Margaret Walker was een gevierde Afro-Amerikaanse dichteres en auteur wiens werk diep ingaat op de thema's en ervaringen van Afro-Amerikanen. Haar vroege opleiding, beïnvloed door ouders met een interesse in filosofie en poëzie, legde de basis voor haar literaire pad. Alexander concentreerde haar schrijven op het vastleggen van raciale identiteit en geschiedenis, waarbij ze een krachtige en suggestieve poëtische stem gebruikte. Haar literaire nalatenschap ligt in haar aangrijpende weergave van de Afro-Amerikaanse cultuur en de strijd voor gerechtigheid.
This classic story follows Vyry, the daughter of a white plantation owner and his black mistress, as she experiences the South's opulence and brutality during the Civil War and Reconstruction. Inspired by her grandmother's tales, author Margaret Walker dedicated thirty years to researching Vyry's life, celebrating her strength and bravery.
Set against the backdrop of Yugoslavia in 1942, the narrative explores the complexities of war and its impact on individuals and communities. Amidst the turmoil, characters navigate their personal struggles and moral dilemmas, revealing the resilience of the human spirit. The story delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival, capturing the harsh realities of life during a time of conflict. Through vivid storytelling, the book offers a poignant reflection on the effects of war on society and the bonds that form in desperate circumstances.
The hardcover publication of this work resulted in a landmark case, Ellen Wright v. Warner Books Inc. and Margaret Walker. The court ruled in favor of Walker and Warner Books Inc. in a precedent setting opinion. The court's decision, as well as the opinion of the presiding judges is included in this volume.