A compelling novel about the slave trade extending beyond this country's borders. Allende paints a vivid picture of the suffering endured by slaves and the complex social hierarchy that resulted with the inbreeding of slave owners and slaves.

Our book club had a lively discussion of this multi-layered book. There is so much to ponder regarding slavery, the broad swaths of history that Allende covered, characters, etc. Great material for book club discussion!

I've read countless books on the perils of slavery, but none quiet as beautifully written as this. There is nothing subtle about this book. It's not a page turner, but stick with it, I promise it is worth it. Sometimes, we have to lose something to find ourselves and that's what this book reveals.