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Yellow Wife

Sadeqa Johnson (Goodreads Author)

4.33 · Rating details · 3,969 ratings · 845 reviews

In the tradition of Wench and Twelve Years a Slave, this harrowing story follows an enslaved woman forced to barter love and freedom while living in the most infamous slave jail in Virginia.

Born on a plantation in Charles City, Virginia, Pheby Brown was promised her freedom on her eighteenth birthday. But when her birthday finally comes around, instead of the idyllic life ...more

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Hardcover, 272 pages

Published January 12th 2021 by Simon Schuster

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Oct 02, 2020 Tina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: my-kindle-books, hard-hitting-topics, netgalley-2020, arc-copy, read-in-2020, historical-fiction

This is a Historical Fiction book. This book takes place in the South (Virginia, but some of the places talked about in the book is in North Carolina) during the time people had slaves. We follow young female slave called Pheby Delores Brown. I have to say this book was hard to read at times, but I really think everyone should read this book. It is a part of the Sothern past, and we cannot forget it. I feel the characters came to live in this book. I think this is the first book that was told in ...more

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Oct 23, 2020 Annette rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction-1800s, american-heritage

This story is inspired by the story of Mary Lumpkin and Lumpkin’s jail in Richmond, Virginia.

Bell Plantation, Charles City, Virginia, 1850. Pheby Delores Brown, after losing her mother and after broken promise of freedom, she is being sold to traders. At an auction, she is “rescued by gentleman’s kindness.” Rubin Lapier is the owner of the jail, where Pheby spent the night before the auction. And now is one of the workers at the jail sewing, mostly mending clothing. Her constant companion is “th This story is inspired by the story of Mary Lumpkin and Lumpkin’s jail in Richmond, Virginia.

Bell Plantation, Charles City, Virginia, 1850. Pheby Delores Brown, after losing her mother and after broken promise of freedom, she is being sold to traders. At an auction, she is “rescued by gentleman’s kindness.” Rubin Lapier is the owner of the jail, where Pheby spent the night before the auction. And now is one of the workers at the jail sewing, mostly mending clothing. Her constant companion is “the click-clack sounds” of slaves’ iron confinements and “the moaning from inside the jail…” Should she follow in the footsteps of a woman she saw at the market? A woman like her, who isn’t free, “yet she lived a life better than some white women.” There is a reason why the jail is called the Devil’s Half Acre. Whenever she thinks she can endure this place, there is a reminder that she cannot.

The fastest page-turner ever and heart-pounding read. On one hand, the jail owner, known as the Bully Trader and on the other, a beautiful young slave woman. He is one of the cruelest people if not the cruelest person in town. He trades slaves without any scruples and enforces brutal punishments when requested by other slave owners. He is also a master of his “wife,” who is forced first to make the right decision for herself and later for her children. Once a mother she needs to protect her children at any cost.

This story brings heart-wrenching scenes of flogging, of slaves bidding, degrading transactions and agony of mothers being separated from their children and other members of the family. It’s all very real.

This is a story of an extraordinary woman, who learns that as a mulatto she is worth more than a black slave. She was promised freedom at the age of eighteen. When that eludes her, she weighs her options very carefully. Does she want to be a run-away slave or make a life out of situation the life presented her with?

With riveting prose the pages fly and the heart beats for the astonishing heroine. Well-developed character pulls you into the story immediately and stirs emotions within you. A grim time of history masterfully narrated.

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Feb 10, 2021 Bookishrealm rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audiobook, books-read-in-2020, black-books, adult-historical-fiction

Whew this isn't an easy read, but it's a necessary read. I don't think I really even read the summary of this book before diving in and part of me wished I would have. It didn't take away from the importance of the novel, but this is one that you need to be mentally prepared for before diving in. CW: graphic depictions of slavery, death of a child (twice), repeated rape, mental/emotional/physical abuse, torturing of slaves (particularly in whippings), graphic depictions of imprisonment.

Yellow Wi Whew this isn't an easy read, but it's a necessary read. I don't think I really even read the summary of this book before diving in and part of me wished I would have. It didn't take away from the importance of the novel, but this is one that you need to be mentally prepared for before diving in. CW: graphic depictions of slavery, death of a child (twice), repeated rape, mental/emotional/physical abuse, torturing of slaves (particularly in whippings), graphic depictions of imprisonment.

