Very strong sense of place and time. I find that a lot of historical fiction I read featuring enslaved characters don't often delve too much into the Reconstruction Era. I appreciate that this book is an honest look at that period and doesn't treat Emancipation as "happily ever after" for those who were formerly enslaved. I would have liked to have learned a little more about Felix's daughter and granddaughter who we seem to only serve to set up the framing narrative and flashbacks.

TW: Violence and use of the "n" word.

Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advanced reader e-book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers for an advanced copy of Red Clay. Charles Francher does an outstanding job weaving together the lives of an African American family and their white owners. A fast paced novel which showcases how through much pain and adversity humans can find hope and compassion. A great read and worth the time !

Red Clay is a biographical look back at the life of Felix from Civil War era slave to a successful free man. At Felix’s funeral, his family notice a white woman in attendance. She has come to find out what ultimately happened to Felix. Felix and his family were owned by a fair plantation owner who seems to really take care of his ‘property’. But then an incident in Felix’s young life with the owner, sets in motion a secret that will influence his entire life. The story is fast paced and unpredictable which makes you want to keep reading.

i accidentally reviewed another book with a title similar to this one. i haven't read this yet and will come back here and review this book after i have