bookishauntysteph's review against another edition
5.0
The story follows bi-racial Pheby Dolores Brown, growing up on a plantation in Virginia in 1850. She looked forward to the freedom promised to her on her eighteenth birthday for her entire life, but in a tragic turn of events she is torn from everything she knows and forced to become the mistress of a man who owns a jail… A man who is so adept at breaking and auctioning the enslaved that he is compared with the Devil himself. Faced with the true horrors of slavery, Pheby has to adapt to this fresh nightmare and must make soul-changing decisions about life, love and freedom.
Despite the heavy premise, this historical fiction work is not depressing as you might assume. Yes, your emotions will feel like they have run the gauntlet in places, but there is a constant sense of resilience and feminine strength that will leave you feeling fresh appreciation for what our ancestors survived and maybe even empowered by it.
I very much enjoyed the beautiful prose, laced with just enough emotion and serene elegance to write these important events — based on truth — into the part of the mind that remains forever. The characters were as memorable to me as if I had Pheby’s diary. They were authentic and believable in a world that was brought to life through the senses. If you have never smelled a scene through a book before, you will with this one (you can trust me on that).
Reading the story from a bi-racial point of view also added so much to my understanding of history, of colourism, of passing, of exoticism and shadeism… It whispers answers to questions often asked in conversations about Black identity identity and belonging. For the careful reader, it offers answers as to why mother’s today are often accused of trying to make their Black sons as harmless as possible, but toughening up their daughters. And after it is done with you, it welcomes you back to the line between the fiction and the history, and shows you the path to discover more, if you wish.
I will, without a doubt, be looking up other works by this writer.
Despite the heavy premise, this historical fiction work is not depressing as you might assume. Yes, your emotions will feel like they have run the gauntlet in places, but there is a constant sense of resilience and feminine strength that will leave you feeling fresh appreciation for what our ancestors survived and maybe even empowered by it.
I very much enjoyed the beautiful prose, laced with just enough emotion and serene elegance to write these important events — based on truth — into the part of the mind that remains forever. The characters were as memorable to me as if I had Pheby’s diary. They were authentic and believable in a world that was brought to life through the senses. If you have never smelled a scene through a book before, you will with this one (you can trust me on that).
Reading the story from a bi-racial point of view also added so much to my understanding of history, of colourism, of passing, of exoticism and shadeism… It whispers answers to questions often asked in conversations about Black identity identity and belonging. For the careful reader, it offers answers as to why mother’s today are often accused of trying to make their Black sons as harmless as possible, but toughening up their daughters. And after it is done with you, it welcomes you back to the line between the fiction and the history, and shows you the path to discover more, if you wish.
I will, without a doubt, be looking up other works by this writer.
kristafoley18's review against another edition
4.0
Wow this was truthfully hard to read at times. Sadeqa Johnson does a great job with her research and writing to show off the harshness of slavery in a sad time in American history (based off of a true story). It was a good story to read more about the times, because, while still intense and harshly depicted at times, it was in the point of view of a more privileged slave Pheby.
Pheby is a well developed character who is somewhat naïve and educated, then thrust into being a mistress to a horrible jail owner. She grows to be very strong and admirable, especially once she becomes a mother herself. What a special bond mothers have with their children... it was nice to read about the lengths mothers go to keep their children safe, even centuries ago. Despite the harshness of slavery with descriptions of the inhumanity through Pheby's eyes, there were also moments of hope and community. I also loved how Pheby's own mother helped instill positive thoughts, constantly reminding Pheby how she is special, from a strong lineage, and how she is destined for a better life to come.
I think the author did a good job to help us reflect on the negative parts of our history... to read and educate ourselves about the past in a respectful manner. Sadeqa Johnson's story also reminds us to keep moving forward, as there is always room to improve, love, and grow as a person and as a society.
A good well written book, though I thought the ending was a bit cut short. 3.5 stars.
Pheby is a well developed character who is somewhat naïve and educated, then thrust into being a mistress to a horrible jail owner. She grows to be very strong and admirable, especially once she becomes a mother herself. What a special bond mothers have with their children... it was nice to read about the lengths mothers go to keep their children safe, even centuries ago. Despite the harshness of slavery with descriptions of the inhumanity through Pheby's eyes, there were also moments of hope and community. I also loved how Pheby's own mother helped instill positive thoughts, constantly reminding Pheby how she is special, from a strong lineage, and how she is destined for a better life to come.
I think the author did a good job to help us reflect on the negative parts of our history... to read and educate ourselves about the past in a respectful manner. Sadeqa Johnson's story also reminds us to keep moving forward, as there is always room to improve, love, and grow as a person and as a society.