Yellow Wife can be misleading if readers just look at the cover and title. While perusing my library's audiobook collection, I came across this book and thought it might an interesting read. Little did I know, it's based on the story of Mary Lumpkin who was an imprisoned sex slave to Robert Lumpkin. Similar to Mary's story, readers follow Pheby Brown from her time of being a slave on a plantation to her time spent with the jailer who owns a prison known as Devil's Half Acre. I'm very intentional about my use of the term "sex slave" because as described through Pheby's narrative, the physical relationship existed out of the need to survive not because of true love or attraction. This is vital to keep in mind as readers follow the fast paced narrative created by Johnson.

It is important to note that Yellow Wife is often compared to other slave narratives and while I understand the comparison, this book stands on it's own. It captures an interesting aspect of slavery: the experiences of those identified as biracial, those slaves who have to navigate their enslavement in a very different way. Pheby, understanding her privilege in being fair skinned, believes that her slave master will set her free and send her to the North to get an education. Unfortunately, the favoritism shown to Pheby pisses off the slave master's wife. Johnson does a great job illustrating the tumultuous relationship that has existed between White women and Black women especially during slavery. When White men raped and abused Black women resulting in children, White women took to blaming Black women without holding their husband responsible. The ill treatment that Black women often faced at the hands of the wives of slave masters is gratuitous. Nevertheless, Pheby eventually finds herself in the ownership of one of the most notorious jail owners in Virginia. His insatiable bloodlust will make readers cringe to their core. However, Johnson challenges readers to press forward, to engage with the fast paced narrative that keeps all on the edge of their seats until the conclusion. Pheby quickly learns that regardless of her skin tone, her ability to pass for White she is no better than those slaves kept in the jailhouse. Yellow Wilfe then becomes a story about survival and motherhood. Pheby endures the suffering for the sake of her children. This story tackles so much and does so very well. From colorism to the weaponizing of Black hair to motherhood.

This is not a novel to be missed in 2021. It's one of the best historical fiction novels that I've ever read. The writing was phenomenal with a fast paced plot and excellent character development. I'm grateful to Sadeqa Johnson for listening to the ancestors and taking the opportunity to capture this story. I highly recommend this book. ...more

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Feb 22, 2021 Terrie Robinson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: EVERYONE!

Recommended to Terrie by: Knox County Library System

Shelves: read-in-2021, fiction, historical-fiction, library, audiobook, african-american

"Yellow Wife" by Sadeqa Johnson is beautifully written African American Historical Fiction!

Pheby Delores Brown is born a slave on the Bell Plantations in Charles City, Virginia. Her mother the plantation's medicine woman, her father the plantation owner, Master Jacob.

Master Jacob and his sister, Miss Sally favors Pheby for her light skin and natural beauty. Miss Sally teaches her to read, play the piano and spends her days with Pheby. Master Jacob protects Pheby and promises her freedom at 18 "Yellow Wife" by Sadeqa Johnson is beautifully written African American Historical Fiction!

Pheby Delores Brown is born a slave on the Bell Plantations in Charles City, Virginia. Her mother the plantation's medicine woman, her father the plantation owner, Master Jacob.

Master Jacob and his sister, Miss Sally favors Pheby for her light skin and natural beauty. Miss Sally teaches her to read, play the piano and spends her days with Pheby. Master Jacob protects Pheby and promises her freedom at 18 years old.

Missus Delphina, Jacob's wife is jealous and openly cruel to Pheby. While Jacob is away on business she quickly sells Pheby to slave traders and arranges for her transport to the infamous Devils Half Acre Jail in Richmond, Virginia. This is a filthy jail where slaves are imprisoned under horrific conditions. Slaves are beaten, starved, left in cells surrounded by human waste and eventually auctioned off to the highest bidder.

The jail owner, Rubin Lapier sees Pheby and rescues her away from the auction block. No white woman will marry Rubin based on his reputation as the jailer. But Rubin wants children and so begins his plan to make Pheby Mistress of the Devils Half Acre Jail.

