BKMT READING GUIDES



 
Graphic,
Informative,
Insightful

7 reviews

Wench: A Novel (P.S.)
by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Published: 2011-01-25
Paperback : 293 pages
8 members reading this now
23 clubs reading this now
12 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 6 of 7 members

Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is startling and original fiction that raises provocative questions of power and freedom, love and dependence. An enchanting and unforgettable novel based on little-known fact, Wench combines the narrative allure of < ?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Cane River by Lalita Tademy and the moral ...

No other editions available.
Add to Club Selections
Add to Possible Club Selections
Add to My Personal Queue
Jump to

Introduction

Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is startling and original fiction that raises provocative questions of power and freedom, love and dependence. An enchanting and unforgettable novel based on little-known fact, Wench combines the narrative allure of < ?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Cane River by Lalita Tademy and the moral complexities of Edward P. Jones’s The Known World as it tells the story of four black enslaved women in the years preceding the Civil War. A stunning debut novel, Wench marks author Perkins-Valdez—previously a finalist for the 2009 Robert Olen Butler Short Fiction Prize—as a writer destined for greatness.

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

No Excerpt Currently Available

Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

How does slavery dehumanize both the slave and the master?
How does Lizzie change over the course of book? What people or events impact her the most? Explain.
Why does Lizzie choose to return to Tennessee with Drayle at the end of the book? What do you think will happen when she returns South?
by bestseller (see profile) 03/02/11

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

No notes at this time.

Book Club Recommendations

Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
by Nash N. (see profile) 12/10/18

 
  "Wench"by Betty Lou N. (see profile) 02/17/16

A beautifully written book that captures the feelings and conflicts of slaves who find themselves in free territory prior to Emancipation.

 
by Peggy L. (see profile) 07/21/15

 
  "Wench"by Karen W. (see profile) 05/20/13

A well written with more insight about the role of some female slaves and their relationship with the married white owners.

 
  "Wench"by Rachel P. (see profile) 09/20/11

The author has written a powerful book on the master/slave relationship that black people have known about through oral, family histories. It's about time other people learn about some of these stories,... (read more)

 
  "Interesting premise, uninterestingly told."by Aileen C. (see profile) 08/21/11

 
  "Wench"by Teresa T. (see profile) 03/17/11

The book is historical fiction. It takes place in the 1800's, about 10 years before the civil war. The main character is a slave woman who became her master's mistress at a young age. We all agreed... (read more)

 
  "Wench"by Debbie W. (see profile) 03/02/11

The story of four enslaved African women who accompany their Southern male owners to a summer retreat in the free state of Ohio is an interesting premise. Lizzie, the main character, takes an emotional... (read more)

Rate this book
MEMBER LOGIN
Remember me
BECOME A MEMBER it's free

Book Club HQ to over 88,000+ book clubs and ready to welcome yours.

SEARCH OUR READING GUIDES Search
Search




FEATURED EVENTS
PAST AUTHOR CHATS
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Get free weekly updates on top club picks, book giveaways, author events and more
Please wait...