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The Wedding Gift
In 1852, when prestigious Alabama plantation owner Cornelius Allen gives his daughter Clarissa's hand in marriage, she takes with her a gift: Sarah―her slave and her half-sister. Raised by an educated mother, Clarissa is not the proper Southern belle she appears to be, with ambitions of loving whom she chooses. Sarah equally hides behind the façade of being a docile house slave as she plots to escape. Both women bring these tumultuous secrets and desires with them to their new home, igniting events that spiral into a tale beyond what you ever imagined possible. Told through the alternating viewpoints of Sarah and Theodora Allen, Cornelius' wife, Marlen Suyapa Bodden's The Wedding Gift is an intimate portrait of slavery and the 19th Century South that will leave readers breathless.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published December 7, 2009
637 people are currently reading
7285 people want to read
About the author
Marlen Suyapa Bodden
4 books144 followersMarlen Suyapa Bodden is a lawyer. She drew on her knowledge of human rights abuses to write IN DEFENSE OF EARTH, THE WEDDING GIFT, an international Wall Street Journal bestseller, and ARROWS OF FIRE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 972 reviews
January 11, 2012
**Potential Spoilers**
I thought the plot and a few of the characters (in particular Clarissa, Miss Mary, and Theodora) were interesting in theory. However, I thought the writing seemed amateurish and very stiff. The dialogue wasn't natural at all. Often times, the dialogue was so thick and confusing it was difficult to remember who was talking. I also thought the ending seemed rushed unnecessarily. She focused in great detail on certain aspects of the plot which didn't matter much (like the execution of the will), but then rushed through a few major plot points, which I won't name specifically here, but that occur on the last few pages of the book. I wasn't surprised to read after the fact that this was a first novel by a former attorney. That explained the tone and the oddly unnecessary legal details. In general, this seemed to me to be a great first draft, but should have run through a few more edits before being published.
I thought the plot and a few of the characters (in particular Clarissa, Miss Mary, and Theodora) were interesting in theory. However, I thought the writing seemed amateurish and very stiff. The dialogue wasn't natural at all. Often times, the dialogue was so thick and confusing it was difficult to remember who was talking. I also thought the ending seemed rushed unnecessarily. She focused in great detail on certain aspects of the plot which didn't matter much (like the execution of the will), but then rushed through a few major plot points, which I won't name specifically here, but that occur on the last few pages of the book. I wasn't surprised to read after the fact that this was a first novel by a former attorney. That explained the tone and the oddly unnecessary legal details. In general, this seemed to me to be a great first draft, but should have run through a few more edits before being published.
December 16, 2019
Jar of Death Pick #25
This is a book about slavery so it has every trigger ever!
The Wedding Gift is an interesting read. Its very depressing but it wasnt a hard read. Usually when I read a book about slavery its a difficult read and I struggle to finish those books. But The Wedding Gift was compulsively readable. I almost couldn't put it down.
Another way in which The Wedding Gift was interesting was the pov's. This book had 2 pov's, Sarah Campbell a young slave girl and Theodora Allen the wife of the slave owner. It was super fascinating to see slavery through the eyes of a slave and through the eyes of a slaver. Both women were sympathetic in their own ways and unsympathetic as well.
The only real downside I found with this book was, that the storylines were a bit predictable. The book ends with 2 "twists" that had been super obvious to me the second they were introduced. I also felt this book lack heart, but I viewed that as both good and bad. Usually books about slavery tend to be "misery porn" which I hate. They play on our heartstrings or our sense of moral outrage. But The Wedding Gift didn't do that. It was written in a more cerebral way. It wasnt trying to rub the misery of slavery in our faces. The author of this book assumes you already know how awful slavery and she just precedes with her story.
I don't tend to recommend slavery books but I thought this book was good, so maybe give it a try.
This is a book about slavery so it has every trigger ever!
The Wedding Gift is an interesting read. Its very depressing but it wasnt a hard read. Usually when I read a book about slavery its a difficult read and I struggle to finish those books. But The Wedding Gift was compulsively readable. I almost couldn't put it down.
Another way in which The Wedding Gift was interesting was the pov's. This book had 2 pov's, Sarah Campbell a young slave girl and Theodora Allen the wife of the slave owner. It was super fascinating to see slavery through the eyes of a slave and through the eyes of a slaver. Both women were sympathetic in their own ways and unsympathetic as well.
