Sadeqa Johnson's Yellow Wife is widely praised for its vivid portrayal of historical events and compelling character development. Reviewers appreciate the book’s emotional depth and gripping narrative. However, some critique its pacing, noting a slower middle section. Overall, it is highly regarded for its evocative storytelling and strong, resonant themes.

Readers who enjoy gripping, historical fiction with strong, resilient female protagonists will be drawn to Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson. It will appeal to fans of The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom and The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, offering a powerful, emotive narrative set against the brutal backdrop of American slavery.

Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson tells the story of Pheby Delores Brown, the daughter of an enslaved woman and a white plantation owner in 19th-century Virginia. Pheby's journey takes her from a plantation to Devil’s Half Acre, where she must navigate her survival under a jailer who controls the sale and transport of enslaved individuals. She strives to protect her loved ones, endure internal conflicts, and make difficult choices to maintain her children's dignity. This book discusses slavery and its effects, and it also contains graphic accounts of physical and sexual violence.

Dark / Emotional / Mysterious / Melancholic / Unnerving

- Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson is inspired by the harrowing true story of Mary Lumpkin and her life at the infamous Lumpkin's Jail, which was known as the "Devil's Half Acre" in Richmond, Virginia.
- The novel was a finalist for the 2021 Library of Virginia's People's Choice Award for Fiction, showcasing its impact and resonance with readers.
- Johnson meticulously researched antebellum history and visited historical sites in Virginia, such as the Richmond Slave Trail, to bring authenticity to the novel's setting and themes.

Sadeqa Johnson

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Yellow Wife and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Yellow Wife Summary and Study Guide

Background

Yellow Wife Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Bell Plantation, Charles City, Virginia, 1850”

Part 1, Chapters 1-5

Yellow Wife Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-9

Yellow Wife Part 1, Chapters 6-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Devil’s Half Acre”

Part 2, Chapters 10-15

Yellow Wife Part 2, Chapters 10-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 16-21

Yellow Wife Part 2, Chapters 16-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 22-26

Yellow Wife Part 2, Chapters 22-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Bully Trader”

Part 3, Chapters 27-32

Yellow Wife Part 3, Chapters 27-32 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 33-36

Yellow Wife Part 3, Chapters 33-36 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 37-Epilogue

Yellow Wife Part 3, Chapter 37-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Yellow Wife Character Analysis

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Themes

Yellow Wife Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Yellow Wife Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Yellow Wife Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Yellow Wife Essay Topics

Yellow Wife

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Yellow Wife?

Reading Age

Book Details