Point of View

The novel is written in first-person from limited perspectives. The opening chapter is from the perspective of Mary Woolsey, one of seven sisters of the Woolsey family. This is the only chapter from her perspective but Mary's sister Georgy takes over the perspective in Chapter 2. From that point, the chapters vary between the perspectives of Georgy Woolsey, Jemma, and Anne-May Wilson Watson. The three characters are very different with very different views and attitudes. Georgy is from a family of abolitionists who are staunch supporters of the Union. Georgy is strong and determined. Her main fault is her inability to address her feelings, especially her feelings for her long-time suitor, Dr. Frank Bacon.

Jemma is slave girl at the Peeler Plantation. She is highly devoted to her family, though not all the members are biological. She is at the mercy of whites, including her owner...