The only real downside I found with this book was, that the storylines were a bit predictable. The book ends with 2 "twists" that had been super obvious to me the second they were introduced. I also felt this book lack heart, but I viewed that as both good and bad. Usually books about slavery tend to be "misery porn" which I hate. They play on our heartstrings or our sense of moral outrage. But The Wedding Gift didn't do that. It was written in a more cerebral way. It wasnt trying to rub the misery of slavery in our faces. The author of this book assumes you already know how awful slavery and she just precedes with her story.
I don't tend to recommend slavery books but I thought this book was good, so maybe give it a try.
August 5, 2019
This book is so bad it's hilarious. It's told almost completely in dialogue, which is annoying even when done by the best of authors. No one ever in the history of the world talks like anyone in this book. The ending actually made me laugh out loud. I shan't spoil it for you, but suffice it to say that the "surprise twist" is indeed a surprise, because it very much appears as though it was was a complete afterthought. There is not one thing the preceding pages which makes the "surprise" make any sense whatsoever. I cannot recommend this book. Ever. To anyone. For any reason. Just take my word for it and keep right on looking for something else to read.
April 20, 2012
I love historical fiction novels as I truly believe all of us, regardless of what time period we walked the earth, are similar at the core. This was a great account of how women, both slave and non-slave, were manipulated and treated back in the day. While, I have been fortunate to live in a time period of equality, and I have, clearly, never been a slave, I can relate to the emotions a lot of the characters felt: revenge, sadness, a love for family, and the will to survive. The ending shocked me, and at first I hated it, but then I learned a powerful lesson: not to judge the actions of others as you have not lived their life. What would I do in the situation she was in? I have reflected on that and asked myself over the past few days, and any book that gets you thinking and questioning your believes and your life is a good book, in my opinion.
April 3, 2012
This book is now one of my all time favorite book in the books that go unnoticed category. I got this book for free on Kindle and it was everything I look for in a book. the suspense was great and when you are finally aware of the curveball the author throws she throws you another. I really didn't want to put this book down and wouldn't have if it wasn't for class! great for anyone who loves historical fiction.
June 3, 2012
This book had a good plot and it was definitely a page turner. Why three stars you ask? I gave this book three stars because I felt the author had amazing ideas but there were too many to be compiled into 337 pages. Other things I also took issue with is the sequence of events. You are reading from Sara and Theodora's POVs but they are never directly in line with each other. For instance, Sara will give her perspective or recount of events... Then we also get Theodora's but her recount of events may start days before what we just read from Sara. Also, I didn't necessarily like the way the reader was addressed in the end... Because up to that point there had been no direct interaction between the protagonist and reader. These things were just a tad confusing from my perspective. Now that the negative is out of the way, I loved the history of this novel and I loved the character development. Boy oh boy, there were some unexpected and some expected twists and turns in there! All in all, this book was definitely worth the time and money. Chances of re-read are also high because there was SO much information presented and probably so many details I could've missed the first time around.
September 20, 2013
Poignant, heartbreaking, and unfortunately true.
THE WEDDING GIFT is beautiful in the sense of how the story is told in the author's marvelous prose and flowing style, but ugly in the harshness, cruelty, and reality of the events.
The characters will pull at your heart strings as you follow Emmeline, Belle, Sarah, and Theodora Allen through their day. The plantation owner's wife, Theodora Allen, is held under his thumb and must obey all his commands and put up with his physical and verbal abuse.
All these women are very strong characters in their own right, but have no rights in this era. This era seems to "own" the women whether they are free or enslaved. Another character who is one of the main characters, Clarissa Allen, Sarah's half sister and Clarissa's maid, is a spoiled brat but a good person underneath it all.
You will hate Mr. Cornelius Allen as well as most of the male characters for their cruelty and their shallow, arrogant thinking.
THE WEDDING GIFT is beautifully written and brings to light the way of life on a plantation and how it is run both inside and outside of the main house.
The book is told through Sarah and Theodora's voices. THE WEDDING GIFT talks about women and how they bond as well as how they endure the suffering at the hands of males whether it be verbal abuse, physical abuse, or infidelity. Infidelity on a plantation by the owner seemed to be something quite common.
