This book, although fiction, is based on the facts of history. Just within the first few pages, one begins to have their eyes opened to the horrors and inequities brought on by slavery in the United States. While many of us have from time to time faced internal questions that we are forced to ask ourselves when facing our future, most of us have not had such a questionable future as the slaves of the 19th century. I am grateful that this book has started to bring to light the heartbreak caused for many by slavery. This book was also easier to read than other books that bring to light slavery as there is less slang and dialogue from the 19th century contained in the story. A truly eye opening read.