I didn't like this book as much as The Help, but I did like it a lot, despite its sadness. I have always felt that the relationships between slaves and their owners must have been incredibly complex. I am sure there were slaves and owners who genuinely loved each other - and the children they had together. One thing that I thought about when reading this novel is that every book I read about slavery mentions owners having slave mistresses. I had a hard time believing that every owner had sex with female slaves, which is how it's portrayed in most books on slavery. I always think about Southerners being more conservative in nature, God-fearing Christians like Southern Baptists who would not ever think it would be okay to have sex with anyone outside of wedlock. So, I looked it up. Googled it. ;) Much to my surprise, and dismay, it was extremely common. Southern culture treated all women as property, both white and black. Men could do whatever they wanted with their property. It was a sign of the times. Very discouraging.
Although Drayle certainly took sexual advantage of Lizzie, especially when she was only 13, I do think he had feelings for her - more than just a piece of property. I think she returned those feelings, even at the end of novel when she is not so naive about her situation. I actually understood why Lizzie didn't run. I'm not sure I would have either if I were her. She had feelings for Drayle, she loved her children, she was accepted by Drayle's wife, she was treated much better than the majority of slaves. Drayle certainly wasn't perfect, but in comparison to other slave owners, he seemed to act more respectfully than many others. Not always though!! I hated him when he tied Philip to the tree. How can one man treat his "favorite slave" so horribly?? Even though beliefs were so different back then, I have a had time believing that a man could not see that his actions are morally wrong. It's all about control I guess. Slave owners controlled through fear.
The many deaths were incredibly sad. I really want to know what happened to Mawu though! How sad that she got caught while waiting for Lizzie. I wasn't so sure about her for most of the book, but when she explains about Lizzie being her "twin", her "Lisa", I was impressed by her heart and her strength. I was thrilled for both Philip and Reenie! At least there were two people in the book that successfully left slavery behind and survived. Since the Civil War was approaching at the end of the book, I am thinking that Lizzie eventually got her freedom from slavery as well. Hopefully!
Wendy's Rating: ****
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