Unique take on historical fiction for this time period

I have read a lot of historical southern fiction, and this is a very unique character and point of view the author has presented. I loved how the chapter opens with the setting of a collegiate debate regarding for/against slavery. Being in a more progressive area, the crowd is destined for be on the against side, as is the reader. We expect to hate the character arguing the for, however his wit is tangible. His morally grey demeanor is enticing and we really want that love to hate villain. I wasn't immediately drawn into this story, however this character development has me highly intrigued!