If Cotton Could Talk

A Blackwashed 19th Century Pre-Civil War Fictional Story That Depicts The People, Tone And Events Of The Era.

If Cotton Could Talk," is a civil war era historical fiction novel about 19th-century slave life in the South. You will be introduced to a cast of characters; Black mothers and fathers who are fearless, smart, and devoted to family and justice. Heroes and heroines whose leadership gave enslaved people hope. But before freedom comes, they must survive other slaves who prove to be untrustworthy. At the same time ruthless, hostile, hateful men are determined to keep the status quo.

Pre-Civil War, 1850, enslaved people could sense that their lives were going to change. Slaves reasoned that they would not be slaves forever. They developed lasting relationships and worked together across plantations to share information and protect each other. A young girl was taught to read when knowing how to read was banned, punishable by whipping or even death. Her ability to read affected everyone and helped them to prepare for freedom, unbeknownst to slave owners. Once the war began, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation declaring slaves were free, if they were in a rebellion State. The owners were determined to keep their wealth and power over the enslaved even if the South lost the war. The slaves were listening and preparing for revenge and freedom. They would be free but free to do what?

A suspenseful fictional but historically authentic family saga that captures the rhythm of being African American; a style all our own, the way we talk, and the mannerism we all have. The novel describes the fortitude it took to survive and keep your dignity, like the Elders. The characters are easy to root for or against. A thriller as you bond with men and women who maneuver for a better life. There are also humorous moments and distinctive personalities just like you would find today. It is a book about people living under harsh and hostile conditions and still finding a way to keep their dignity! This is their story, an African American story. A story of love, betrayal, revenge, and redemption. A story of families, of strong Black men & women, and how America left their fate to the same people who enslaved them; free to do as they pleased with no repercussions.

Inconsistent Storyline

I liked the overall storyline. but it was just strange to start with one person and end it with a totally different person. I think it could be more enjoyable if it followed Bertha all thr way through. and then we get another book about Sam.

Enough with the company greed not to pay REAL people with flection in their voice,, who will move the listener.

Excellent book. The book itself is well written. When listening to get the feeling of being there when hear the situations occurring with the characters. It’s a very gripping read and if you ask me, a bit too short. It’s captivating! Enjoyed it even though it is a tough subject matter. It’s like looking into history from the not just the slaves perspective, but the slave owners as well. A more in depth take on history, than listening to documentaries on the subject of slavery. Again…excellent story.

Great story; awful AI narration

The story is great and I’d love to see a movie of this. The AI narration was monotone, not distinguishable between characters, making it harder to follow a good story.

Solid listen

Crazy how this still was not that long ago. Solid listen crazy what my people had to do, in those times …

Needs an actual narrator

There were some really likeable characters that I felt for. Of course the storyline is going to be heartbreaking with a hopeful ending. I found this for free on Audible but I don’t like how they autogenerated a narrator instead of paying a human to narrate it. If they did it would feel so much more impactful and have more depth with the characters. Because of this it was extremely easy to zone out and forget what is happening in the story.