Reviews

Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

jorrich91's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

alice007's review against another edition

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

2.0

elemmire's review against another edition

4.0

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.

justkay3's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

dorizinn's review against another edition

fast-paced

3.75

audryt's review against another edition

5.0

This book is incredible. Lizzie's situation could not feel more real or the choices she has to make more heart-wrenching. This is the best book I've read this year and is going on the very small shelf of books I know I will read over and over again throughout my life.

justkhi's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

gwalt118's review against another edition

3.0

This book was very enjoyable. It gave an interesting glimpse into an aspect of slavery that we don't often hear about in such great detail - that of white masters and their slave mistresses. I thought the book began somewhat slowly, but once it picked up (after about pg. 30 or 40), it was hard to put down.

The biggest complaint I have about the book is the time sequence. I don't like how the first part of the novel is in the present, then second part of the novel goes into the past and then the third and fourth parts spring back to present day. It made it difficult to follow when I began reading the second part. I don't think it would hurt the story if it was told in chronological order.

I really enjoyed the ending of this novel. Perkins-Valdez did a great job of tying up all the loose ends and ending the book in a succinct and complete way, something that I think is very challenging for any writer. The characters were also marvelously developed. Lizzie, the protagonist, really came alive for me and I found myself empathizing and criticizing her throughout the novel.

I would definitely recommend this one, especially if you're interested in narratives regarding slavery and/or women.

readwithjacqueline's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Vomit, Racism, Rape, Violence, and Blood

cursiveknight's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Medical trauma, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Adult/minor relationship, Slavery, Physical abuse, Violence, Racial slurs, Rape, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Racism, Death, and Colonisation

Moderate: Pregnancy and Fire/Fire injury