Pheby quickly begins to understand she has worth as a mulatto woman and perhaps her life with Rubin will be better than most white woman. She strikes a deal with Rubin and does what she has to do to survive and protect the ones she loves.

The realities of what it felt like being a slave through Pheby's protagonist view point is difficult to listen to through this book. The cruelties, the humiliations, the mental turmoil, family separated, the circumstances of being someone's property - all of this and more is extremely daunting.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Robin Miles who reads with appropriate emotion for this heartbreaking story. It feels like Pheby is there with you telling her story. Her wonderful voice inflections add the drama specific to the context and her voicing of the different characters is realistic and believable!

This amazing story was well researched by this author. It began with a family visit to the Richmond Slave Trail and discovering the half acre Lumpkin Jail where jailer, Robert Lumpkin lived with his mulatto wife, Mary and their five children. Thus the catalyst for this beautiful historical fiction story. Author, Sadeqa Johnson admits it was difficult to write about to a degree, but if African American ancestors could live it, then she could write about it.

I love this story. I love the characters and the deep character development. I love how this story created deep emotions in me.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. This is a book that needs to be read and shared, then shared over and over again! ...more

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Dec 29, 2020 Vonda rated it it was amazing

A beautifully written historical fiction set mostly in Virginia 1850. This one touches on so many raw emotions ....love, hate, resentment, fright, loss, family whether it be conventional or not. Well researched and fast moving storyline that tells such a deep emotional story of the slaves and being sold, separated from everything they ever knew and how loved ones are lost due to nobody simply caring. Pheby's story is one that will stay with you for a long time. If you liked the Kitchen House thi ...more

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Jan 27, 2021 Linda rated it really liked it

Shelves: history, historical-fiction, civil-war-era

Dealing with the same Hell.

Just different devils.....

Sadeqa Johnson presents a solid, walking-over-broken-glass historical fiction novel centered on plantation life in Charles City, Virginia. To her well focused credit, Johnson took a nugget of an idea while walking the Richmond Slave Trail with her family and transformed it into an outstanding novel. There was indeed a jailer who lived on a half acre of land overseeing a prison where slaves were bought and sold. He lived with his mulatto wife a Dealing with the same Hell.

Just different devils.....

Sadeqa Johnson presents a solid, walking-over-broken-glass historical fiction novel centered on plantation life in Charles City, Virginia. To her well focused credit, Johnson took a nugget of an idea while walking the Richmond Slave Trail with her family and transformed it into an outstanding novel. There was indeed a jailer who lived on a half acre of land overseeing a prison where slaves were bought and sold. He lived with his mulatto wife and five children. And there was the first flicker of light guiding the way for this outstanding novel.

We will come to know Pheby Delores Brown, a slave by her birth, but set to the side by Master Jacob and his sister. Light of skin and touched with natural beauty, Pheby was given privilege. She learned to read and to play piano and was doted on by Miss Sally. Her duties were light. Master Jacob gifted Pheby with the promise that she would be set free on her eighteenth birthday and would be sent to Massachusetts to attend a girls' school there. But those devils take their places and grab the reins to veer off the righteous path time and time again.

Master Jacob is away on his business travels and his wife, Missus Delphina, has the opportunity to spill her wrath upon Pheby. In a fit of rage, she sentences Pheby to a life at the abominable Devil's Half Acre in Richmond run by its namesake, Rupert Lapier, a devil of a man. He immediately takes to Pheby and sets her up as the mistress of his jail. They will have children together. But Pheby has her eyes set on freedom.

Sadeqa Johnson creates Pheby as a multi-layered character. As much as her advantages while living at Bell Plantation made her prosper as a young lady, it never served her well as she was thrust into a horrendous life that she only observed on the peripheral. She knew of the unspeakable inhumane treatment of slaves, but she was originally at arm's length from it. Her naivete is viewed on the surface as to her relationship with the slave worker, Essex Henry, who will impact her life greatly.

