4.18
Part of "Lowcountry Tales" series
"Plantation," by Dorothea Benton Frank, is a captivating and heartwarming story that explores the complexities of family, love, and the power of place. Set in the lush and picturesque landscape of the South Carolina lowcountry, the novel follows the journey of a young woman, Caroline Wimbley Levine, who returns to her family's plantation, Redcliffe, after the death of her beloved grandmother. Caroline has spent years trying to escape the memories and traditions of her Southern upbringing, but now she must confront her past and the legacy of her family. As she settles into life at Redcliffe, she discovers that the plantation is in need of serious repairs and that her grandmother has left her with a mountain of debt. In order to save Redcliffe, Caroline must turn to the very things she has been running from: her family, her heritage, and the land itself. Throughout the novel, Frank weaves together the stories of the women who have come before Caroline, from her grandmother, a fiercely independent woman who ran Redcliffe as a successful farm, to her great-grandmother, a former slave who was married to the plantation's owner. These stories provide a rich and nuanced portrait of the South and its complex history, and they serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience of women throughout the ages. "Plantation" is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that will transport readers to the heart of the South. With its vivid descriptions of the lowcountry landscape, its unforgettable characters, and its exploration of the ties that bind us to our past, this novel is a true delight. Whether you're a fan of Southern fiction or simply looking for a compelling and thought-provoking read, "Plantation" is a novel that is not to be missed...
Sue Monk Kidd
The Secret Life of Bees
Like 'Plantation', 'The Secret Life of Bees' is set in the South and explores themes of family, race, and identity. The novel tells the story of Lily, a 14-year-old girl who runs away from her abusive father and finds refuge with a group of beekeeping sisters in a small town in South Carolina.
Learn MoreSue Monk Kidd
The Invention of Wings
This novel, like 'Plantation', explores themes of race and identity in the American South. 'The Invention of Wings' tells the story of Sarah Grimké, a historical figure who was an abolitionist and women's rights advocate, and her slave Hetty 'Handful' Grimké. The novel is set in Charleston, South Carolina, and follows the lives of these two women as they fight for their freedom and their rights.
Learn MoreKathryn Stockett
The Help
This bestselling novel is set in Mississippi during the civil rights movement and tells the story of a young white woman who returns home from college and becomes friends with two black maids. Together, they tell the stories of their lives and the challenges they face in a society that is deeply divided by race.
Learn MoreSarah Addison Allen
The Sugar Queen
If you're looking for a lighter read that still has some of the Southern charm of 'Plantation', you might enjoy 'The Sugar Queen'. This novel tells the story of a young woman named Josey who lives in a small town in North Carolina and is obsessed with sweets. Her life is turned upside down when a mysterious stranger appears in her closet and changes everything.
Learn MorePat Conroy
The Prince of Tides
Like 'Plantation', 'The Prince of Tides' is set in the South and explores themes of family and identity. The novel tells the story of Tom Wingo, a high school football coach who travels to New York City to help his sister, who is suicidal. As he tries to help her, he is forced to confront the demons of his own past and the secrets that have long been hidden in his family.
Learn MoreAlice Walker
The Color Purple
This classic novel tells the story of Celie, a young black woman living in the American South in the early 20th century. Celie is abused and mistreated by her family, but finds solace in her friendship with a singer named Shug Avery. Through her relationship with Shug, Celie learns to find her voice and stand up for herself.
Learn MoreSarah Addison Allen
Garden Spells
This novel, like 'Plantation', has a strong sense of place and tells the story of a family of women who have the ability to grow magical plants. When a stranger comes to town, the women are forced to confront their past and the secrets that have long been hidden in their garden.
Learn MorePat Conroy
The Great Santini
Like 'Plantation', 'The Great Santini' is set in the South and explores themes of family and identity. The novel tells the story of a Marine fighter pilot and his family, {
Learn MoreLawrence Hill
The Book of Negroes
This novel tells the story of Aminata Diallo, a young girl who is captured in Africa and sold into slavery in the American South. As she fights for her freedom and her rights, she becomes involved in the American Revolution and the abolitionist movement.
Learn MoreKathleen Grissom
The Kitchen House
This novel tells the story of a young Irish girl named Lavinia who is sent to work in a Virginia plantation. As she grows up and becomes part of the plantation family, she is forced to confront the harsh realities of slavery and the deep divisions that exist between the races.
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