This captivating story begins in 1860 in Alabama. Junie and her relatives are enslaved by William McQueen, an alcoholic whose cotton plantation is struggling. Mrs. McQueen is consumed with keeping up appearances. Mr. McQueen meets Beau Taylor, a wealthy merchant, and invites him and his sister, to stay with the family, hoping he will marry Violet, his 17-year-old daughter, and solve their financial problems. Sixteen-year-old Junie, Violet's maid, fears that she will have to leave her family if the marriage occurs. Junie is also grieving the death of her older sister Minnie, who died after she rescued Junie from the river. While visiting Minnie's grave, Junie sees a vision of her sister, who gives her a series of tasks to release her spirit. Family secrets are revealed to Junie, igniting a new desire to escape and gain her freedom.
Inspired by her family history, Erin Crosby Eckstine has created a stirring debut with Junie. It offers a unique portrayal of an enslaved family in the years leading up to the Civil War, with people who have known no other existence. Typically, I am not a fan of books with a fantastical element, but in this case, it worked well and did not overshadow the story's main focus. I was captivated and couldn't put it down.
Many thanks to Ballantine Books | Random House for providing an advance copy of this powerful book with a gorgeous cover.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Historical Fiction.
Publication Date: February 4, 2025.
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