The Prodigy Slave, Book One: Journey to Winter Garden

Blurb:

At the age of nine, Lily is forcefully torn from her mother's arms and sold at a Negro auction by her master, a man that Lily learns that day is her very own father. Seeking solace from such devastation, Lily secretly begins teaching herself to play her new master's piano: an instrument that she is forbidden from touching. Lily becomes an extraordinary pianist and gets away with secretly playing for fourteen years until the master's son, James, discovers her deceit. The “punishment” that James gives Lily starts her on an unprecedented journey that dramatically alters her life and influences the lives of thousands, including a man with great power. Lily's groundbreaking journey also unveils the secret altruistic love of a particular man who has been forbidden from expressing his love to her for years. But the question remains whether or not the strength of his love will be powerful enough to free Lily from the shackles of slavery and protect her dreams and her life while on her turbulent Journey to Winter Garden.

WARNING!!!! Please be advised that this entire series features the following material that some readers may find disturbing, inappropriate, or triggering:

Extreme profanity, racial slurs, extremely graphic violence, sexual misconduct, master/slave intimate relationships, explicit sexual content, violent mistreatment of slaves.

Reader discretion is advised!!!

NOTE: This book is recommended for those who are seeking a very raw, real, deeply emotional, and cerebral story. It is a very long continuous turbulent saga and is, therefore, not recommended for those who are seeking a storyline with instant gratification. It is also not recommended for those seeking escapism that only consists of joyous moments.

Thoughts:

I did not see the note in the blurb until I copied it for this review.

I was seeking a very raw, real, deeply emotional, and cerebral story. I was not seeking escapism that only consists of joyous moments. I was not seeking instant gratification either.

However, the ending seemed like a plot device intended to make people read the sequel(s). I found that irritating. I am a loyal reader. If your book and characters are excellent, I will usually read the series. If I don’t read a book even when I know it is stellar, it means just that the story/characters are not for me.

I don’t know enough to comment on the historical correctness of the content. Yet, the part with Abraham Lincoln and his family seemed unnecessary.

That said, London Skye has captured the innocence of two children who like each other and become friends despite their social and racial differences. She portrays all the characters well.

As the story progressed, I found myself skimming through the pages because they were far too upsetting. It is for this reason that I shall not read the other books in the series. As it is, ever since Black History Month started, I have been reading far too many articles on the same subject.

Note:
I received a free copy of this book from the OnlineBookClub in exchange for an honest review.