Helpful Score: 8
There were several books published in the last year that offered a return to literature. Wench reminds me of novels written during the Harlem Renaissance with the detail, raw emotion and symbolism. One of the slaves mentioned that learning how to cook a proper stew will soften the white man that made me imagine real slave conversations.
This book shed light on the life of the slave mistress. Life was hard but they had more advantages then field slaves. The contradiction their lives faced on a daily basis is enough for one to lose their minds but most survived. The connection that Lizzie, Reenie, Sweetie & Mawu shared was electric. Coming from different areas with varying training/knowledge but still having the same problems linked them for life. They all had varying ideas of freedom, love and passion. Wench is a delicate story that balances slavery, freedom, friends and hardship. Lizzie tries to share her feelings as best as she can while trying to come to terms with the brutal truth. As a prolific writer once said, life ain't never been no crystal stair.
This book shed light on the life of the slave mistress. Life was hard but they had more advantages then field slaves. The contradiction their lives faced on a daily basis is enough for one to lose their minds but most survived. The connection that Lizzie, Reenie, Sweetie & Mawu shared was electric. Coming from different areas with varying training/knowledge but still having the same problems linked them for life. They all had varying ideas of freedom, love and passion. Wench is a delicate story that balances slavery, freedom, friends and hardship. Lizzie tries to share her feelings as best as she can while trying to come to terms with the brutal truth. As a prolific writer once said, life ain't never been no crystal stair.
Helpful Score: 4
This was an amazing book detailing the lives of slaves. In particular the book is focused on four female slaves who are friend- Lizzie, Rennie, Sweet and Mawa. The book details their lives as slaves, and in particular, the forced intimate relations they have with their white masters. The author beautifully shows the ways in which slaves were forced to give up everything that mattered: their offspring, their bodies, their education and even their souls. I'm a little surprised that another reviewer said she thought this book would be comical. What is comical about slavery? Remember, it is a book about slavery and it's many atrocities. It is also a book about friendship and survival. It is a beautiful, haunting book that resonates with the reader long after it's put down and finished. This is a breathtaking novel.
Helpful Score: 4
This author's debut novel had me wanting to learn more about some of the elements in the story, which I think is a tribute to Ms. Perkins-Valdez's writing.
Well written, it's the story of a small group of slave women who come together once a year with their masters at a resort in (free) Ohio. As their collective story unfolds, you also learn their individual stories.
It's definitely worth the read... Not one of America's prouder moments, but one we need not to forget.
I highly recommend it.
Well written, it's the story of a small group of slave women who come together once a year with their masters at a resort in (free) Ohio. As their collective story unfolds, you also learn their individual stories.
It's definitely worth the read... Not one of America's prouder moments, but one we need not to forget.
I highly recommend it.
Helpful Score: 3
I just finished this book today and it was a good read, but I was expecting a little more. The characters were developed really well. I enjoyed each of the ladies stories. From reading the jacket of the book, I thought there were going to be some laugh out loud moments but I didn't experience any of those. I was a little disappointed by the ending. I was left completely unsatisfied. I guess I wanted a little more closure especially with Mawu's character.
On the front cover of the book there's a quote by USA Today that states, "Readers entranced by The Help will be equally riveted by Wench. A deeply moving, beautifully written novel told from the heart." I'm sorry but I didn't find that to be the case. I've read The Help and enjoyed that book tremendously. Don't get me wrong, Wench was written beautifully but personally for me it's not on the same calliber as The Help. The Help had more depth to the story and the characters were flushed out a little more.
Overall....like I stated it was good read, but I want to forewarn some readers that some of the material in the book is shocking. It may be a little hard to stomach for some readers.
On the front cover of the book there's a quote by USA Today that states, "Readers entranced by The Help will be equally riveted by Wench. A deeply moving, beautifully written novel told from the heart." I'm sorry but I didn't find that to be the case. I've read The Help and enjoyed that book tremendously. Don't get me wrong, Wench was written beautifully but personally for me it's not on the same calliber as The Help. The Help had more depth to the story and the characters were flushed out a little more.
Overall....like I stated it was good read, but I want to forewarn some readers that some of the material in the book is shocking. It may be a little hard to stomach for some readers.
Helpful Score: 3
Good book written from the point of view of a female slave who is her master's mistress.
