Yellow Wife

by Sadeqa Johnson
Yellow Wife cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1277
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2025-10-03
  • ISBN: 9780349130583
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2023-04-13
  • Formats: 12
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Pheby Delores Brown, born into slavery on the Bell Plantation, is promised freedom on her eighteenth birthday. However, her dreams are shattered when she is instead thrust into the horrors of the infamous Devil's Half-Acre jail. Forced to become the mistress of the brutal jailor, Pheby must navigate a world of darkness and oppression while clinging to her hope for freedom. Inspired by the true story of Mary Lumpkin, 'Yellow Wife' is a powerful and heart-wrenching exploration of the human spirit's endurance in the face of adversity. This novel, praised for its riveting prose and emotional depth, is a testament to the strength and resilience of those who fought for their freedom in one of the darkest periods of American history.

Reviews
Arlene's Book Club · 2023-01-31
compelling 4.50

This historical fiction novel is compelling and hits all the right marks. The story is beautifully written and keeps the reader engaged throughout.

The reviewer praises the book for its compelling narrative and beautiful writing. They believe it is a must-read for anyone looking for a gripping historical fiction novel. The story's ability to keep the reader engaged is highlighted, and the reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the characters. They also mention that the book's exploration of historical themes is both powerful and relevant.

Quick quotes

    If you're looking for a compelling historical fiction novel to read, look no further!

    The story is beautifully written and keeps the reader engaged throughout.

    The book's exploration of historical themes is both powerful and relevant.

I've Read This · 2021-05-25
harrowing 4.00

The book hinges on the connection with Pheby and her struggle, making it a compelling read. The author's depiction of historical events is both heart-wrenching and eye-opening.

This review emphasizes the emotional depth and historical significance of the story. The reviewer feels strongly connected to Pheby's journey, highlighting the author's ability to bring historical events to life in a way that is both harrowing and gripping. They appreciate the raw and unfiltered portrayal of slavery, which makes the book a powerful read. The reviewer also notes that the book's strength lies in its ability to make the reader feel the weight of Pheby's struggles and triumphs.

Quick quotes

    It's a work of commercial fiction that hinges on the connection the reader must have with Pheby and her plight to keep reading.

    The author's depiction of historical events is both heart-wrenching and eye-opening.

    The book's strength lies in its ability to make the reader feel the weight of Pheby's struggles and triumphs.

Sharee Hereford · 2021-03-31
inspiring 4.20

The story is about the will to fight for freedom despite a life filled with dread. The reviewer finds the narrative powerful and inspiring.

This review focuses on the theme of resilience and the fight for freedom. The reviewer finds the story powerful and inspiring, despite its harrowing subject matter. They appreciate the author's ability to convey the will to fight for freedom in the face of adversity. The reviewer also notes that the book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring fight for justice.

Quick quotes

    Johnson wrote a story that to some would seem like a life filled with dread but for me, it was a story about the will to fight for freedom.

    The narrative is powerful and inspiring, despite its harrowing subject matter.

    The book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring fight for justice.

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