Set in Louisiana in 1828,
Property by Valerie Martin is about Manon Gaudet, married to a sugar plantation owner she cannot stand and her slave Sarah, whom she cannot stand either. Manon takes a lot of her anger and resentment out on Sarah, who in turn is not a likeable character either, slave or not. Manon is unable to conceive, which she is happy about, and we know that it is not her husband's fault, since he has fathered two children with Sarah, the oldest child Walter allowed to roam the plantation when Manon's husband feels like it. Manon's resentment, depression and anger grows. She is missing New Orleans, love and frienship, a life, any life not her own. She is totally unable to take the outstretched hand offered to her by her frustrated husband, and things reach a dramatic climax when a group of rebellious slaves break into the plantation one night.
It struck me that I could not find any sympathy any of the main characters in this story. They were all rather despicable characters, although for various reasons. The writing is clear and cut to the bone. No unneccessary wording or descriptions. The reader is left with a feeling of slight despair on behalf of all characters, although I really didn't like them much. I did like the book though and it is highly recommendable. Now I just need a more non-fiction approach to life in Louisiana in the early 19th Century. Very interesting.
5 comments:
I have this one too. I only read the first page, but the characters did not come across as nice.
I read this book last week. Haven't had the time to review it as yet, but you're right. None of the characters are very sympathetic at all!
This is non-fiction, right? It sounds very similar to the story of a haunted plantation near NOLA.
@Vivienne, you should read it, its quite good and a quick read as well
@Clover, I am looking forward to your review.
@Heidenkind, nope, this is a piece of fiction. But that haunted plantation-story sounds interesting!
I have such a hard time getting into a book that when I don't like the characters. I'll likely pass this by.
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