Slave and Sister by Sabra Waldfogel – Review & Giveaway (US/UK)

Slave and Sister by Sabra Waldfogel is a sweeping saga that takes you back to the time of the Civil War. This is a story of plantations, slavery, war, love, family, survival, and the bonds we share with those we love. It is a story I loved and will not soon forget.

One is black and one is white but they share a secret and that is that they have the same father, a Jewish plantation owner. Rachel becomes Adelaide’s maid at a young age and the two bond instantly. Adelaide, defying the laws of the times, teaches Rachel how to do figures and to read and Rachel yearning to learn, lets her even though she could be beaten for it. Even when the two learn they are sisters they are still close but only in secret. In public they are maid and mistress.

When Adelaide marries Henry she takes Rachel with her to her new home. Henry, Jewish as well, has many issues with slavery. Henry realizes that to make his cotton plantation successful he needs slaves but the difference is that he believes they should be treated as he would anyone else with the respect they deserve. As Henry and Adelaide’s marriage is one of convenience and with war looming Henry and Rachel finally succumb to the love they feel for each other. Adelaide, hurt, feels anger and hatred towards her sister and it tears them apart. When Henry goes off to war and the sisters are forced together for survival they find that the bond of sisterhood is still strong within them.

This is one fantastic story. I’ve always been partial to stories of slavery and plantations and the author brings this time period vividly alive for the reader. I felt so many emotions especially anger that people had to endure what they did during the time when slavery was allowed. It truly disgusts me that a human being could be considered to be essentially nothing and could be traded or beaten on a whim. The characters in this story are all well developed and although I didn’t live in the times of struggle that they did I still felt connected to them and all they had to go through. It is the mark of a really good book when it touches your heart and that is what Slave and Sister did for me.

Above all this is a beautiful story of survival, hope, and love. Highly recommended!

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