What a truly beautiful story and a compelling debut.

As with all stories that take place during slavery, this enraged me. We are not divorced from the atrocities of our past—from colonization, from slave owners who assaulted my ancestors, dehumanized them, violated them, abused them, stuffed their pillows with their hair. Stamped out the fire of their rebellion and doused their dreams. Stories such as these remind us the importance of never forgetting so that we may never return, and so we may never allow this to happen to anyone else, anywhere in the world. If we forget, we dishonor the people who suffered inhumane treatment so that we can live the lives we live today, and I will never, ever do that.

Junie was somewhat a coming-of-age book alongside everything going on. Junie's behavior was frustrating because she was young and naive, and it is also the thing that saved her life. Her unwillingness to allow her life to be the thing it'd been for everyone who came before her was bold and terrifying, but it was also delicious and hopeful.

I also found the paranormal aspect—ghosts of enslaved people helping from the other side—to be beautiful. I very much am the type of person who believes that our loved ones either cross over or go on to serve and protect their bloodline on the other side of that veil, so I was so incredibly touched by how this was depicted and thought it was incredibly written.

The only thing I wish we'd seen more of—and I was struck by the absence of—was clarity about the ending. I felt like these characters—especially Junie and Caleb deserved more. However, I acknowledge that hope was hard to come by back then, especially with stories like these. I also would've liked to see how Violet ended up.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the ARC!

4.5 ⭐️s

See full review on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution website:

"When Alabama native Erin Crosby Eckstine decided to write a book, she wanted to create a persona she rarely sees depicted in literature — a “well-rounded and human portrayal of an enslaved character.”

Many slavery narratives feature angelic tropes or showcase figures “suffering the most horrific trauma possible,” Eckstine writes in the author’s note of her sparkling debut novel “Junie,” a speculative work of historical fiction centered on 16-year-old Delilah “Junie” June as she comes of age while enslaved on a plantation in 1860s Alabama..."

https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/love-of-literature-sets-spunky-junie-on-the-path-to-freedom/LCY7GIH4FBDD5L2WYMUPLFPNAE/

Julie is the beautifully written story of a teenage slave who is dealing with the belief that she was responsible for her sister Minnie’s death. She is the personal maid o Violet McQueen, a plantation owner’s daughter. When her father arranges a marriage for Violet, Julie learns that she will have to go with her mistress, leaving her family behind. Julie is desperate to stop the marriage. Taking her sister’s silver locket to help Violet, she arouses Minnie’s spirit, who asks for her help. Her spirit is stuck on Earth unless Junie helps her with three tasks. One of the tasks results in Mr. McQueen’s death, making Violet’s new husband the master of the estate. Junie has never experienced the brutality of slavery. Violet has always treated her as a friend and taught her to read. Her new husband has a short temper and is quick to violent punishment. She has always been able to talk to Violet but now when she approaches her she is put in her place. When Mr. Taylor arrived to marry Violet he was accompanied by Caleb, his coachman and valet. Over time a friendship develops between Junie and Caleb that eventually leads to love.

Junie has a careless and carefree nature, spending her evenings in the nearby woods, climbing her favorite trees and writing poetry. She is close to her family and they have sheltered her from much of the reality of slavery. After discovering the significance of her sister’s locket and more of her family’s history, she knows that there is more that she wants to experience beyond the plantation. Her family is resigned to serving their owner, but Junie feels a need to leave. With Caleb’s support she sees a new future. Despite the brutality of slavery, Junie’s story is one of friendship, family and love. Erin Crosby Eckstine will have you fall in love with Junie, but also leave you hoping that her story will continue in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for providing this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an ARC copy of Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine. This story takes place before the Civil War in Alabama, and follows a sixteen-year-old girl, born a slave, and works at a plantation with her family. Junie's main responsibility is caring for the owner's daughter, Violet. Violet taught Junie to read, and Junie began to write her own poetry. During the story, Junie struggles with many things, including guilt over the death of her sister and many nights Junie visits the forest. This story had supernatural elements.

As visitors come to plantation, a whirlwind of events occur, and Violet may be forced to marry to save the plantation from financial ruin. This story kept me engaged and many times was very difficult to read. Junie was headstrong, but powerless to control things and help her family in the ways she wanted to. The ending was both satisfying and heart-breaking all at the same time.

