Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson

Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson
May 2023
Four Stars

I do enjoy historical fiction. The setting is a plantation in the south before the civil war. The culture of southern living is fascinating to read about, and brought back memories of Gone With the Wind, but the beauty of a bygone era was burned to a crisp by the violence and injustice of slavery. The brutality against humanity is more than I can fathom and brings a shame and sadness to my soul.
Pheby is born into slavery, but because of who her father is, grows up believing her ultimate path will be different than other slaves. This poor young woman is victimized at every turn. The book description refers to the Underground Railroad, and I anxiously awaited the portion of the book plotting her escape. I wanted to see justice in any measure for her.

For many years Pheby keeps herself and her children safe by succumbing to inhumane and despicable conditions and treatment. She follows a strict code of conduct and uses her knowledge and logic to survive. That is why I was surprised by the foolish choices she makes towards the end of the book, they didn’t seem in character in my opinion. Because of this her future hangs by only a weak thread and never gives the reader the satisfaction of justice, revenge or hope for Pheby. History tells us few slaves ever did, but from the book description I was expected more.

I did like this book, but was hungry for more chapters on escape and those who found freedom. –Kim Luke

Blurb
In the tradition of Wench and Twelve Years a Slave, this harrowing story follows an enslaved woman forced to barter love and freedom while living in the most infamous slave jail in Virginia.

Born on a plantation in Charles City, Virginia, Pheby Brown was promised her freedom on her eighteenth birthday. But when her birthday finally comes around, instead of the idyllic life she was hoping for with her true love, she finds herself thrust into the bowels of slavery at the infamous Devil’s Half-Acre, a jail where slaves are broken, tortured, and sold every day. Forced to become the mistress of the brutal man who owns the jail, Pheby faces the ultimate sacrifice to protect her heart in this powerful, thrilling story of one slave’s fight for freedom.

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