We will ponder Pheby's actions throughout the novel. For survival's sake, she dances with the devil. Please note: Johnson includes many graphic scenes of horror throughout her novel. She never sugar coats the abominations of slavery and its dehumanizing aftermath. Yellow Wife is a stark and long hard look at what transpired during this time in history. But it also includes "the rising".....from the depths of Hell and the suppression of even breath, valiant men and women found their voices and their footholds from beyond these clutches from an evil that still whispers its vile message even today. ...more

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Jan 03, 2021 Natalie ✩★ The Biblioholic ★✩ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021, historical-fiction

I'm finding it impossible to stop thinking about this book! Pheby's story has had a firm grip on my heart from its opening lines and it seems to have no intention of letting me go.

At seventeen, she was unprepared for what life had in store for her. Born a slave, she was raised to never believe herself to be one and by comparison, she was shown to be several steps above. When tragedy strikes, everything she knew, every bit of safety she ever felt, was suddenly ripped away and Pheby learned quick I'm finding it impossible to stop thinking about this book! Pheby's story has had a firm grip on my heart from its opening lines and it seems to have no intention of letting me go.

At seventeen, she was unprepared for what life had in store for her. Born a slave, she was raised to never believe herself to be one and by comparison, she was shown to be several steps above. When tragedy strikes, everything she knew, every bit of safety she ever felt, was suddenly ripped away and Pheby learned quick what it was to have absolutely no rights and no freedoms. To have every move dictated, to have every thought deemed unworthy, to have no control over her own body. She learned though. She found ways to survive, to adapt, to thrive. And when given the chance, despite the many times she almost lost hope, she gave her all and proved what she was willing to sacrifice for love.

One of the things I loved most about this story was how raw it felt. It gutted me, flayed me wide open, scattered my feels all over the place. As a black woman, I can never truly imagine the horrors that my people faced during slavery. So much of what they experienced is lost. And although we live in times that are far better than what existed then, we're not on equal footing. Racism still exists and it oozed through the pages of this book. The hatred, the ignorance, the hypocrisy... all of it was tempered by the faith and pride of Pheby and the people she cared about. While these characters were constantly on edge, they found love and hope and freedom amongst themselves. It was beautiful and had an almost poetic quality to it.

I wavered on giving this book all of the stars simply because I wasn't satisfied with the ending. But then I realized that I probably wouldn't have been satisfied if the author had gifted us with some grandiose version of a romantic happily ever after either. I'd probably be pissed, to be honest. There was nothing pretty to be found during those times, but the author found a way to highlight the profound beauty that couldn't be defeated. And for that... all the stars!!

For this review and more...

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Dec 23, 2020 Karren Sandercock rated it it was amazing

Shelves: edelweiss-above-the-tree-line

Pheby Delores Brown lives with her mama in the slave quarters at Bell Plantation she’s an herb woman and spins cotton. Master Jacob promised Pheby her freedom on her eighteenth birthday, when he’s killed and his spiteful wife Missus Delphina sends her away with slave traders. Her mama also died from the wounds she sustained in the carriage accident that killed Master Jacob and she’s in a state of shock! The journey from the plantation to the slave jail at Devil’s Half-Acre is horrendous, when it ...more

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Jan 08, 2021 Dana rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: review-copies

My first 5 star read of 2021! Yellow Wife is beautifully written, absolutely heartbreaking and will stay with me for a very long time.

I was completely captivated by the first page and couldn't put this book down. Pheby Delores Brown, such a strong willed and truly incredible woman. The life she was promised on her 18th birthday, being freed from slavery was anything but now her life played out. When thrown into horrible circumstances she managed to stay strong and adapt to her environment. Thro ...more

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Dec 21, 2020 Candie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites-of-2020

This is one of those books that will literally stay with you forever. It was absolutely heartbreaking, extremely graphic and made me feel sick to my stomach, but I could not put it down. My heart was pounding throughout this entire book.

It is so hard to believe that this is a real part of our history. The brutal punishments that were inflicted on human beings just blows my mind. How was this endured? How could someone do these things? I can't even comprehend it. It was very hard to read but I b ...more

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Jan 11, 2021 Denise rated it it was amazing

Sadeqa Johnson packes a serious punch in this book! The story of Pheby Delores Brown (aka the Yellow Wife) is complex, captivating, heartbreaking, and inspiring, all at the same time.

