Varina is the daughter of the plantation owner, even though her father is the master, she and Rue grew up together. Rue's skills that had been so valued suddenly become something that others fear. When others begin to fall ill, they blame it on the new child and start to believe that Rue may be a witch. Rue delivers a baby born within its caul and people are scared and superstitious. Miss May Belle is what is known as a Conjure Woman, she is known in the community for her healing and midwifery skills, when she dies, her daughter Rue takes over. The book follows these three before and after the Civil War, we see them during the last years of slavery and the first precarious years of freedom. Three women dominate the story, Miss May Belle, her daughter Rue and their master's daughter Varina. I was so impressed with her writing style, it is rich and vivid, you quickly become immersed in the story she is telling. Conjure Women is a fantastic debut from Afia Atakora.
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