Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson

*** My Review ***

Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson is a powerful and gut-wrenching historical fiction novel set in the Antebellum South. The book tells the story of a young slave girl named Pheby Delores Brown, who is taken away from her mother and sent to the infamous Devil’s Half-Acre slave jail. From there, Pheby must navigate a world of brutality, violence, and oppression, while struggling to hold on to her sense of self and her hope for a better future.

The story delves deep into the raw emotions of love, hate, resentment, fright, loss, and family, whether it be conventional or not.

What sets Yellow Wife apart from other novels set in this time period is Johnson’s unflinching portrayal of the horrors of slavery. Through Pheby’s eyes, we see the daily indignities and abuses that slaves were subjected to, from physical violence and sexual assault to the forced separation of families and the constant fear of being sold to a new owner. Johnson does not shy away from depicting the sheer brutality of this system, and her vivid, evocative writing brings these injustices to life in a way that is both devastating and compelling.

At the same time, Yellow Wife is a deeply personal and emotional story. Pheby is a fully realized character, with her own hopes, dreams, and fears. She is a young woman who longs for freedom and the chance to reunite with her mother, but who also understands the risks and dangers of trying to escape. She is a survivor, but she is also vulnerable, and Johnson does an excellent job of balancing these different aspects of Pheby’s character.

Throughout the book, Johnson also explores the theme of family, both conventional and not. We see the devastating impact that slavery has on families, as loved ones are separated and lost due to nobody simply caring. But we also see the ways in which slaves form their own families, creating bonds of love and loyalty that are just as strong as any blood ties. Johnson’s portrayal of these relationships is both heart-warming and heart-breaking, and it underscores the fundamental humanity of the slaves in a way that is both powerful and poignant.

One of the most impressive things about Yellow Wife is the way that Johnson is able to weave together different threads of the story to create a complex and nuanced portrait of slavery. In addition to Pheby’s story, we also see the perspectives of other slaves and slave owners, as well as free black people who are fighting for abolition. Johnson’s research is meticulous and her attention to detail is impressive, but she never loses sight of the emotional heart of the story.

Another thing that makes Yellow Wife such a powerful read is the way that Johnson explores the theme of agency. Despite the fact that Pheby is a slave, she is never simply a passive victim. Throughout the book, we see her making choices and taking action, even in the face of overwhelming odds. She forms alliances with other slaves, she uses her intelligence and wit to try to outmaneuver her captors, and she ultimately takes control of her own fate. Johnson’s portrayal of Pheby as a strong and resourceful young woman is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, and it makes her story all the more compelling.

But Yellow Wife is not just a story about one woman’s struggle to survive. It is a stark and unflinching look at the atrocities of slavery, and Johnson never shies away from depicting the horror and dehumanization that defined this period in history. This novel is not for the faint of heart, as the graphic scenes of violence and abuse may be difficult for some readers to stomach.

However, amidst the darkness, there is also hope. We see the rising up of valiant men and women who refuse to be silenced, who find their voices and their footholds even in the face of unspeakable evil. Yellow Wife is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to be found.

Ultimately, Yellow Wife is a book that will stick with you long after you finish reading it. Johnson’s writing is beautiful and evocative, and she has created a cast of characters who are both unforgettable and deeply human. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable cruelty and injustice, and it is a powerful reminder of the ongoing legacy of slavery in America.

Are you ready to be transported to a world where the pages of a book encourage you to reflect on the prejudices that still exist in our society?

This book will make you question your own biases and challenge you to keep moving forward. Whether it’s the color of your skin, your religion, sex, age, physicality, or wealth, this book is a reminder that we all have a part to play in remedying the disparities that still exist in our society.
But it’s not just about the message, it’s also about the writing style.

The author of this book has a unique way of weaving heart-breaking stories from dark periods in history that will stay with you long after you finish the book. The way the author writes is so engaging that it urges the reader to research and learn more about the past.

Are you ready to be inspired to be a part of the solution? Then pick up Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson and get ready to be moved to action.