The story is like no other slavery story that I have read, and I have read many. One of my most memorable experiences was visiting the Whitney Plantation in New Orleans and purchasing several books which told of the heartbreaking stories of those once enslaved there; but even those didn't prepare me for the emotion Sadeqa Johnson packes a serious punch in this book! The story of Pheby Delores Brown (aka the Yellow Wife) is complex, captivating, heartbreaking, and inspiring, all at the same time.

The story is like no other slavery story that I have read, and I have read many. One of my most memorable experiences was visiting the Whitney Plantation in New Orleans and purchasing several books which told of the heartbreaking stories of those once enslaved there; but even those didn't prepare me for the emotions I felt reading this story. It is so achingly well-told and researched, inspired by historic "yellow wives" of infamous Virginia jails. Apparently jailers were looked down upon for their occupation and not deemed worthy of "proper" marriages, so they often took bi-racial women as wives.

Pheby was born to a slave mother and a plantation owner father. Because of her father, she was treated differently and sheltered from much of the harshness of slavery, even being taught to read and write, and play the piano. Her father has promised her freedom at the age of eighteen, and she cannot wait to be free and marry her love, fellow slave, Essex Henry. Her father's wife deeply resents her though, and when he is away, she suspects that Pheby helped Essex escape and as such, sells Pheby to a slave trader. Pheby endures a brutal journey to the "Devil's Acre" jail, where on arrival, the jailer, Rubin Lapier, spots her and because of her light-skinned beauty, claims her as his own.

Pheby is unaware at the time that she is pregnant with Essex's baby, and she resists Lapier's advances. After her son is born though, she realizes she must keep him safe, and she agrees to become Lapier's “yellow wife,” in exchange that he will never sell her son. She finds herself running his household and bearing him four daughters. As time passes, she realizes just how much Lapier detests her firstborn, and she knows that she must find a way to send him to freedom before Lapier breaks his word and sells him - or worse. When a chance meeting with Essex sets a course in motion, her plan becomes much more dangerous and heartbreaking (I read those chapters with my heart in my throat!).

The story is told in first-person narration, which I loved, as it opened a window into the unbearable burden of the double life Pheby endured - she had to constantly submit herself in every way to a wretched man in order to keep herself and her children safe. I loved how she outwitted Lapier at nearly every step though, and where her journey ultimately took her. There could not be a happy ending, per se, but Johnson's conclusion was both satisfying and poignant.

An emotional tale of promise, hope, despair, heartache, and love that is a must-read for historical fiction fans in 2021. I hope Sadequa Johnson is already working on her next book, because I am already impatiently waiting for it! All the stars. ...more

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Dec 27, 2020 Jennifer Blankfein added it · review of another edition

With tears in my eyes I’m recommending everyone preorder a copy - pub date 1/12/2021 . Compelling story of a slave- love, sacrifice and horrific circumstances. Amplifies a piece of history that is unbearable. Full review to come on Book Nation by Jen.

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Mar 01, 2021 Kerrin P rated it it was amazing

Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson is the engrossing story of a mulatto slave named Pheby Delores Brown. Beginning in 1850 and going through 1857, Pheby bravely endures her life as a slave. Pheby’s mother was the plantation medicine woman who was impregnated by the owner, Master Jacob. At the beginning of her life, Pheby was pampered by Master Jacob’s sister, Miss Sally. Pheby, who had been promised her freedom at the age of 18, was educated and taught to play the piano. After Miss Sally dies, Master ...more

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Jan 24, 2021 Laura • lauralovestoread rated it it was amazing

Shelves: simon-schuster, historical-fiction, 2021

Wow. Days later and the story and characters are still with me. Absolutely beautiful writing and I’m just over here with a book hangover now.

Yellow Wife is a heartbreaking and emotional read, but also emits such power as Pheby Delores Brown comes to life from the first few pages.

Johnson has outdone herself with attention to detail and research that went into this book, and while reading a historical fiction based on a true story such as this can be difficult, there are also themes of love and fa ...more

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Feb 13, 2021 Maria rated it it was amazing

WHAT A WHIRLWIND. Like I’m so emotional right now. This book will make you angry, sad, a tiny bit hopeful, then throw you right back into this emotional cycle. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, then this better be on your TBR! Please excuse me while I go and get Sadeqa Johnson’s entire backlist

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Jan 15, 2021 laura ☼ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviews, 2021-reads, 5

5/5 stars

This is sincerely one of the best books I have read... EVER. Oh my god, PLEASE don't let this masterpiece fly under your radar.

