Jubilee

Rating:
Summary: Not EXACTLY joyful... but a good read nonetheless!
Review: I found Margaret Walker's Jubilee to be a very engrossing story about a mulatto Southern woman named Vyry and her struggles to survive before, during, and after the Civil War. I was especially impressed with Walker's descriptions of Vyry's girlhood; from the morose day when Vyry's biological mother (a Black slave) died to Vyry's first attempts at loving and being loved by someone else, Walker makes the reader feel as if he or she were right there living through all of the joy, heartache, and pain with Vyry. My only problem with Jubilee is that at times the story seemed to drag (most especially when Walker was explaining the political climate of the time) and, although I am an African American Studies major, I found myself flipping through most of the second half of the story simply because it started to bore me! I wonder if this was Walker's debut novel and hence that was the reason why it did not come off as polished as it could of been? Anyhow, I would definitely recommend this book to someone who knows little to nothing about the hardships that Blacks, mulattos, and poor Whites had to face during the Civil War. To get the emotional side of being a Black woman during this time period, however, I would advise reading Toni Morrison's "Beloved" first.

Rating:
Summary: Triumph
Review: I must admit that originally I chose this book because it was the only book on the reading list that I could find at the time. While I read, I came to appreciate the book for its deeper meanings and the lingering images of slave life found in the novel. This narrative tells the true story of the black slaves before, during, and after the Civil War; and the struggles they had to overcome. This novel details the human triumph over the despairs of slavery and dispels the stereotype of the black slave. This in depth story proves the ability of the slaves to have a full range of emotions, not just hatred. For Vyry, the creation of new life offers her salvation. She is blessed with children, and when she comes to a new town she is offered a home because of her skills as a midwife. While white skin is seen as a symbol of civilization, to Vyry it is only a point of further pain under the hand of Big Missy (Salina) who sees it as her duty to put Vyry in her place. In each new home, Vyry feels a sense of renewed hope offered to her by the color of her skin and the sense of freedom that comes with being in a new place. Even when that hope is consumed by the flames of the KKK, she is able to find release by turning to God. Omens at the opening of the novel further emphasize the brutalities of the slave owners and the vagaries of nature because of the twists of fate that allow hatred and death to continue. Walker uses these vivid images to convey the triumph of the human spirit and the true glory of God through man.

Rating:
Summary: Triumph
Review: I must admit that originally I chose this book because it was the only book on the reading list that I could find at the time. While I read, I came to appreciate the book for its deeper meanings and the lingering images of slave life found in the novel. This narrative tells the true story of the black slaves before, during, and after the Civil War; and the struggles they had to overcome. This novel details the human triumph over the despairs of slavery and dispels the stereotype of the black slave. This in depth story proves the ability of the slaves to have a full range of emotions, not just hatred. For Vyry, the creation of new life offers her salvation. She is blessed with children, and when she comes to a new town she is offered a home because of her skills as a midwife. While white skin is seen as a symbol of civilization, to Vyry it is only a point of further pain under the hand of Big Missy (Salina) who sees it as her duty to put Vyry in her place. In each new home, Vyry feels a sense of renewed hope offered to her by the color of her skin and the sense of freedom that comes with being in a new place. Even when that hope is consumed by the flames of the KKK, she is able to find release by turning to God. Omens at the opening of the novel further emphasize the brutalities of the slave owners and the vagaries of nature because of the twists of fate that allow hatred and death to continue. Walker uses these vivid images to convey the triumph of the human spirit and the true glory of God through man.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Work of Literature to Savor
Review: I read this one as a juvenile and its impact has lasted well into adulthood. I decided to "revisit" it after finishing the controversial "The Wind Done Gone," a work that pales in comparison. Years have not diminished "Jubilee's" place in my heart. It is one of the best on the subject of slavery in America.

If a reader wants to get a fascinating and totally engrossing tale of about the struggles faced by blacks under this system, this is the book to get. Blending realistic characters, humor and heart-wrenching situations, the story is a page-turner.

A true "classic" in the literal and figurative sense, it should be required in all schools.

Rating:
Summary: If you can't handle the truth, don't read this book
Review: I think Walkers "Jubilee" was one of the best books I've read in a long while. Her style of writing is extrordinary and her descriptions of scenery and life in motion are as vivid as if the very letters are living and breathing. If you have your eyes closed to the facts of slavery and don't want to believe that there was (and still is) a violent racist South than don't pick this book up (uh, take a nap and return to your dream world). But if you enjoy a good fiction-based-on-fact novel than I would ABSOLUTELY recommend this book. Please don't think this book is a depressing blood-and-guts one-sided novel, it's simply the elaborate story of one familys struggle and triumph during a time of major change in American history. Walker is up there with fellow authors J. California Cooper and Toni Morrison, and she definitely did her research. You go girl! I recommend "The wake of the Wind" by J. California Cooper if you enjoyed this work.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book!
Review: Jubilee is such an excellent read! I feel like I knew the characters in the book. I especially have deep respect and admiration for Vyry because she is one of the strongest characters I have read that has made a mark in my heart and an going to influence me out through my life.