I really enjoyed the author's note at the end of the book. I thought the story was compelling and very well written. Even if you don't usually read historical fiction, I think you would still enjoy this book.

A story of a slave on the brink of the Civil War. Junie is haunted by her sister's ghost and the secret she had. Junie is close friends with her master's daughter, Violet, and she is taught to read and write. When Violet is sent to be married, Junie goes along, however, Violet has a secret. Junie meets and falls in love with Caleb, but with war starting, their love is in danger. Junie tries to save herself and get to freedom. This story is loosely based on the author's ancestor. Very good historical novel, I enjoyed it very much.

This book follows Junie, a 16 year old house maid who accidentally raises her dead sisters ghost. She has until the full moon to complete three tasks so her sisters spirit can move on. It’s a very sad, and unsettling story. Completely enjoyable . I give this 4 out of 5 stars.

“There ain’t no good and evil in this world, not when the devils are the ones setting the rules.” -Junie by Erin Cosby Eckstinr


Simply put this book is a powerful character driven coming of age story set in the time of slavery before the civil war.

Junie is a strong willed carefree enslaved girl with hopes and dreams, In search of the “sublime” that she reads about in the books of the masters daughter who she serves and has a friendship with. When she is faced with her recently deceased sisters ghost she is forced out of her carefree comfort zone as she helps her sister with tasks to set her soul free.

Junie is such a complex and incredible character and I loved reading about her. Her hopes, dreams, fears and watching her fall in love even though she didn’t want to was such an incredible journey, and one of my favorite characters I’ve come across in a while! I especially enjoyed the supernatural aspects. They fit the story perfectly and truly helped us understand Junie as a character even more.

This was such a powerful portrayal of a pre civil war south. It is an unflinching portrayal of the daily life, while it doesn’t focus on the trauma as a punch in the face shock like some stories of slavery do, the trauma, brutality, and fear is there beneath the surface of the story. it’s the background noise of Junie’s everyday life. You truly grow to know and understand all of the characters. But don’t get me wrong this book is heart wrenching. even when it is in the background you still feel all the emotions reading this book.

This is a book will stick with me forever. No matter what I say I won’t give this book justice so please read it!!! It’s such an important book that I hope everyone will give a chance!

I can’t believe I waited so long to read this book! From the moment I met Junie, I was captivated by her fire, her resolve, and the way she grew throughout the story. Her character felt real and complex—sometimes throwing temper tantrums that reminded me of her youth, but in other moments, she made decisions that showed deep maturity. One of the most powerful aspects of her journey was her ability to stand up for herself and hold her ground, even when it meant severing a bond with her only “friend,” who also happened to be her enslaver's daughter.
I’m constantly in awe of people who endure immense hardships and still find ways to stay strong. Junie is a testament to this. The story explores chattel slavery near the dawn of the Civil War and the brutal reality of the system, showing how, despite facing relentless violence and dehumanization, African enslaved people were able to find strength in community and refuse to let their spirits be broken. Even when the people, systems, and government actively worked against them, they never gave up.
There are moments in the book that are deeply painful to witness—these details were devastating but important, as they shed light on the many ways that oppression manifested.
This book is a beautiful, frustrating, anger-inducing, and ultimately incredible read. It expands your perspective in a way that’s hard to ignore. Join Junie on this journey and witness the fight, the growth, and the unbreakable strength that comes from facing unimaginable adversity.

Junie is a remarkable novel. Set in Alabama, before the Civil War, this character driven story tells the story of enslavement through the eyes of Junie, a young woman coming of age in an impossible and cruel era in American history. Her internal struggles, vulnerability and bravery is elegantly and authentically written. Junie is based on the author's great, great, great grandmother and is truly an unforgettable character. Junie is haunted by the ghost of her sister and conflicted by the possibility of a blossoming romance all while navigating through the terror of slave owners that easily separate families. I loved this book and will long remember the amazing writing that painted such a poignant and vivid picture of slavery that was thought provoking and unforgettable. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this excellent novel.