They call this place the Devil's Half Acre. Now I knew the devil.

This is the story of Pheby Brown, who was born and raised on a plantation. She and her sweetheart, Essex, plan to have their freedom and spend their future together. However, when tragedy strikes Pheby is sold to the jailer of the infamous and brutal slave jail- the Devil's Half Acre.

Let me j ...more

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Jan 16, 2021 Kammy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 09, 2021 Jennifer Blankfein rated it it was amazing

Visit https://booknationbyjen.com for Q & A with Sadeqa Johnson. With tears in my eyes, I’m recommending everyone read Yellow Wife, an engrossing, compelling, and beautifully written story. Pheby is a born into slavery on a Virginia plantation; the white man who fathered her was the master, and her slave mother is the medicine woman for the community. Often getting special treatment, Pheby is expecting to be freed when she turns eighteen; she is looking forward to getting an education, but thing ...more

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Jan 09, 2021 Zoe rated it it was amazing

Gritty, haunting, and extremely moving!

Yellow Wife is a poignant, impactful tale that sweeps you away to Virginia during the mid-1850s and into the life of Pheby Delores Brown, a young woman of mixed race who struggles to survive a life of brutality and protect those she loves while confined within the walls of the Devil’s Half Acre prison and as the mistress of the jailer, Rubin Lapier.

The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are vulnerable, strong, and scarred. And the plot is an e ...more

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Feb 13, 2021 Skip rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: e-books, historical

Johnson has done her research, crafting a story around the infamous Lumpkin jail in Richmond, Virginia during the 1850s, Protagonist Pheby Delores Brown, is a slave by her birth, but is provided privileges by her white father (Master Jacob Bell) and his sister, Sally, who teaches Pheby to read, speak "properly," and even play the piano. Master Jacob promises Pheby her freedom when she turns 18, and to send her to Massachusetts to attend a girls' school. His wife, Delphina, has a different agenda ...more

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Jan 21, 2021 Erika Robuck rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Vivid and engrossing, THE YELLOW WIFE takes the reader on an emotional journey with Pheby, an enslaved woman in antebellum Virginia, whose will, conviction, and fortitude are tested in the horrific system in which she lives. From growing up on a plantation in Charles City, to being taken as a wife by a white jailer at the notorious Devil's Half Acre in Richmond, Pheby is forced to make choices and endure in impossible situations. But her strength, intellect, and great love for those in her care ...more

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Nov 10, 2020 ʚϊɞ Shelley's ʚϊɞ Book Nook rated it it was amazing

I love Southern Historical Fiction. And this hauntingly beautiful and tragic novel did not disappoint. This is a story of great courage and love and made me feel all the feels. It is a remarkable story that was well written…The characters felt as though they were living alongside me telling me about their life and their journey.

Pheby and her story will be with me for a very long time as this book has characters that will touch your heart and fill it with pain and joy. Sadeqa Johnson knows how t ...more

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Jan 29, 2021 Kristin (Always With a Book) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audio-book, review-book, read-in-2021

Thank you Simon and Schuster Audio for the gifted copy.

This is a book that I know I will be not forgetting anytime soon. It's one of those that as difficult as it was to read, it's also the type that makes the most lasting impression and one that I will be raving about for some time to come.

This is such a powerful read and it also packs quite the emotional punch. It is heartbreaking and intense yet also one that is filled with hope. The characters come to life on the pages and are so well-develo ...more

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Feb 07, 2021 Kitama Jamaila rated it it was amazing

The Gnosis Book Club first read for the year.

A young, half-white enslaved woman must struggle with the most ghastly, dreadful and horrible choices as she endeavors to maintain and save what little family structure she has left. Talk about the strength of a woman!!

The story is told through the eyes of Pheby, who is a biracial girl born to a slave as a a other and a white Plantation owner.