The books starts of with Hetta, Vyry's mother who dies after bearing so many children. Then, the story unfolds there. Vyry witnesses and experiences some horrible things in her life as a slave. She sees slaves misabuse including herself. She sees that she has no FREEDOM, and she does at one point dream of freedom, but abandons the dream of knowing it will take a while to come true or just excepts the terms that it will never be.

When Vyry and the other slaves are free after the war, this is a beginning of a new life for all of them. But the obstacles are not over yet. Vyry in her own family will experience turmoil and anger from various sources, but this does not make Vyry a bitter woman. It makes her stronger and determine to live a life of being free. She forgives he enemies, and she forgets what they have done to her.

This books is for all invidiuals to read because Jubilee will make you wonder and think about how life was for slaves. It will make you think about your life. It is about how much harshness and cruely that slaves endured. It is a story about how society viewed the wrong kinds of things. It is about how one woman kind enough to forgive all the bad things that happen to her as a slave. It is about the power or forgiveness and hopeness. It is about being human.

Rating:
Summary: Jubilee
Review: Margaret Walker is a remarkable storyteller. She depicts a life of slavery with the utmost detail to where one could literally smell Vyry's wonderful soul food cooking in the "Big House" of "Marster Dutton". This book and the main character moved me as she is displayed as strong black women that truly transcend freedom. Being born a slave and of white descent, she was able to overcome many obstacles in her life due to her mixed heritage. The main ingredient for this piece was the portrayal of enduring Spirit. Her belief in the "Lawd" is what brought her through "the valley of the shadow of death". The strong influence of the black women that came before her can be seen in the strong and persistent nature of Vyry and her consistent doctrine and faith in God. True wisdom is seldom seen but can be witnessed in the simplest lives of some of the most Spirit filled individuals. This book should be required reading for all students of history.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book about Black Women Slaves in the Civil War South
Review: Much has been said about the content of the novel. The enduring part we retain is the fortitude, courage, and perserverance of the Black woman during this time period of sacrifice, humiliation and cruelty. These qualities of spirit gain our respect and admiration. We feel we know the characters and share in their experiences. A must read!
Evelyn Horan - teacher/counselor/author
Jeannie, A Texas Frontier Girl, Books One - Three

Rating:
Summary: A true classic
Review: One word cannot describe this book. Margaret Walker captured the essence of one woman's struggle that represented so many during a period when freedom was an elusive dream. It would take a war and many deaths before African Americans became liberated, only to realize later that the chains of oppression were still evident just manifested in other ways. In JUBILEE, Vyry is born into slavery as a result of a relationship between her mother, Hetta, and the white plantation owner, "Marster Dutton." After Hetta's death, Vyry would be placed in the mansion as a servant to the owners and their children. Her mulatto coloring would elevate her above the station of a regular field hand and qualify her to work in the "Big House." While in the "Big House," Vyry would be subjected to almost daily abuse from the "Big Missy." Sometimes her only peace of mind would come from some of the older slave women who worked in the house. But when they all finally died, leaving her all alone, Vyry starts directing her own life and dreams, even daring to find love with a free black man.

Margaret Walker's JUBILEE is one of the best book written on witnessing the brutalities, triumphs and struggles of African Americans before, during and after the Civil War. In a true account from her ancestors, Walker has written a riveting tale of life as a slave. Her main character, the focal point of the book, is one that left this reader in tears from the hatred she received, but spellbound at the compassion she showed to her abusers. I was captivated by the love she showed for her husband and the stamina she possessed to keep the family and the dream alive. This novel is a fine testament to the life that our forefathers suffered in the pursuit of freedom and should be required reading for all African Americans.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Rating:
Summary: A true classic
Review: One word cannot describe this book. Margaret Walker captured the essence of one woman's struggle that represented so many during a period when freedom was an elusive dream. It would take a war and many deaths before African Americans became liberated, only to realize later that the chains of oppression were still evident just manifested in other ways. In JUBILEE, Vyry is born into slavery as a result of a relationship between her mother, Hetta, and the white plantation owner, "Marster Dutton." After Hetta's death, Vyry would be placed in the mansion as a servant to the owners and their children. Her mulatto coloring would elevate her above the station of a regular field hand and qualify her to work in the "Big House." While in the "Big House," Vyry would be subjected to almost daily abuse from the "Big Missy." Sometimes her only peace of mind would come from some of the older slave women who worked in the house. But when they all finally died, leaving her all alone, Vyry starts directing her own life and dreams, even daring to find love with a free black man.

Margaret Walker's JUBILEE is one of the best book written on witnessing the brutalities, triumphs and struggles of African Americans before, during and after the Civil War. In a true account from her ancestors, Walker has written a riveting tale of life as a slave. Her main character, the focal point of the book, is one that left this reader in tears from the hatred she received, but spellbound at the compassion she showed to her abusers. I was captivated by the love she showed for her husband and the stamina she possessed to keep the family and the dream alive. This novel is a fine testament to the life that our forefathers suffered in the pursuit of freedom and should be required reading for all African Americans.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers