Sapphira and the Slave Girl
Fiction | Novel | Adult
320
Novel • Fiction
Back Creek Valley, Virginia • 1850s
Adult
18+ years
Sapphira and the Slave Girl by Willa Cather is set in 1850s Virginia, exploring the dynamics between Sapphira Colbert, an enslaver, and an enslaved girl named Nancy. Themes of power, race, and morality unfold as Sapphira's suspicions and dynamics within the household escalate, highlighting the complexities and human experiences of individuals in antebellum society.
Mysterious
Dark
Contemplative
Melancholic
Bittersweet
1,829 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sapphira and the Slave Girl by Willa Cather is lauded for its evocative depiction of pre-Civil War Virginia, rich character development, and exploration of moral complexities. However, some criticize its pace and portrayal of racial dynamics as outdated. Cather's narrative skillfully captures the tension between tradition and change, offering both historical insight and literary merit.
A reader who enjoys Sapphira and the Slave Girl by Willa Cather likely appreciates historical novels set in the American South, exploring themes of power and morality. Similar readers might enjoy Beloved by Toni Morrison and The Help by Kathryn Stockett for their rich narratives and exploration of complex social issues.
1,829 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
Back Creek Valley, Virginia • 1850s
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!