Wench

A Novel

De: Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Narrado por: Quincy Tyler Bernstine

An ambitious and startling debut novel that follows the lives of four women at a resort popular among slaveholders who bring their enslaved mistresses.

wench \'wench\ n. from Middle English "wenchel," 1 a: a girl, maid, young woman; a female child.

Tawawa House in many respects is like any other American resort before the Civil War. Situated in Ohio, this idyllic retreat is particularly nice in the summer when the Southern humidity is too much to bear. The main building, with its luxurious finishes, is loftier than the white cottages that flank it, but then again, the smaller structures are better positioned to catch any breeze that may come off the pond. And they provide more privacy, which best suits the needs of the Southern white men who vacation there every summer with their black, enslaved mistresses. It's their open secret.

Lizzie, Reenie, and Sweet are regulars at Tawawa House. They have become friends over the years as they reunite and share developments in their own lives and on their respective plantations. They don't bother too much with questions of freedom, though the resort is situated in free territory, but when truth-telling Mawu comes to the resort and starts talking of running away, things change.

To run is to leave behind everything these women value most - friends and families - still down South, and for some it also means escaping from the emotional and psychological bonds that bind them to their masters. When a fire on the resort sets off a string of tragedies, the women of Tawawa House soon learn that triumph and dehumanization are inseparable and that love exists even in the most inhuman, brutal of circumstances, all while they are bearing witness to the end of an era.

An engaging and wholly original novel, Wench explores, with an unflinching eye, the moral complexities of slavery.

©2010 Dolen Perkins-Valdez (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

AWESOME!!

An awesome story about the intricate, complicated relationships during American slavery. The author captures the reader forcing us to be an onlooker into these lives. I felt transported back in time.
The actress delivery of the story was beautiful. I enjoyed how she changed her voice ever so slightly but naturally as though becoming each character.

New thoughts

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.

WOW.....

What made the experience of listening to Wench the most enjoyable?

The soothing and rich voice

What other book might you compare Wench to and why?

Cane River.....because of the cultural connotations

Which character – as performed by Quincy Tyler Bernstine – was your favorite?

Hard to say

If you could rename Wench, what would you call it?

Wouldn't Rename it....

Any additional comments?

Do Read!

Excellent

Thought provoking and character distinction is wonderful. I never knew about this segment of black history, and yet it’s impacted me and giving me additional strength as a black woman.

Great narrator

I thought the narration was excellent; however the story kind of just stopped. Ending was very weak,

Just Ok

I really like books of this type and i was following pretty good until it ended very flatly. I wanted more resolution of characters.. I guess i will just use my imagination....ohh well

Great book great story

This book was really good to read and kept the reader engaged and curious as to what unfolded next.

An Intimate Read

This story explores the psychological bonds between slaves and their masters and slaves and their friends. At times, it was very difficult to listen to, though I am glad I did. What was happening back then is shameful and difficult to face, making the story heart wrenching. I will say, I was disappointed with the ending. It felt a bit abrupt.

Storyline and narrator!

The storyline was great and the narrator was amazing as always! I loved the way we got to know the characters .

READ IT!!

Do not hesitate to get this book! Excellent book and excellent narration!
I will read it again!!