Book Review

Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE to read. There is nothing like a good book. NOTHING LIKE IT! I just finished Wench by Dr. Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Although, the definition of wench has changes through the ages, the definition in this case is: A black female servant, or a slave concubine.

Note: I'm going to give a brief synopsis of the book. I don't want to get into too many details.




Wench is about the relationships between 4 slave women, and their masters. It takes place at Tawawa House, near Xenia Ohio. Tawawa House was a resort where slave owners brought their wenches, and were able to openly display their relationships. Wench centers around one particular couple Lizzie, and her master Nathan Drayle. It follows the women over several summers.


I recommend this book.




A little history of Tawawa House:

Tawawa House started as a resort where Southern slave owners brought their slave concubines in the summer. Tawawa House was opened between 1852- 1855. It closed because of the openness of the slave owners. After closing, Tawawa House became Ohio African University, which was later named Wilberforce University. Wilberforce University is the oldest, private, predominantly African American University in the nation. It is believed that the children of the slaves, and the slave owners were some of the early students at the university.