Thanks to lovereading. co.uk for providing me with a proof copy of this :-) Check out my review on their website too.

This is the story of two girls who grow up together in the same house in vastly different circumstances. Sarah is the daughter of a white, rich plantation owning family in Charleston and Hetty is a slave girl working for the family. On Sarah’s eleventh Birthday, Hetty is given to Sarah as a gift, wrapped in ribbons. She is to be Sarah’s slave.
Sarah is unusual amongst her society in that she abhors slavery. She tries to set Hetty free but her will is stifled by the greater social pressures of that time and Hetty remains hers. So begins a lifelong relationship which is complex and difficult.
The story alternates between Sarah’s point of view and Hetty’s so chapter by chapter you get an insight into the two girl’s and then women’s lives. I enjoyed the alternating aspect of this as it led to a broader and more diverse read.
The tale spans many years 1803 – 1838 and tracks the girls as they grow and become women. There are many other well drawn characters that both girls interact with. Sarah as she tries to be what society expects of her and fails. Hetty as she finds herself increasingly unhappy with the inequality of the world she lives in. Both girls are on a voyage of self-discovery, each in their own way but each wanting the same ultimate outcome. I admired and respected the messages that the book had to give about equality of not just colour, or race but also between women and men. It is a book that could inspire, teach and remind women today about the importance of equality.
As you would expect in a tale of slavery, there is cruelty and drama but always handled sensitively. The book is based on actual historical events and the 2 sisters – Sarah and Angelina Grimke – are real people. I only realised this after reading the story and it added a lot of credibility and weight to what I had read. It would be good if this was made clear from the start as it makes more sense when viewed in the light of historic worth than just as a novel. Some of the plot choices become a little clearer!
The only criticism I have is that I found the ending a little unsatisfactory. Having been through so much with these women, I didn’t find the closure I would have liked. There is more of the story to be written or so I felt.
I would recommend this book, it’s probably more likely to appeal to a female audience given its feminist values and focus on women as main characters. However, it should also appeal to anyone with an interest in the history of Charleston and the cause for the abolition of slavery.
An inspiring read of historical value.