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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
This book moved me in so many ways. I was left with many questions about myself such as wouldI be as strong as Lizzie to stay behind for my children? (Hard to say since Im childless). I wonder at all of the love that I saw in her heart. How hard it must have been to have your children's freedom hanging over your head like that. Would i have the fire and self awareness that Mawu had, could I face the brutal acts these women faced and still manage to carry on? I really don't know. There are a few parts that really hit me. I felt as hurt as I believe Lizzie did when Fran call the kids "her children". Sweet's story left me in tears. I found peace and joy in Philip's and Rennie's freedom. Mawu's beliefs and feelings about Lizzie thats reveled at the end and the new sense of self it leaves Lizzie with made the whole book worth the read for me. I really enjoyed this book.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting
Heartbreaking. The way the these women could lead such lives of subjucation, horror, and intellectual stagnation yet still retain passion and the capacity for fierce love is unbelievable. The story is told with such simplicity, never dwelling on graphic descriptions of the abuse by the masters, but revealing the horror of their entire situation, physical and psychologically. Gory details such as those were simply not necessary to invest in the characters. You will find yourself desperate at end, worrying for this women. These feelings are what I wanted to access while reading The Help, and didn't. The descriptions were sometimes a scanty for me, but my personal preference runs toward a lot of detail and the author's succint style is simply hers. It left me thinking what a powerful stage production this could be.
When I first picked up this book, I already hoped for the best and I wasn't let down at all! There wasn't a part in this story that made me think, "Gosh, I wish the author would get to the point." which I had been feeling with some of the other books I read lately. The character development was great to read. There were times when I was angry at the main character, and others where I just wanted to cry for her or maybe give her a hug. I'll definitely be recommending this to people. From start to finish, this book was a perfect summer read!
Wench was one of those books I just could not put down. It really gave insight into the lives of the woman slaves who became the Master's mistress. It is a grey book club book and cannot wait to meet with mine to discuss.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book has a sad and realistic look at the life of a slave woman. It does not steer away from the painful truth that come with being the mistress of the plantation owner. The mixed emotions of the women and how they try to live through it all is what makes this book so good.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes