Wench is an artfully told story. We are introduced to a group of slaves who have accompanied their masters to a resort in Ohio in the summer of 1852. Just as we get to know these characters and a bit about their masters, the next section flashes back to 1842 – 1849. Lizzie is definitely the protagonist of this novel, and this flashback addresses the most curious of the relationships — that between Lizzie and Master Drayle. Does she really love him? Does he really love her? The entire novel has this unexpressed theme in the background: What does the institution of slavery do to the slaves (which actually got me thinking to what the implications still are 150 years later) — their feelings about white people and themselves, their motivation, their entrapment?
The next two sections take place in the “present” summers of 1853 and 1854 as the slaves return to the resort, catching each other up in their lives, and enjoying the comraderie of the slaves from other plantations. While this environment offers them a break from their regular workaday lives, it also ends up intensifying the differences between them and their white masters and even the freed African Americans who live in Ohio.
When I first started Wench, it was like trying to read a book in a foreign language.
Yes, there was slave dialect used, but that isn’t what I’m talking about (the dialect did not make it difficult to read as some books set in that era do).
What I mean is that while I read each scene I had to work to actively process what I was reading — to frame it so that I could understand it.
This book has been compared to the Pulitzer Price winning The Known World (linked to my review). Yes, it’s similar, in that fact and fiction meld seamlessly and convincingly, but I found Wench to be a much better story — more original, more compelling, and with more likable characters.
Yes, it’s a tough subject, but author Dolen Perkins-Valdez tells a compelling and enjoyable story without sugar-coating the reality of this horrible part of our history.
Content note: There is fairly explicit talk about sex, since it was a very real part of the master/slave relationships, as well as some violence (beatings). All of this is intrinsic to the story, but I know it’s content that some people avoid (and might not expect in this kind of book).
I am pleased to be able to offer a copy to one of you (U.S. and Canadian shipping addresses). Leave a comment if you’d like to win. We’ll announce the winner on February 24.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.
Jennifer is enjoying her focus on African American works and authors this February. Follow her blog Snapshot to find out about what else she enjoys.
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Sounds thought provoking….
Oh! I’ve been hearing about this book and I want to read it so badly! Until I read another review, I had no idea that there was this “resort” for masters to bring their slave mistresses to. So strange, to my way of thinking. Anyway, I hope I win 🙂
Sounds interesting! I love historical fiction.
This sounds interesting.
Thank you for the content heads up…I do like to know what I’m getting into! I’d like to win this!
I would love to read this book. I’ve been hearing and reading so many great things about it.
Thanks for the opportunity!
would love to read this book…thanks for the opportunity.
I reserved this book at our local library…unfortunately, it is feast or famine with reserves. The feast came, WENCH was among them, but alas a fulminating molar required an emergency root canal with attendant pain meds and an inability to focus on reading. WENCH was reserved for another patron…bottom line: I would love to win this book. I will read it whether I do win it or not. I think it is going to be a classic. Thank you.
I’d love to win. Thanks for the possibility.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like a fascinating book!
This looks like a fascinating piece of historical fiction! Thanks for your review. It will definitely be added to my TBR list.
histtheo1 at yahoo dot com
I love historical fiction……….love to win this one!
This will make a great research topic; my students enjoy identifying the fiction elements in historical fiction.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com
I’d really like to read this book. Sounds so interesting!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Sounds like an interesting read! 🙂
I’d love to read this book. The Amazon reviews are very complimentary as well.
This sounds like a really interesting book.
I am a follower of your blog and my must read list continues to grow.
Sounds like a really interesting read, thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I am really looking forward to reading this at some point.
Thanks for the great review.
What an interesting book. Your review presents a vivid picture of the time and location of the story. I would love to read this book. Please enter me in the giveaway.
I would absolutely love to read this book. While I am apprehensive about the sexual/violence parts of the book, it sounds like it is a book that can teach something to those of us who were not around in that time.
I have seen a review for this book elsewhere and knew that it is one that I want to read. Between your review and the other review…this book does sound very compelling. It sounds like a must read for me.
Please do not enter me into the giveaway as a friend is sending me here copy. This is a great giveaway…hope the winner will enjoy the read.
This sounds like a great read!I would love to be entered.
I would love to win a copy of this! Thanks for the chance.
nnjmom at yahoo dot com
This looks interesting. Thanks!
this sounds wonderful thanks for the giveaway
sounds like something I would read, thanks
This sounds like an interesting book that I’d like to read. Please enter me in the giveaway.
Sounds interesting! I’d love to read it.
i want to win [email protected]
I read about this book on Oprah’s site. I would love to read it.
This sounds intriguing. I’d love to win a copy to read and to pass around my circle of friends! Thanks!
It sounds interesting.
I would love to win this as I am always looking for something new to read.
sounds like a great read!
Sounds like a huge departure from books like cane river – really, really interesting.
Sounds like good book fror book club review
I would love to read this book.
I’ve been hearing some “buzz” about this book, and I would very much like to read it. Thanks!
YES…I DEFINITELY WOULD LIKE TO WIN THIS BOOK
I would love a chance to win. Thank you.
This looks like something that I would really enjoy reading. Great review!
Please count me in, sounds interesting, thanks.
sounds fascinating……..
sign me up
“Wench” is on my “must read” list – I think it’s important that we understand our past, and I belive that historical fiction can help us do that. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
It was a sad and difficult time in our American history! My hope is that people learned from it and won’t repeat those same mistakes.
Please enter my name in your drawing for this book…..
Many thanks, Cindi
Based upon your review this is a thought provoking novel with implications of present day attitude. Thank you for hosting this giveaway.
sounds like an interesting book. Thank you for the opportunity and review
I would like to read this book. I love to read.