I didn't want to put the book down. It was relayed so well and so smoothly that you felt as though you were there with all the characters crying with them and also helping them deal with what they had to endure whether they were the plantation's slaves or the owner's own family.
Don't miss out on this book....you just have to read it. You as a woman will want to share these experiences whether pleasant or unpleasant. You will also learn a great deal about history which more often than not is an unpleasant story as well as learning about the horrors of slavery and its impact on society.
A positive lesson though is to never give up, follow your dreams, and work hard. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
THE WEDDING GIFT is beautiful in the sense of how the story is told in the author's marvelous prose and flowing style, but ugly in the harshness, cruelty, and reality of the events.
The characters will pull at your heart strings as you follow Emmeline, Belle, Sarah, and Theodora Allen through their day. The plantation owner's wife, Theodora Allen, is held under his thumb and must obey all his commands and put up with his physical and verbal abuse.
All these women are very strong characters in their own right, but have no rights in this era. This era seems to "own" the women whether they are free or enslaved. Another character who is one of the main characters, Clarissa Allen, Sarah's half sister and Clarissa's maid, is a spoiled brat but a good person underneath it all.
You will hate Mr. Cornelius Allen as well as most of the male characters for their cruelty and their shallow, arrogant thinking.
THE WEDDING GIFT is beautifully written and brings to light the way of life on a plantation and how it is run both inside and outside of the main house.
The book is told through Sarah and Theodora's voices. THE WEDDING GIFT talks about women and how they bond as well as how they endure the suffering at the hands of males whether it be verbal abuse, physical abuse, or infidelity. Infidelity on a plantation by the owner seemed to be something quite common.
I didn't want to put the book down. It was relayed so well and so smoothly that you felt as though you were there with all the characters crying with them and also helping them deal with what they had to endure whether they were the plantation's slaves or the owner's own family.
Don't miss out on this book....you just have to read it. You as a woman will want to share these experiences whether pleasant or unpleasant. You will also learn a great deal about history which more often than not is an unpleasant story as well as learning about the horrors of slavery and its impact on society.
A positive lesson though is to never give up, follow your dreams, and work hard. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
January 17, 2015
This is compelling, well-researched historical fiction that kept me turning pages, in spite of the brutal themes of slavery, oppressed women, sickening double standards, and cruelty. It was a solid 4 or better until the shocking revelation in the last few pages, which knocked it down to a 3 or 3.5 for me. The problem I had with this revelation is that after beautifully crafting and showing the bulk of this multi-layered, complex story, Ms. Bodden has one of the narrators "tell" her surprising secrets in a way that to me felt like a short cut and out of character.
The story is told from two different points of view; Theodora Allen, the mistreated wife of a wealthy plantation owner, and Sarah Campbell, the slave who is his illegitimate daughter. Although only a child, Sarah is the maid to the the Allen's daughter, her half-sister, Clarissa. The characters are very well-drawn and their lives intertwine in ways that are sometimes affectionate and often incestuous. Ms. Bodden did not shy away from the brutality of the times, but often revealed the violence in ways that were not overly graphic. Her less is more approach didn't hide the inhumanity, and made it more readable for me. I always find it hard to read about slavery. Here I was equally disgusted by the inequities in the treatment of women. And, some of the medical practices of the time astounded me.
I can't wait to discuss this one with my in-person book club.
The story is told from two different points of view; Theodora Allen, the mistreated wife of a wealthy plantation owner, and Sarah Campbell, the slave who is his illegitimate daughter. Although only a child, Sarah is the maid to the the Allen's daughter, her half-sister, Clarissa. The characters are very well-drawn and their lives intertwine in ways that are sometimes affectionate and often incestuous. Ms. Bodden did not shy away from the brutality of the times, but often revealed the violence in ways that were not overly graphic. Her less is more approach didn't hide the inhumanity, and made it more readable for me. I always find it hard to read about slavery. Here I was equally disgusted by the inequities in the treatment of women. And, some of the medical practices of the time astounded me.
I can't wait to discuss this one with my in-person book club.
