A review by readtomea97
Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book was beautiful written, and gives a very unique insight into the lives of slave women, specifically mulatto/white passing women. This story is based on the life of slave concubine Mary Lumpkin, the bully trader (a.k.a. Master Robert Lumpkin), the Devil’s Acre plantation, Anthony Burns, and the experiences they had during slavery and her survival story. Look up Virginia Union University. I appreciate this perspective on her history however I will warn future readers interested this is a VERY heavy read. Be prepared for heartbreak, anger, and grief throughout this story. I can’t count how many times I wanted to put this down because black trauma continues to be too much to experience over and over again, but this was so beautifully written, I had to know how it ends. I respect Pheby’s journey because it wouldn’t have been an easy one for anyone by any means. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings