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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Please enter me in this giveaway!
I would like to read this book.
The name of the book was so raw and captivating I had to read the review. My daughter has been reading ‘Canadian Girl’ historical fiction with me- this sounds similar- but with grown up content!
The book is on my reading list so I am thrilled to have the chance to win a copy. I know I wouldenjoy this book tremendously.
I would love to read this book!
I love to read
Sounds very interesting. I would love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!
sounds great, often wonder what life was like back then
I would love to win this book~Sounds like a great read!
I follow you on Twitter{Deb55106}
I’m interested in reading this!
We posted aabout this giveaway at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2010/02/wench.html
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
Please include me for this fabulous book.
I am interested in reading this book.
Terrific. I would like to read this and be educated on this time period
rhondastruthers at yahoo dot ca
Thank you for the chance to win this book! I’ve heard a lot of good things about it and would love to win.
Sounds like a good book…sign me up to win.
I would love to win-thanks
I would love to win this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
accoupons at gmail dot com
I have heard a lot of good things about this book. I’d love to win it.
Sounds like a very poignant novel.
This looks really good.
Sounds like a great read!!!
Please enter me,
thank you
Sounds interesting! I’d love to read it!
Yes, I would love to win.
I’d love to read this, thanks for the chance!
I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
I would like to win this book since I think it would be a very challenging book to read and discuss.
Sounds like a good read
I would love to win a copy.
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net
Sounds like a good read.
would love to read this book. Thanks for the chance.
mightynaynay(at)cs.com
Thanks for the great contest!
[email protected]
I would love to win! Thanks for the chance!
Historical Fiction is my favorite genre Wench makes me think of a bawdy bar girl in an Irish Tavern
I would love to read this book.I know there is a lot of talk about masters
and slaves having relations during that time.This had to being a very
difficult time for everyone involved.I would love to learn more
I have so wanted to read this book! Thanks for the chance to win it!
Wisteria
tekeygirl at gmail dot com
Wonderful book…can’t wait to check it out!
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
Thank you for the Great giveaway please count me in 🙂
Sounds thought provoking.
I’d like to read Wench!
seems good
I would like to enter the contest, since I enjoy reading books from this period. You make the book sound very interesting and thanks for having the contest!
enter me thanks
This looks great
Oohh, I love stories that are set in another century!
I would love to win this book. It sounds very interesting.
I would love to read this book!
I would love to read this!