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A review by lovely_smiles
Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast read. The different characters embodied different parts of slavery. It impacted everyone differently. They were strong, but all for different reasons and in different ways. The struggle between love, fighting for yourself, and kids. Do you save yourself or stay trapped to be with your family? They struggled with the same questions we struggle with today. What is right? What is wrong? What should I do?
Considering the title; we know wench is a very derogatory term, but this put a whole new look on the word. Just being an African American woman I would be considered a mistress. Especially being a young black woman. I couldn't imagine living the way not only these characters did, but the way life was in this time.
Lizzie gave an interesting point of view. She was trapped between love and her freedom. She was the only character that truly felt love for her master and that also felt obligated to return to her children due to the connection she had with Drayle. Her kids were treated well for the most part, she couldn't let them go like the other females. Reenie an older slave added a different view. She was relying on faith to make it through the rough times. Mawu the spunky slave. She was determined to move on, and not be trapped. She saw bigger than things than Lizzie, but she felt so connected to Lizzie that she waited and got hurt. Sweet, a good spirited person until she lost her children. She shows the deep depression that came along with slavery. She couldn't stand to live without her children.
Considering the title; we know wench is a very derogatory term, but this put a whole new look on the word. Just being an African American woman I would be considered a mistress. Especially being a young black woman. I couldn't imagine living the way not only these characters did, but the way life was in this time.
Lizzie gave an interesting point of view. She was trapped between love and her freedom. She was the only character that truly felt love for her master and that also felt obligated to return to her children due to the connection she had with Drayle. Her kids were treated well for the most part, she couldn't let them go like the other females. Reenie an older slave added a different view. She was relying on faith to make it through the rough times. Mawu the spunky slave. She was determined to move on, and not be trapped. She saw bigger than things than Lizzie, but she felt so connected to Lizzie that she waited and got hurt. Sweet, a good spirited person until she lost her children. She shows the deep depression that came along with slavery. She couldn't stand to live without her children.