Different But the Same: The Antebellum Southern White Aristocracy, Black Slave Community and Plains Indians Society – Intertwined; Combined Together In an Intriguing Novel

Two different lives, but intriguingly identical—one sister born a white, wealthy, member of the Southern Planter Class the other her black slave.

The novel chronicles the lives of the sisters as well as the lives of their families in the years 1838-1863. The sisters share the same father, live on the same plantation, yet due to the rules, the laws of 19^th century Antebellum- Southern society, laws that promote and codify human- bondage slavery, despite their physical and emotional proximity, the girls are forced to maintain a master and slave relationship.

In this enthralling book by Marvin V. Blake entitled “Why,” the reader will be intrigued as the sisters, together experience three differing cultures, intertwined, seemingly diverse, yet ironically, having much in common.
 
In the year 1847, two sisters are born three days apart. Rebecca is the child of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Billings, the Master and Mistress of Rosewood, one of the richest cotton plantations in the antebellum south. While Mandy is the child of Mr. Henry Billings from one of his female black slaves. In the slaveholding Antebellum South, Rebecca and Mandy grew up together, sparking many childhood experiences—the laughter and the sorrow together. But the girls must adhere to the rules and laws that separate the white and black. Miss Eleanor Leary, a young progressive Irish immigrant, is employed to tutor Rebecca and her brother, Jesse, but Rebecca wishes to include her black sister, Mandy, in their lesson. Though terrified of breaking the laws that prohibit teaching slaves to read and write, Miss Leary agrees. This opens a whole new world for Mandy. From her feelings of inferiority, education gave rise to Mandy’s burgeoning new confidence. Feelings and assumptions that inevitably came along with her existence, her being born a black slave, are replaced by feelings of racial pride and self-esteem.

This poignant but eye-opening story examines the 19th-century American culture, and how it sculpted the current behaviors and mindset of individuals. The point of view of the oppressed and the privileged are authentically narrated as if readers are transported backward in time.

Marvin Blake never disappoints readers with his cohesive and descriptive manner of writing, and his passion is sensed on every page. Readers, young and old alike, shall relate and take something from this thought-provoking read.

‘Why’ book copies are available at Amazon.com.
Writer: Marvin V. Blake
Publisher: Page Publishing Inc
Publication Date: March 11, 2015
ISBN-10: 1634179307
ISBN-13: 978-1634179300
Paperback: $19.95
Hardcover: $30.95
Kindle: $9.99
 
About the Author

Marvin V. Blake lives in Maplewood New Jersey. He is a retired Senior Hospital Administrator, and United States Navy Veteran. Marvin’s novels are inspired by his life’s experiences. He graduated from Long Island University-Brentwood Campus & The New School University.

His books “Why,” and “E. Pluribus Unum” are breathtaking historical-fiction novels, that will captivate, entertain, and enlighten readers.

Visit Marvin’s Website at:   Booksbymarvinblake.com

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