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ja3m3's review
5.0
In this riveting book Martin has captured the brutality and cruelty of slavery as seen through the eyes of Manon the mistress of a failing plantation in Louisiana. Because none of the characters are likeable we are able to see the slavery south in an objective, unsentimental way which makes the story that much more compelling and frightening. But the story is not just about slaves as “property.” It is also about the enslavement of women during this time period who because of American laws are the property of their fathers and their husbands. Highly recommend.
saram618's review
3.0
This book was well written and interesting, but I was hugely disappointed in the ending. I'm not saying it need to have a "happy" ending or even a well packaged ending, but an ending would have been nice. I kept checking to make sure I wasn't missing pages (well, not really as I was reading on my Kindle, but I did go back to the table of contents a few times to make sure it wasn't a glitch).
jennylimmy's review against another edition
4.0
The force at the center of this book is the White narrator. She feels entitled to freedom and self-determination, and simultaneously believes in the violent oppression of Black people. Finding no inconsistency in these philosophies, she hops from sympathetic to monstrous in a few words. Writing such a character is an impressive feat. I think she will remain with me as a troubling portrait of humanity.
mila_nights's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Review
A gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex themes of power, ownership, and identity in the context of the antebellum American South. Martin's vivid descriptions, meticulous attention to historical detail, and character development make ‘Property’ an immersive and evocative read. Through Manon's first-person narrative, Martin explores the inner conflicts and contradictions that arise when one's perceived privilege and sense of self-worth are intrinsically tied to the institution of slavery.
The novel's greatest strength is its ability to provoke deep introspection. Martin challenges the reader to examine the moral complexities of Manon's character as she wrestles with her own complicity in the brutal system of slavery. As Manon navigates the treacherous waters of her marriage, her interactions with her slaves, and her inner struggles, readers are forced to confront uncomfortable truths about the time period and the human capacity for both cruelty and self-delusion.
‘Property’ is an unsettling exploration of the corrosive effects of power and privilege. The tale of two women, Manon and her slave Sarah, whose lives are inextricably linked by circumstances beyond their control. The dynamic between these two characters is at the heart of the novel, and Martin's portrayal of their complex and shifting relationship is both poignant and challenging.
In conclusion, ‘Property’ by Valerie Martin is a masterfully crafted work of historical fiction that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page. It's a novel that not only captures the dark realities of the antebellum South but also serves as a powerful commentary on the enduring legacy of slavery and the intricate web of human relationships that it wove. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of history and identity.
A gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex themes of power, ownership, and identity in the context of the antebellum American South. Martin's vivid descriptions, meticulous attention to historical detail, and character development make ‘Property’ an immersive and evocative read. Through Manon's first-person narrative, Martin explores the inner conflicts and contradictions that arise when one's perceived privilege and sense of self-worth are intrinsically tied to the institution of slavery.
The novel's greatest strength is its ability to provoke deep introspection. Martin challenges the reader to examine the moral complexities of Manon's character as she wrestles with her own complicity in the brutal system of slavery. As Manon navigates the treacherous waters of her marriage, her interactions with her slaves, and her inner struggles, readers are forced to confront uncomfortable truths about the time period and the human capacity for both cruelty and self-delusion.
‘Property’ is an unsettling exploration of the corrosive effects of power and privilege. The tale of two women, Manon and her slave Sarah, whose lives are inextricably linked by circumstances beyond their control. The dynamic between these two characters is at the heart of the novel, and Martin's portrayal of their complex and shifting relationship is both poignant and challenging.
In conclusion, ‘Property’ by Valerie Martin is a masterfully crafted work of historical fiction that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page. It's a novel that not only captures the dark realities of the antebellum South but also serves as a powerful commentary on the enduring legacy of slavery and the intricate web of human relationships that it wove. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of history and identity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Racism
Moderate: Sexual assault
marloashley's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
esther_a_'s review against another edition
3.0
Main protagonist isn’t a particularly endearing character but she has her own troubles. I don’t feel like I was invested in the story until nearly the end. A short fast read but probably not a memorable one.
rosanne_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
sweddy65's review
3.0
This history was really good, and it was very well written. The subject matter and the point of view (white/pro-slavery) made it hard for me to fully appreciate the good writing.
pandabossi's review
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75