This was a fantastic and thought-provoking story. Junie, a creative and brave dreamer, spends her life on a plantation primarily tending to the master's daughter, Violet. As Violet prepares for marriage, Junie begins to see the harsh realities of her own enslavement with new clarity. I really enjoyed Junie as a character—her strength and resilience made her journey compelling. There is a touch of romance in the story, which I appreciated, though I wasn’t as fond of the light paranormal element. While it helps drive the plot and reveal family secrets, it didn’t entirely work for me. That said, this novel does an incredible job of confronting historical realities, making it both engaging and impactful.

Erin Crosby Eckstine's debut novel, Junie, is a poignant exploration of resilience, identity, and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of pre-Civil War Alabama. The story centers on Junie, a sixteen-year-old enslaved girl on the Bellereine Plantation, who, while grappling with the grief of her sister Minnie's death, inadvertently awakens her spirit. This supernatural encounter propels Junie on a journey of self-discovery, unearthing buried family secrets and challenging the boundaries of her constrained existence.

Eckstine intertwines elements of magical realism with historical fiction which was an interesting read. Junie is a testament to the enduring spirit of Black womanhood, highlighting the strength required to seek freedom and self-definition in the face of insurmountable odds. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate richly layered tales that blend the ethereal with stark reality, offering a fresh perspective on historical narratives through the lens of magical realism.

Junie is a 16 year old slave who lost her parents at a young age. Surrounded by family, she is the "maid" to Violet, the young white lady of Bellereine. She grew up with Violet, who taught her to read. Between her family and Violet, all she knows is Bellereine. The mistress of Bellereine is trying to hold the plantation together, dealing with the financial repercussions of her husbands drinking. However, her husband dotes on Violet. One day on one of his all to infrequent visits, he comes home with the pronouncement that he has invited a wealthy young gentleman from New Orleans and his sister to visit. Violet's mother realizes that such a match for Violet would restore Bellereine's fortunes. Junie forms a friendship with the visitor's coachman, Caleb.

In the meantime, Junie is grappling with the death of her sister Minnie. Thus, the plot line is weaved between grief, the reality of leaving everything she knows, watching Violet turn into something she doesn't recognize, and moving on.

Junie has spent her life on the plantation tending to the masters daughter, Violet. While Junie is their slave, she and Violet have a close friendship. That doesn’t keep Junie from roaming the woods in the dark of night though. When a wealthy family comes through and Violet’s marriage is imminent, Junie’s sister Minnie’s spirit comes back to seeks Junie’s help becoming truly free.

I really enjoyed this book! The ghost of it all threw me off a bit, but I ended up truly loving Minnie and the role she played in the story. This is also another book where the authors note is a must read/listen…I really loved learning more about the inspiration for this story. This is not an easy read by any means, but it was so well done and I truly enjoyed every second of it! So many life emotions are covered, and done so well! I did this one on audio and it was fantastic!

Thank you to @randomhouse and @prhaudio for my gifted copy of this book!

Oh, I loved this book so much.

I am not much of a historical fiction reader but I am so glad I went outside my usual genres for this book. Junie was such an easy character to root for and connect with. Despite all the ways in which we are different, at the end of the day Junie is just a girl with hopes and dreams, fears and regrets, desires and longings. She was such a full character that left nothing to be desired in terms of her story and character arc.

Sad and maddening and sickening in all the ways one would expect a book about a slave girl working on a cotton plantation in pre Civil War America to be, I appreciate that this offered so much more than just the horrors. They are there, of course, but so is joy and love and romance and hope.

The only part that didn’t work for me was the ghost aspect. I can see how it is used to explore grief and a connection with ancestors, but it kind of took me out of some of the more pivotal moments.

Overall a fantastic read.

Set on the cusp of the Civil War in 1860 America, this was an incredibly moving and lyrical historical fiction debut inspired by the author's own family history about Junie, a young Black house maid and slave who is grieving her sister Minnie's recent death and navigating life working for the Bellereines on their Alabama Plantation.

I loved how much Junie was a dreamer, she loves poetry and finds herself falling for Caleb, another Black slave. After a traumatic incident causes her to take drastic actions, Junie is visited by her sister's spirit in a unique twist I wasn't expecting.