June 9, 2015
How this book has a 3.83 rating is beyond me. It has to be one of the most badly written books I have ever read. Yes, the subject matter is compelling and maybe some have never read a book written in the voice of a slave, but good Lord, that is no reason to rate it higher than a 1 star for effort. If I finish it--and that's a big if, I will review it again.
I've decided I will finish this book and attend the book club at One More Page. But this is still one of the most badly written books I have ever read. Clearly before the author self-published she did not hire a content editor. I haven't found many grammatical mistakes but there is absolutely NO time continuity to this book. The language is stilted and false sounding. She clearly did some great research and would have been better off writing a history book. Still a 1 star rating.
5/28 update. Still amazed that she sold so many copies of a book so badly written. I know some people like historical fiction. I get it. I do too. But when a book is so filled with inconsistencies and implausible scenes, when the language is so stilted and phony, when the time line is completely impossible to follow--well I can't see how people can rate this book anything over 2 stars. But I'm sticking with my one star. I hope I can finish it by Tuesday. But I keep stopping to write sticky notes about the things that are so wrong with this book.
I finished the book and my opinion has not changed. This is by far the worse book I have ever read. From the phony dialog to the date inconsistencies to the questionable and phony relationships between slaves and masters.
I've decided I will finish this book and attend the book club at One More Page. But this is still one of the most badly written books I have ever read. Clearly before the author self-published she did not hire a content editor. I haven't found many grammatical mistakes but there is absolutely NO time continuity to this book. The language is stilted and false sounding. She clearly did some great research and would have been better off writing a history book. Still a 1 star rating.
5/28 update. Still amazed that she sold so many copies of a book so badly written. I know some people like historical fiction. I get it. I do too. But when a book is so filled with inconsistencies and implausible scenes, when the language is so stilted and phony, when the time line is completely impossible to follow--well I can't see how people can rate this book anything over 2 stars. But I'm sticking with my one star. I hope I can finish it by Tuesday. But I keep stopping to write sticky notes about the things that are so wrong with this book.
I finished the book and my opinion has not changed. This is by far the worse book I have ever read. From the phony dialog to the date inconsistencies to the questionable and phony relationships between slaves and masters.
February 29, 2016
Another good story of a slave girl and her half sister who is mistress of the plantation. It reminded me of "Slave and Sister" and also "The Invention Of Wings" both books I loved.
This book not only is about the horrible injustice of slavery, but also the mistreatment of women. I was shocked at the medical practice of bleeding a woman who is pregnant...how awful!
This is a talented author. I hope she writes more. If you like historical fiction, and enjoyed the other 2 books I compared this to, you'll be wanting to add this book to your shelf!
This book not only is about the horrible injustice of slavery, but also the mistreatment of women. I was shocked at the medical practice of bleeding a woman who is pregnant...how awful!
This is a talented author. I hope she writes more. If you like historical fiction, and enjoyed the other 2 books I compared this to, you'll be wanting to add this book to your shelf!
February 7, 2014
I rarely give a book five stars but I had to with this amazing gem. Bodden's characters are real. They laugh, cry and suffer and best of all, they embrace you in their warm brown arms and share their secrets with you.
I received this book free from Goodreads.
The Wedding Gift is the amazing first novel of lawyer Marlen Bodden. It follows the life of Sarah, a young slave girl living in Alabama, as she grows and blossoms into a woman. This book takes us inside the slave trade, both legal and illegal in the USA and the families that both embraced it and fought against it. Sarah's father is unknown, her mother is the master's concubine, and her closest friend is also her mistress. when the master's wife gives Sarah a gift above every gift, Sara finds herself with a tool that could lead to freedom -or death.
This book is an engrossing read best consumed in one sitting. I highly reccomend it.
I received this book free from Goodreads.
The Wedding Gift is the amazing first novel of lawyer Marlen Bodden. It follows the life of Sarah, a young slave girl living in Alabama, as she grows and blossoms into a woman. This book takes us inside the slave trade, both legal and illegal in the USA and the families that both embraced it and fought against it. Sarah's father is unknown, her mother is the master's concubine, and her closest friend is also her mistress. when the master's wife gives Sarah a gift above every gift, Sara finds herself with a tool that could lead to freedom -or death.
This book is an engrossing read best consumed in one sitting. I highly reccomend it.
