Yellow Wife

I found this book so moving. Knowing that the suffering endured by Pheby Brown and her family was not unique makes this novel a very emotional book to read. Sadeqa Johnson's telling of this story documents the brutality that slaves endured, while still representing the strength of the human spirit. Knowing that Pheby endured all of this cruelty only for the love of her children will stick with me for a long time.

I saw an interview with this author when this book was first published and it has been on my TBR list ever since. I found it compelling how a family activity of walking the Richmond Slave Trail led her to the stories that inspired Yellow Wife. The author is a wondeful storyteller, and I devoured this book in a few days. It is difficult to learn about the history of the slave trade in the United States, but cannot compare to the suffering endured by so many. While this story is fictional, it is well researched and based on real places and real people.

The publisher provided me with the opportunity to read this in exchange for providing feedback. (via Edelweiss+)

The author does a good job describing the scenes in the book allowing me to picture the scene they had set. The ending felt a bit rushed but overall, this was a great read.

4/5 - A very difficult story to digest, but I'm glad I did because it is absolutely necessary during these times. I felt like I was a character in the book and was experiencing what they were going through. It is unfathomable to know that my ancestors went through this and were still able to make due with what they had. Please be warned that some of the scenes are triggering, so be sure to mentally prepare yourself.

I chose to listen to the audio of this one and I have to say Robin Miles is absolutely amazing. I always struggle with audio but not with this one. Her voice is wonderful and so full of emotion which is perfect for this book.

My heart ... how do you even begin to review such a book as this? These types of books are so extremely devastating and painful to read BUT they are important. I will never understand how people could even attempt to justify the depths of the horrors that were inflicted.

This is definitely worth reading and/or listening to. Make sure you're ready for it because there is absolutely nothing easy about it.

Powerful and poignant. Difficult and important. A gift book from a dear friend who cares and thinks deeply.

I really loved this book!! It’s a powerful historical fiction book about survival during slavery. I couldn’t put it down. Sadeqa Johnson does an amazing job telling the story, and I felt connected to the characters. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about history and the strength of people who lived through it.