A review by gwalt118
Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

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.