49 pages • 1 hour read
288
Novel • Fiction
Virginia • 1850s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson tells the story of Pheby Delores Brown, the daughter of an enslaved woman and a white plantation owner in 19th-century Virginia. Pheby's journey takes her from a plantation to Devil’s Half Acre, where she must navigate her survival under a jailer who controls the sale and transport of enslaved individuals. She strives to protect her loved ones, endure internal conflicts, and make difficult choices to maintain her children's dignity. This book discusses slavery and its effects, and it also contains graphic accounts of physical and sexual violence.
Dark
Emotional
Mysterious
Melancholic
Unnerving
79,770 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sadeqa Johnson's Yellow Wife is widely praised for its vivid portrayal of historical events and compelling character development. Reviewers appreciate the book’s emotional depth and gripping narrative. However, some critique its pacing, noting a slower middle section. Overall, it is highly regarded for its evocative storytelling and strong, resonant themes.
Readers who enjoy gripping, historical fiction with strong, resilient female protagonists will be drawn to Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson. It will appeal to fans of The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom and The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, offering a powerful, emotive narrative set against the brutal backdrop of American slavery.
79,770 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
288
Novel • Fiction
Virginia • 1850s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.