A good well written book, though I thought the ending was a bit cut short. 3.5 stars.
literarily_occupied's review against another edition
5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An impactful historical fiction that is inspired by the true story of Mary Lumpkin and the Lumpkin Jail in Richmond, Virginia.
Set during the 1800's in the midst of slavery, the character of Pheby Delores Brown immediately pulls you in. She's been promised her freedom on her eighteenth birthday but events will take her in to the hands of a white man dubbed "Bully" who owns a slave jail/punishment/trade establishment referred to as the "Devil's Half Acre".
Sadeqa Johnson's writing is fluid and eloquent and for fans of historical fiction this story is not to be missed.
"Mama always said that a grateful heart served as a magnet for miracles, so I latched onto the worship and gave thanks."
An impactful historical fiction that is inspired by the true story of Mary Lumpkin and the Lumpkin Jail in Richmond, Virginia.
Set during the 1800's in the midst of slavery, the character of Pheby Delores Brown immediately pulls you in. She's been promised her freedom on her eighteenth birthday but events will take her in to the hands of a white man dubbed "Bully" who owns a slave jail/punishment/trade establishment referred to as the "Devil's Half Acre".
Sadeqa Johnson's writing is fluid and eloquent and for fans of historical fiction this story is not to be missed.
"Mama always said that a grateful heart served as a magnet for miracles, so I latched onto the worship and gave thanks."
di27's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, this is an amazing book. It doesn’t feel like fiction.
I really felt for Pheby, the protagonist, and her journey of being a slave and ending up as a jail owner’s mistress. We see her transform and sacrifice so much for the people she loves.
The writing was exceptional and I was fully entranced. This is a story that everyone should read.
I really felt for Pheby, the protagonist, and her journey of being a slave and ending up as a jail owner’s mistress. We see her transform and sacrifice so much for the people she loves.
The writing was exceptional and I was fully entranced. This is a story that everyone should read.
bookmeagoodread's review against another edition
4.0
I’m a true lover of historical fiction, but I am always trepidatious about reading books depicting the lives of people who were enslaved. I know it will bring up some rough emotions. With that being said, the end of this book made it worth journeying through this gut wrenching saga.
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This was a story of 2 generations of women who had love so deep for their children that it led to the point of self sacrifice. Sacrifice of their bodies and their dreams, but never their identity (a slave in body, but not in mind). I’m not going to lie, there were some gruesome scenes, especially the part about what was done with boiling water and hot peppers. However, if you can make it to the end, you will find redemption.
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Overall, this book was paced well, kept me interested and had a protagonist that kept me rooting for her from start to finish. I definitely give it 4/5⭐️’s.
.
This was a story of 2 generations of women who had love so deep for their children that it led to the point of self sacrifice. Sacrifice of their bodies and their dreams, but never their identity (a slave in body, but not in mind). I’m not going to lie, there were some gruesome scenes, especially the part about what was done with boiling water and hot peppers. However, if you can make it to the end, you will find redemption.
.
Overall, this book was paced well, kept me interested and had a protagonist that kept me rooting for her from start to finish. I definitely give it 4/5⭐️’s.
staceylouhoo's review against another edition
5.0
This was a powerful, heart wrenching story that showed the lengths a mother will go for her children. It was hard to read about the horrors these characters endured. Even if it is a fictional novel, I’m sure it was truth for some in those years.
I loved reading about Pheby’s strength and bravery. She cared so much for others and always did what she could, never turning a blind eye. She suffered while praying her children would never have to.
The Epilogue ended the book so well. Great read.
I loved reading about Pheby’s strength and bravery. She cared so much for others and always did what she could, never turning a blind eye. She suffered while praying her children would never have to.
The Epilogue ended the book so well. Great read.
mshigherlearning's review against another edition
5.0
Obviously due to the subject matter, this is a tough read. But this book is an absolute page turner! I felt like I was watching a movie. I couldn’t help but to think about the main character and wonder what will happen next.
I also learned that this book is based on the true story of Robert Lumpkin.
I also learned that this book is based on the true story of Robert Lumpkin.
rabolles's review against another edition
5.0
Astounding and eye-opening look into the past. I found myself pausing after each chapter to digest and reflect on what I just read. At the same time, this book was hard to put down, and I finished it in two days. Despite some of the things outlined in this book, you can’t help but keep hope.
yeahkaren's review against another edition
4.0
It did kind of end suddenly; I could have kept reading. Really enjoyed this book. Probably 4.5 stars really.
samanthadilley's review against another edition
5.0
This one is rough in the best (and worst) ways. The book itself covers the deep, dark, atrocities of slavery so it is not easy to read. That being said, it is a must read. The book itself is beautifully written and even though it’s tough, I wanted to keep reading. Make sure you’re in a good head space for this one but make the time to read it.