Full of Black joy, queer love, secrets and race/class tensions, this was great on audio and definitely worthy of its GMA book club sticker! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine is just a slice of a young slave woman’s life, but certainly enough to let the reader know she will make it in this world. What she has lived through is horrendous and she is still hanging in, although by the end she is in the throes of escape. To escape she gives up her entire life and the lives of people she loves. It is heart-breaking, but at the same time, reassuring. Junie has darker skin than house slaves normally do and she is the owner’s daughter’s best friend. Violet had taught her to read, which was the most invaluable gift she’s ever been given, and she passed it on. Her mother was dead, as was her sister. She still had grandparents who worked here at Bellereine. Her grandfather was Mr McQueen’s driver, and as Mr McQueen was gone for weeks at a time, so was her grandfather. Then came visitors. A man and his sister, and his driver/valet, Caleb. Eventually the man married Violet. He had plenty of money but no land. He was a cruel man. Violet would have land. Caleb became Junie’s friend, and so much more.

An interesting depiction of the life of a slave before the Civil War. Junie was a character one could not help but like, but she was a free spirit and that got her in no end of trouble. She’s be out in the woods at night, fall asleep, and return home late. Everyone covered for her. She was not real good at her job, but she tried. She met Caleb and thought he was stuck-up. Turns out he wasn’t and before too long he saw her point of view. They were both interesting and well-written characters to pull so much empathy out of the reader. The plot was different than most slave stories and yet strangely the same. Interesting in its horror. Well done.

I was invited to read Junie by Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine #ErinCrosbyEckstine #Junie

This is a beautifully written, magical book about a young enslaved woman, Junie, in pre-civil war Alabama, Junie's life is terrifying and hard, but not without beauty and hope. Her sister has died, but returned as ghost to guide Junie along in life. The ghost and touch of magical realism is perfect in the novel. The characters are all nuanced and real. This book would be perfect for a book group.

Beautifully written, powerful story, full of emotion and history. A worthwhile read for anyone who prefers to learn a bit of history through the eyes and experiences of such a lovingly constructed character. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

This was such a beautiful story. A debut novel about a subject that is not talked about very much. A story that will draw you in and have you cringing at things that happened. A story about slavery in Alabama in the 1800s right before the Civil War. This one is about families during the time when black people were treated property. Not even as good as animals in many cases. Also the story of two friends during this time. And a love story....

Junie is a sixteen year old slave girl. She's the maid to a white girl, Violet McQueen. As you get to know this young lady you will see how much she grows. How she fights for what she wants even when it seems she is giving up or being lazy.

Junie is Violet's maid. Though much darker that most housemaids, Violet seems to care for her. Claims she is her best friend. Yes they grew up together. Violet taught Junie how to read. How to write. They are almost as close as sisters. But they are not sisters. One is the maid and the other her master.

I loved Junie. She was so full of hope and laughter. So full of life. When she meets Caleb her life changes. They fall for each other over a matter of months. Caleb is the slave to guests who came to stay with the McQueens for a week. Everyone's life takes a big turn after this visit. Including Violet and Junie. Violet is to marry and Junie doesn't want to have to leave her family. This is the way of things back then. In a heartbeat families were torn apart. A slave owner would decide to sell a slave and it didn't matter that they were someones child or mother. It was the way of things. A cruel heartless way of things.

This story is a lot. It's history. It's a love story. Maybe two love stories. It's a story of hope. Of finding ones self. Of new beginnings. A story of hope. Hope for better things...

Don't miss the Author's notes at the end. So much info...

Thank you #NetGalley, #RandomHousePublishing, #Ballantine, for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

Junie is an enslaved girl that works in the main house as a ladies' maid. She considers herself to be friends with Violet, who taught her to read and indulges her by letting her borrow books and even clothes. But can an enslaved girl and the master's daughter ever truly be friends?

I thought this was a well written book. I hadn't really read a book like this, where it treats slavery almost casually in some regards. For Junie, it is her life. She has one of the best jobs and her grandparents and aunt are with her. We see her grief over the loss of her sister. She thinks she grieves differently, more deeply, than her family, and has survivor's guilt. It's an interesting dynamic between her family and the family she serves, and how quickly things can change.