BOOK BRIEF

Sapphira and the Slave Girl

Willa Cather
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Sapphira and the Slave Girl

Fiction | Novel | Adult

Book Brief

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Willa Cather

Sapphira and the Slave Girl

Fiction | Novel | Adult
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Back Creek Valley, Virginia • 1850s

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.0

1,829 ratings

62%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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 However, some criticize its pace and portrayal of racial dynamics as outdated.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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sapphira and the Slave Girl?

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.

4.0

1,829 ratings

62%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Back Creek Valley, Virginia • 1850s

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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