This novel from the author of award-winning Small Island is set in Amity, a sugar plantation in Jamaica owned by John Howarth. Narrated in turn by slave woman July and her son Thomas, it doesn’t hold back on the harrowing reality of 19th century slavery.
Howarth’s sister, Caroline, takes up residence at Amity and enlists July as her lady-in-waiting, but July’s role at Amity’s Big House becomes more than maidservant.
Lust, loyalty, violence and injustice make for a heartbreaking but addictive read. You’ll love it if you’re a Toni Morrison fan.
Avoid it if you’re looking for an easy, laugh-out-loud rom-com of a book.
The Lady Loves Books 