I really enjoyed this story and the strength of Pheby Delores Brown she never forgot who she was and wasn't defined by her situation. She gave strength and knowledge to her family and those she loved. She was able to secure passage and ensure the life for her children that she had been promised. The strength of the women before us grandma's, aunts, sisters, moms who have given more of themselves in hope of better for us. Legacies live on.

The Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson is the absolutely stunning story of Pheby, a young slave who, because of her mother, had a much different upbringing than other slaves. She is educated, can play the piano, read and write. Once her mother dies, she is sold to the cruel owner, Jailer, of Devil's Half Acre Jail. There, Pheby tries to endure life for her children.

The Yellow Wife had me captivated immediately! While it is not the normal storyline I would gravitate towards, I couldn't put it down. I found myself staying awake late at night to finish it or even sneaking in a page or two any chance I had so I could continue to stay in the story. This story was full of heartbreak, grief, desperation, love and endurance. A masterpiece.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinions.

I honestly don't know what to say. First off I was given a copy of this wonderful book from net galley. "The Yellow Wife" is truly amazing. I had not idea that this sort of thing in the book aka "Slave Jails" actually existed. I can't even imagine the terror and horror those poor people saw and endured. Everyone needs to read this book! #netgalley

A first person narrative. A fully realized historical rendering of life as a slave and life on the plantation. Pheby Dolores Brown born to a mother ,a slave who was a gifted seamstress. Pheby could read,write and play the piano. Factors which would ease her life on the plantation until her mother died following a accident. Her mother gone she is sold and finds herself at the mercy of a man she only refers to as the Jailor. The jail they refer to was the way station in town where slaves were held until sold or died. The driving force of life with the Jailor were her children. It was enduring a better life for her children that gave her life meaning and purpose. Pheby is a force when needed as she learns to use the Jailor’s lust for her to make inroads to a better life for her children. It is raw . It is eye opening. It is worth every minute you can spare. Happy reading