WHY by Marvin V. Blake explores race, love, and loyalty in 19th-century America through the lives of two sisters.
Author Marvin V. Blake unveils WHY, a sweeping historical epic that delves into the complexities of race, family, and identity in 19th-century America. Spanning the years 1838 to 1863, the novel chronicles the intertwined lives of two sisters born into starkly different realities — one white, the daughter of Virginia’s elite planter class, and the other black, the child of a slave and the plantation’s master.
Set on the opulent Rosewood Plantation, WHY paints a vivid portrait of the antebellum South, where privilege and oppression existed side by side. The story begins in 1847, when Rebecca Billings and Mandy, her enslaved half-sister, are born just three days apart. Despite their shared upbringing and a deep, unspoken bond, the rigid rules of a racially segregated society dictate their roles: Rebecca as the mistress, Mandy as the servant.
When Miss Eleanor Leary, a progressive Irish immigrant, is hired to tutor the Billings children, she secretly defies the laws prohibiting the education of slaves by including Mandy in her lessons. Through Eleanor’s teachings, Mandy discovers a new sense of self-worth and pride, challenging the oppressive beliefs she has endured since birth.
WHY intricately examines the coexistence of three distinct 19th-century cultures: the privileged world of the Southern white planter elite, the resilience of enslaved black communities, and the noble, nomadic society of the Plains Indians. Through the turbulent events of this era, Rebecca and Mandy are thrust into each of these cultures, grappling with their identities and loyalties.
As their journey unfolds, the sisters face heart-wrenching decisions that test the strength of their bond. Mandy must choose between her lifelong love for her sister Rebecca; And the love that blossoms between her, and a Comanche warrior. These personal struggles play out against the backdrop of a nation divided, offering readers a poignant lens through which to view the intersection of race, love, and loyalty during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. Marvin V. Blake’s WHY is both a deeply personal and historically resonant tale that challenges readers to reflect on the complexities of race, identity, and human connection. With its richly drawn characters and evocative storytelling, the novel is a powerful addition to the canon of historical fiction.
WHY is available now on Amazon.
About the Author:
Marvin V. Blake is a passionate historian and storyteller whose works explore the intricate fabric of America’s past. Through vivid prose and compelling narratives, he brings history to life for readers of all backgrounds.
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