Wild, Beautiful, and Free
A Novel
Published on 1. March 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
335 pages
978-1-5420-3606-1 (ISBN)
Description
From award-winning author Sophfronia Scott comes the story of one young woman's bold journey to reclaim her birthright and carve out her own place in a world that tells her she doesn't belong.
Born the daughter of an enslaved woman and a Louisiana plantation owner, Jeannette Bebinn is raised alongside her white half sister-until her father suddenly dies. His vindictive wife refuses twelve-year-old Jeannette her inheritance and sells her into slavery.
Now on her own, Jeannette must fight the injustices she faces because of her mixed race. She escapes enslavement and travels from Mississippi to Philadelphia to New York to Ohio, all while searching for purpose, love, and her place in a country torn asunder by the burgeoning Civil War.
Everything seems to fall into place when she meets Christian Robichaud Colchester, the white proprietor of Fortitude Mansion, a safe haven for escaped slaves where Jeannette teaches. But despite their instant connection, Jeannette isn't convinced she belongs in his circle.
In a world that tells her she doesn't fit anywhere, Jeannette must decide what's more important: bending to the expectations of others or embracing her true self.
Born the daughter of an enslaved woman and a Louisiana plantation owner, Jeannette Bebinn is raised alongside her white half sister-until her father suddenly dies. His vindictive wife refuses twelve-year-old Jeannette her inheritance and sells her into slavery.
Now on her own, Jeannette must fight the injustices she faces because of her mixed race. She escapes enslavement and travels from Mississippi to Philadelphia to New York to Ohio, all while searching for purpose, love, and her place in a country torn asunder by the burgeoning Civil War.
Everything seems to fall into place when she meets Christian Robichaud Colchester, the white proprietor of Fortitude Mansion, a safe haven for escaped slaves where Jeannette teaches. But despite their instant connection, Jeannette isn't convinced she belongs in his circle.
In a world that tells her she doesn't fit anywhere, Jeannette must decide what's more important: bending to the expectations of others or embracing her true self.
Reviews / Votes
Praise for Wild, Beautiful, and Free"Skillfully crafted...this evocative novel brings full circle the power of love and forgiveness. A worthwhile and insightful read that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned." -Historical Novels Review
"Fresh and absorbing..." -Ms. Magazine
"Sophfronia Scott's Wild, Beautiful and Free is a lyrical, haunting exploration of the family bonds that nurture and those that wound. A gorgeous story of identity, love, forgiveness and strength; it is a triumph!" -Joy Jordan-Lake, bestselling author of A Bend of Light
"Telling the story of a child of a slave owner and an enslaved woman, Wild, Beautiful, and Free focuses on the individual heartbreaks of slavery and especially on the heroine, a courageous young woman who has to find her own route to becoming a free woman. It's intensely readable-a page-turner set in a vividly described landscape." -Philippa Gregory, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"Stunning in a thousand ways, this spellbinding declaration of wild and beautiful freedom burns so fearless and hot it fairly takes one's breath away. As the mixed-race heiress of a white, slave-owning father fights to survive enslavement, the danger of escape, and the Civil War to reclaim her life's rightful place, her fierce battle rewrites the essence of what it means to be home and free. Sophfronia Scott gets pitch perfect every word, moment, heartbreak, and victory of this young woman's determined struggle. From start to finish, it's a searing and stunning triumph." -Patricia Raybon, author of All That Is Secret: An Annalee Spain Mystery
"Exquisite and bold, Wild, Beautiful, and Free is a lush retelling of Jane Eyre that captures the tumult of the American Civil War and graces it with tones of the everlasting classic that will enchant both old and new readers of the story. Scott honors what makes it beloved while throwing open the doors to a new setting, a new era, always keeping readers on their toes as she balances just enough intrigue to make those familiar with it wonder what will happen next. Highly recommended!" -Camille Di Maio, bestselling author of The Memory of Us
Praise for Sophfronia Scott
"Marvelously dramatic...Brings its era to life with lush detail." -People
"A dazzlingly dark and engaging tale full of heartbreak, treachery, and surprise." -Kirkus Reviews
"Scott will most assuredly be recognized for her superb storytelling." -Booklist
"Scott should take a bow for penning this delicious and infinitely enjoyable read." -Essence
"Highly recommended." -Historical Novel Society
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Seattle
United States
Publishing group
Amazon Publishing
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 209 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
327 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5420-3606-1 (9781542036061)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Sophfronia Scott is the award-winning author of multiple fiction and nonfiction books, including The Seeker and the Monk, This Child of Faith, and Love's Long Line. Her essays, short stories, and articles have appeared in various publications, including Time, the New York Times, Yankee magazine, and O, the Oprah Magazine. She holds a BA in English from Harvard University and an MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and she is the founding director of Alma College's MFA in creative writing. Find out more about Sophfronia and her books on her website, http://sophfronia.com.