Kathleen Grissom’s debut novel, published in 2010, tells the story of Lavinia, a young, white indentured servant, and Belle, a slave girl, who grow up together in the kitchen house of a Virginia plantation in the late 18th century. The narrative explores themes of race, class, and gender in antebellum America through the intertwined lives of these two girls.
This work offers a poignant depiction of slavery and its impact on individuals and families, providing readers with insight into the brutal realities of the institution. The contrasting experiences of Lavinia and Belle highlight the complexities of social hierarchy and the arbitrary nature of freedom and bondage in this historical period. Its popularity reflects a continued interest in understanding this crucial era of American history and its lingering consequences.