In my opinion, "Yellow Wife" is undaunted in its imageries of the violence, cold-heartedness and family sepe ...more

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Jan 18, 2021 Latanya (Crafty Scribbles) rated it it was amazing

Terrifying. Harrowing. Necessary. Sadeqa Johnson writes a story that will burn your soul and mind, a tale written in truth for readers.

Pros
1. The story grips you from the start and doesn't let go until well after reading. As mentioned before, the story's terrifying and harrowing, leaving its readers fearful at every page turn, unsure of anyone approaching as characters.
2. Well-researched. The story's inspired by an actual woman. I yearn to learn the woman's story and, with guidance, provide ...more

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Feb 27, 2021 Lindsey rated it it was amazing

Well written engaging story about a larger than life woman making the best out of a horrible situation.

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Jan 29, 2021 Donna rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction

This is Historical Fiction set in the Confederate South during the 1850's right before the start of the Civil War. The story centers on Pheby (the MC) who was a slave and she also happened to be the Master's biological daughter.

I really liked this one because it didn't just cover the inhumanity and hardships the slaves had to suffer, but it also covered the topics of choice, will, sacrifice, trust, taking risks, and having hope. The main characters were vividly drawn. I also liked the relations ...more

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Jan 21, 2021 Lois rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-book, black-books, historical, african-american-historical, books-i-read-in-2021, person-of-color-author, historical-fiction, african-diaspora-interest, slavery-fiction, poc-pov-char-or-peripheral-char

This was well written, engrossing and harrowing.
This is a fictionalized account of a real person and real institution.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/histor...

https://virginiahumanities.org/2018/0...

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/histor...

This story is traumatic and upsetting to read. Well written and well handled but the subject matter itself is so unbelievably horrifying, I'm aware that she pulled back from all she could've included, still it was a lot.

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Dec 30, 2020 Andi rated it really liked it

I am a sucker for historical fiction. I am also a sucker for well written historical fiction by authors of color.

This book was a sad, powerful book. Inspired/based on the true life of a woman who married a jailer to slaves, Yellow Wife is one of those books that I'm sure will make the round in some book clubs and will leave you thinking about it when finished.

I have never read anything by Sadeqa Johnson but she has a true talent for writing characters that feel real. I truly felt and mourned fo ...more

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Sep 29, 2020 The Walking Book Club rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Having the opportunity to chat directly with authors makes me fall in love with their books even more. And that’s exactly what happened with Sadeqa Johnson’s book, The Yellow Wife.

The Yellow Wife is a masterful piece of historical fiction that was inspired by Sadequa’s family’s visit to the Richmond Slave Trail along the James River in Virginia. When I spoke with Sadeqa recently, she shared how a Mary Lumpkins trail marker kept calling her psyche back. I’m so glad she listened because the nove ...more

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Diverse Spines: February 2021 - Yellow Wife	11	30	Feb 27, 2021 04:05PM
Kindle Book Club ...: February 2021 Book Discussion, Yellow Wife, Reading in Progress	23	15	Feb 22, 2021 02:50PM
Kindle Book Club ...: February 2021 Book Discussions, SPOILER ALERT, Yellow Wife, Reading Completed	5	17	Feb 18, 2021 08:25PM
Read With Me!: Yellow Wife	1	3	Feb 01, 2021 05:43PM

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Genres

Historical > Historical Fiction

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Fiction

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Historical

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Adult

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Adult Fiction

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Race

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Cultural > African American

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About Sadeqa Johnson

Sadeqa Johnson

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Sadeqa Johnson is the Globe and Mail best-selling author of Yellow Wife, And Then There Was Me, Second House From the Corner and Love in a Carry-on Bag. Her accolades include being the recipient of the National Book Club Award, the Phillis Wheatley Award and the USA Best Book Award for best fiction. She is a Kimbilo Fellow, former board member of the James River Writers, and a Tall Poppy Writer. O ...more

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Quotes from Yellow Wife

“kept my despair quiet, close to my heart.” — 0 likes

“I would like to see her up close,” a large man called from the back. “Very well. Step down and follow the gentleman.” Matilda stepped off the platform with her dress still in her hand. She caught my eye before following the man into the side room. My heart sank. She had just lost a baby, reconnected with her husband, and was now being taken advantage of by a stranger, for no other reason than that it was his right, and she had none.” — 0 likes

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