Today I’ve got a spotlight on a book called The Wedding Gift by Marlen Suyapa Bodden which releases today. Taking place in the 1800’s and dealing with slavery and racism makes this is exactly the kind of book I like to read. It’s on my list – well the audio version is and I’m looking forward to it. In the meantime I’m going to share with you what the book is about as well as some info on the author. Be sure to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a copy at the end of the post!
ABOUT THE WEDDING GIFT
Told from the alternating perspectives of a young slave girl and the wife of an abusive plantation owner, THE WEDDING GIFT (St. Martin’s Press; September 24, 2013) is a brilliant exposé on the evil of human bondage, a heartbreaking exploration of what-might-have-been and a meticulously researched historical tale of courage, escape and redemption.
Sarah is the daughter of a tyrannical plantation owner, Cornelius Allen, and his slave concubine, Emmeline. We meet Sarah at a pivotal time in her young life when she is beginning to understand the implications of her situation on the plantation and is also beginning to notice undeniable physical similarities between herself and Clarissa, the white daughter of Allen and his wife. The complicated, strained and emotionally fraught relationship between the two young girls grows through the years until it dramatically culminates when Allen gives Sarah to Clarissa as a wedding gift upon her marriage to an influential Southern gentleman.
THE WEDDING GIFT is ultimately a story about complicated bonds and compelling female relationships that will appeal to readers of The Help and The Secret Life of Bees. The final pages will surprise you and leave you breathless.
Buy at Amazon, Amazon Canada, and B&N
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Marlen Suyapa Bodden is a lawyer at The Legal Aid Society in New York City, the nation’s oldest and largest legal services organization. She has more than two decades’ experience representing poor people and low-wage and immigrant workers, many of whom are severely underpaid, if paid at all.
She drew on her knowledge of modern and historical slavery, human trafficking, and human rights abuses to write The Wedding Gift, her first novel.
On May 20, 2012, the University of Rhode Island conferred on Marlen an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Marlen is a graduate of New York University School of Law and Tufts University.
Marlen’s website, Facebook, and Twitter
GIVEAWAY DETAILS (US/Canada)
I have one copy of The Wedding Gift by Marlen Suyapa Bodden to share with my readers. To enter…
- Leave a comment for 1 entry to the giveaway.
- Tweet, share on Facebook, or blog for 2 extra entries.
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on October 8/13. Good luck!
Source: Giveaway copy provided by the publisher. No compensation was received for this post.
Sounds like a great book. I will add it to my list.
This book sounds fascinating! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I win a copy!! Yaaay!
P.S. I’ll also share this offer on FB!
Like the title of this book.
Sounds very interesting! Thanks for the giveaway.
A wonderful feature which would be enjoyable. Many thanks.
This novel sounds memorable and special. Thanks for this lovely giveaway.
Would love to read this story.
Sounds like interesting American historical fiction. Please enter me.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I tweeted: http://t.co/EFErLvComu
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
This sounds like such an interesting book.
Would love to read.
I have posted to facebook and tweeted this.
This book interests me greatly. Thanks for a special giveaway.
I’m not sure if I’m disturbed or intrigued, but either way, would love to read it.
Will share on Twitter in just a minute.
This looks like a great read and I will definitely look for it, historical fiction reader and writer that I am! Good luck with your launch!
Looks like a great read!
Such a unique point of view. I would love to read this book.
I liked the sound of this book since I first heard about it. I’m pleased to see new books arriving on the scene that deal with this aspect of American history. Every generation needs to be aware of it. Thanks for the giveaway.
I also tweeted a link to this post: https://twitter.com/carlrscott/status/382559519064072194
A fascinating part of our past that was never talked about in our American history classrooms or books!
Shared on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/karen.p.barnett
Sounds good
I love books set during this time period in American history. I have added this book to my TBR list. It sounds like one I will really enjoy.
I’m looking forward to reading this. Congrats on the debut novel. Thanks for the opportunity.
Carol L
This sounds like the best book I have read about all year.
I tweeted. joekathbia
I posted to facebook.
loved “The Help”….this sounds interesting….
Hi there,
Sounds like a good book. I tweeted (Margaret @ReadingWithMe) and posted on my Facebook group page (https://www.facebook.com/justonemorechapterplease).
This book sounds like an intriguing story, with a history lesson as well. Thanks for the giveaway.
I have this one on my wish list!
This book sounds so very interesting. I would really love to read it. Thank you for the chance to win.
This one sounds good. I’m adding it to my list. Thanks for the chance to win!
This sounds like an interesting book and I thank you for the chance to win a copy.
I tweeted:
https://twitter.com/texaggs2000/status/382937738288193536
This book sounds so good. I love reading about the 1800’s. Please enter me. Thanks!
Shared on Facebook as Anita Yancey.
I love historical fiction and this one has gotten some good reviews. Thanks for this giveaway!
laurafabiani at videotron dot ca
I enjoyed this article. It is a book I would like to read. Please put my name in for a chance to win. I also shared on my Facebook page for a second chance. Thanks!
Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com