Wow, this was an eye opening page turner of a book. I know it's had some mixed reviews - people either seem to love it or think it's generic for the genre. I'm sad to say that this is a genre I've read very little of, aside from the definitive book The Help. As a middle class white woman from the UK, the world of colonial Virginia and slavery is one that I know only a little about, despite having visited plantations in this area, William and Mary College, which is mentioned in the book, and Williamsburg. I've said it before, but I really believe that fiction is one of the best ways to get a true understanding of a world like this, which is so far removed from my own. Even this era is one I'm very little informed on and have read very little about, aside from authors like Jane Austen, which is an entirely different side of the spectrum from this.

Putting all that aside, this is a well written, harrowing story. While I understand how many have issues with the character of Lavinia, I think she's well written based on what happens to her and how she reacts. Although that old "miscommunication" trope does frustrate me a lot! The helplessness, the hopelessness, the violence - it's a disturbing read in parts, but the family aspect and fighting nature makes sure the plot is always pushed forward.

I'd highly recommend this to anyone. I think it's an important read and one which gives an excellent insight into the late 1700s and early 1800s of slavery in this region.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of this book.