undercover as a slave to uncover the truth behind the mysterious happenings on the plantation. As he delves deeper into the investigation, January navigates the complexities of relationships between the master and slaves, while also facing danger and the possibility of being sold down the river. The vivid descriptions of the plantation life, historical accuracy, and intricate plot make this book a compelling read for those interested in American history pre-Civil War era.
Fourchet turned from the long French door that looked out onto Rue Burgundy, and January saw that he was, in fact, just slightly under six feet tall: more than three inches shorter than his own toweri...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Benjamin January ) - #3
Save:'Property' by Valerie Martin is a novel set in the nineteenth century plantation life in Louisiana, focusing on the life of Manon Gaudet, the wife of a cruel slaveowner. The book delves into the complexities of human ownership, exploring the relationships between slaves and their owners, as well as the dynamics within the plantation household. Through the eyes of Manon, the story unfolds, revealing the corrosive effects of slavery on both the enslaved individuals and the owners. The writing style is described as powerful and thought-provoking, with a focus on character development and creating a narrator that evokes a mix of despise and sympathy from the readers.
The plot of 'Property' progresses with twists and turns that challenge the reader's perceptions of the characters and their roles within the society of the time. The narrative explores themes of power, freedom, and the dehumanizing effects of slavery on both the enslaved and the owners. The book provides a unique perspective on the institution of slavery, presenting a nuanced portrayal of the relationships between Manon, her husband, and the slaves, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the era.
- #4
Save:Blood Red Roses by Russell James is a southern gothic horror novella set during the Civil War era. The story follows Jebediah Abernathy, an orphaned teen sold into slavery at the Beechwood plantation, where he faces the horrors of a sinister madman, a haunted past, and a spell gone wrong. With the help of a voodoo priestess and the ghost of his father, Jebediah must navigate through a web of murder and dark secrets to uncover the truth behind the disappearing slaves.
- #5
Save:'Honolulu' by Alan Brennert follows the life of Jin, a Korean girl who becomes a picture bride to escape her confining life in Korea. Upon arriving in Hawaii, she discovers that her new husband is abusive, leading her to find the strength to break free and create a new life for herself. Set against the backdrop of Hawaii in the early 1900s, the story explores Jin's journey of resilience, determination, and friendship as she navigates through the struggles and successes of building a new life in a foreign land. Brennert's writing style vividly portrays the historical setting and the challenges faced by Jin and other characters, making the reader feel immersed in the story.
My early life was typically Korean, at least for Koreans of a certain rank. Our family wasyangban-we belonged to the country gentry and lived in a fine house with a tiled roof in a little village call...
