Wench: A Novel

I am an avid reader and audile listener, I found this book reviting, moving, and explosive! I would highly recommend this book to any reader interested in learning about the history of this country and seeking a realistic look into slavery. I was left speechless!

This is a genre that I particularly enjoy, so I had high hopes for Wench. I thought it was solid literary fiction, but nothing exceptional, albeit an intriguing topic. The character development was flat as I had difficulty sorting out the slave women and masters until the focus shifted to one particular slave/master relationship. The book ended very abruptly. As a matter of fact, it seemed like Perkins-Valdez couldn't figure out how to end it and thus took a wimpy way out. If you would like to read a book of this ilk, I would highly recommend The Kitchen House. Wench is not bad, it's just not that good.

I really enjoyed the audio Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez from Audible.com. Quincy Tyler Bernstine did such an amazing job narrating this and capturing and expressing the varying emotions of the characters. Quincy was really able to effectively present each character in a way that was relatable and gave me, as a reader, a real feel for that time period.
I thought Wench was an amazing debut novel. It tells the story of Tawana House, an American resort located in Ohio just before the Civil War. Tawana House was frequented by quite a few southern plantation owners who brought their slave mistresses with them which caused quite a bit of gossip for the northerners. Wench mainly focuses on the story of 4 particular women who are brought to Tawana House by their owners. Lizzie, Reenie, and Sweet, who have visited several times, are introduced to Mawu, whose unpredictable behavior and blunt honesty help the others to face some truths and begin to feel things they have never allowed themselves to feel. Most of all, hope.
One of the things that fascinated me the most was that Tawawa House actually existed. I guess that shouldn’t be so surprising, but I can see how learning about this place could inspire someone as talented as this author to tell its story. And I felt that Dolen Perkins-Valdez told it brilliantly. Even presenting such a painful subject as slavery and all the horrors that accompany it, while at times it was uncomfortable to read about, the characters were so engaging that I wanted to know their stories, however painful they may be. I was intrigued by the concept that, although these women were forced into a carnal relationship with their “owners” and even to have their children, some of the women considered themselves to be in love. The dynamic between all involved was as fascinating as it was disturbing. I was definitely presented with perspectives I had never before considered.

The booked started off great. It maintained my interest until the very end. However, the book ended as if it were moving on to the next chapter. The final chapter dropped off like the author ran out of time. The terrible end ruined the book.

The Reader was Excellent! Story was ok and I did enjoy the book It is just that I've read this kind of thing before. The other thing I would mention is the book is not a feel good kind of read I always felt a little sad while reading and even a short while after turning it off. So If you need a pick me up put this on off for a while, but still read because we should know how bad it is in bondage I feel it is worth the read and everyone should know the truth.

Well read - gave an authenticity to the book with the choice of reader.

Perked my interest - wanted to know what would happen next.

Being able to portray the character so well.

Great book! Would recommend it!

Very enjoyable book that never lagged. You will not be bored if you like this genre.

I love the period and the view point of the slaves

Kitchen house - similar time period

Wasn't as compelling as some, but still an excellent read

At the very top of the list.

ANY KNOWN BLOOD. The story takes you from girlhood to womanhood and has you inside the minds and hearts of the people and their circumstances as they are controlled seemly by the universe. Yet in their despair they know who they are and what is right, true and decent despite desperate circumstances.

Warmth and intimacy

Hmmm… I would have to think about that

I like books about cultures I don't know and this was one. A vacation spot for slave owners and their concubines was new to me, especially in Ohio. The author did a good job of covering a wide spectrum of thuoght by both slaves and owners and the ending was very realistic and beliveable.