49 pages • 1 hour read
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320
Novel • Fiction
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • 1850s
1857
Adult
18+ years
The Garies and Their Friends follows a multiracial family, the Garies, who move from Georgia to Philadelphia to escape the threat of enslavement and legally marry. They befriend the Ellis family and Mr. Walters, a Black real-estate developer, while facing hostility from their racist neighbors, the Stevens family. The novel explores themes of race, community solidarity, and the challenges faced by free Black people in the antebellum North. The text features depictions of racism, racist violence, and discrimination.
Informative
Challenging
Emotional
Melancholic
Inspirational
311 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Frank J. Webb's The Garies and Their Friends receives praise for its groundbreaking exploration of race relations in 19th-century America, blending social commentary with engaging storytelling. However, critics note the narrative can be uneven and some characters feel underdeveloped. Overall, it's valued for its historical significance and its early contribution to African American literature.
Readers who appreciate examining African American history, race relations, and the struggles of free Blacks in antebellum America will enjoy The Garies and Their Friends by Frank J. Webb. Fans of Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe and Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs will find this novel compelling.
311 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mrs. Emily Garie
The multiracial wife of Mr. Clarence Garie, who navigates the complexities of life in a predominantly white society and the challenges of her family’s circumstances.
Clarence Garie
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Garie, who grapples with his place in society given his multiracial heritage and the expectations that come with it.
Emily Garie
The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Garie, who forges her path within the community while staying true to her roots.
Mr. Charles Ellis
A carpenter and patriarch of the Ellis family, exemplifying hard work and resilience in the face of adversity.
Mrs. Ellis
A homemaker and devoted family member who supports her husband and children through their challenges.
Esther Ellis
The eldest child of the Ellis family, known for her beauty and grace, who contributes to her family's well-being in various ways.
Caroline "Caddy" Ellis
A diligent and straightforward member of the Ellis family with a keen sense of responsibility.
Charlie Ellis
The youngest member of the Ellis family, whose journey from childhood mischief to maturity highlights his adaptability and growth.
Mr. George Stevens
A racist lawyer whose actions are driven by prejudice and personal gain, affecting those around him.
Mrs. Stevens
The homemaker of the Stevens family, connected to the law and prejudice of her husband’s world.
George, Jr.
The son of the Stevens family, embodying the continuation of his father’s prejudiced ways.
Elizabeth "Lizzy" Stevens
A member of the Stevens family who shows kindness and fairness, setting herself apart from her family’s actions.
Kinch de Younge
Charlie Ellis’s close friend who brings humor to their adventures and personal growth as he matures.
Mr. Walters
A respected real-estate developer who serves as a supportive figure for the Ellis family and other characters, enhancing community bonds.
320
Novel • Fiction
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • 1850s
1857
Adult
18+ years
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