A review by lit_vibrations
Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson

5.0

A gripping historical tale of survival and motherhood. What lengths will a mother go to protect her children?

I don’t know what held me back from reading this book but I’m soooo glad a friend recommended I give it a read ASAP!!! I’m a fan of historical fiction and when I say the author had me immersed so deeply into this book it’s literally a page-turner.

Most people might shy away from reading certain books that involve slavery due to the graphic details, abuse, and the horrific cruelty casted upon African Americans during such a tragic time. But this book was so much more than that. There were some gruesome details depicted but also moments that brought hope especially the ending. Had me praying for Monroe and Essex.

I enjoyed the first person narrative and getting to see everything unfold from the eyes of someone who was a slave but was favored differently than most.

The FMC Pheby was promised freedom on her 18th birthday but things didn’t work in her favor. Then being sent to the Lapier jail on the day of her mother’s funeral was only the beginning. But Pheby held on to her faith that Master Jacobs would come for her. Then once she learned of his death she nearly lost hope but eventually found a way to make do. Forced to become the jailer’s mistress was only part of the many hardships she’d endure on Devil’s Half Acre.

Pheby Delores Brown was an extraordinary character fueled by hope, courage, faith, and the love for her children. The care and sympathy she’d show to other slaves was so merciful. She was an imperfectly perfect woman that was forced to make hard decisions in order to survive. I admired Pheby’s heroism and how she had moments where she stood up to Rubin Lapier knowing it might cost her a great deal later.

Overall this book was phenomenal ya’ll I didn’t even read the synopsis just dove right in and I was not disappointed. It was well-paced, the writing and character development was superb. I’m so happy I finally read this book I 100% recommend if you haven’t read this yet take this as your sign it’s a MUST-READ!!!