I read this book in high school. In the early 70's, I was bussed to attend a formerly all back high school Many of my friends were sent to private schools because of the fear that white students would receive a poor education. I believe my education was better because I had the opportunity to explore a school library with books such as Margaret Walker's Jubilee. This story is one of harsh realities of life as a slave on a Georgia plantation and the history of the horrific events following emancipation. I truly felt I experienced what Viry experienced and the graphic details made me much more empathetic of the black experience today. Every white person should be required to read at least some of this story in order to improve their perspective and to do their best to end discrimination.