October 9, 2013
The Wedding Gift is Marlen Suyapa Bodden's debut novel.
Alabama. The Allen Plantation. 1840's. Sarah is born to her slave mother Emmeline. Three months later the plantation owner's wife gives birth to her daughter Clarissa. They have the same father. The two girls grow up on the same land, but live very different lives.
What I quite enjoyed was the two viewpoints Bodden used to tell her story - that of the slave Sarah and that of Theodora, the owner's wife. It was an interesting and thought provoking look at enslavement - from two perspectives. While Sarah is property according to the law, is Theodora any different? Her husband treats her badly, but society, obligations and other ties prohibit her escape. Neither woman is in control of their life.
Bodden has done her research - many historical facts are woven into her narrative. At times though, I felt like getting that information across overshadowed the story at the cost of character development. I did not find myself as drawn to Sarah as I thought I would. Instead it was her mother Emmeline who was my favourite.
But I did find myself caught up in Sarah and Theodora's stories. Would Sarah run? Or stay with Clarissa? Would Clarissa marry for love or to add to her father's wealth? There are many supporting characters whose stories I found myself wanting more - especially the midwife Miss Mary.
However, I was disappointed with the ending - it was abrupt, jarring and just didn't fit for this reader. While it was an admirable twist, I just didn't feel like it belonged with the story I'd just immersed myself in. The second reveal at the end was telegraphed long before it was finally spelled out. I found it somewhat annoying that Bodden held this back - I found myself backtracking and rereading to see if I had missed something.
I also admit to being spoiled - two of my favourite books are slave narratives - Allende's Island Beneath the Sea and Hill's Book of Negroes. It was hard not to compare Bodden's work with these two stellar novels. For a first novel, I think Bodden did a good job and will continue to grow as a writer. Her passion for her chosen subject did shine through - she is a human rights lawyer and a descendant of slaves herself)
Alabama. The Allen Plantation. 1840's. Sarah is born to her slave mother Emmeline. Three months later the plantation owner's wife gives birth to her daughter Clarissa. They have the same father. The two girls grow up on the same land, but live very different lives.
What I quite enjoyed was the two viewpoints Bodden used to tell her story - that of the slave Sarah and that of Theodora, the owner's wife. It was an interesting and thought provoking look at enslavement - from two perspectives. While Sarah is property according to the law, is Theodora any different? Her husband treats her badly, but society, obligations and other ties prohibit her escape. Neither woman is in control of their life.
Bodden has done her research - many historical facts are woven into her narrative. At times though, I felt like getting that information across overshadowed the story at the cost of character development. I did not find myself as drawn to Sarah as I thought I would. Instead it was her mother Emmeline who was my favourite.
But I did find myself caught up in Sarah and Theodora's stories. Would Sarah run? Or stay with Clarissa? Would Clarissa marry for love or to add to her father's wealth? There are many supporting characters whose stories I found myself wanting more - especially the midwife Miss Mary.
However, I was disappointed with the ending - it was abrupt, jarring and just didn't fit for this reader. While it was an admirable twist, I just didn't feel like it belonged with the story I'd just immersed myself in. The second reveal at the end was telegraphed long before it was finally spelled out. I found it somewhat annoying that Bodden held this back - I found myself backtracking and rereading to see if I had missed something.
I also admit to being spoiled - two of my favourite books are slave narratives - Allende's Island Beneath the Sea and Hill's Book of Negroes. It was hard not to compare Bodden's work with these two stellar novels. For a first novel, I think Bodden did a good job and will continue to grow as a writer. Her passion for her chosen subject did shine through - she is a human rights lawyer and a descendant of slaves herself)
July 7, 2021
Der Schreibstil war einfach gehalten und ich dachte, dass sie Geschichte dadurch etwas emotionaler wird . Leider wurde ich enttäuscht. Die Autorin hat eine schöne Geschichte kreierte , eine Sklavengeschichte, die beide Seiten beleuchtet . Mir war es trotz allem doch irgendwie zu viel heile Welt und trotz einiger ergreifender Wendungen, konnte es mich nicht vollends überzeugen.
3.5 Sterne
3.5 Sterne
February 27, 2015
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, which is why I picked this book up. And plus, I liked the cover. So, I wish I would have liked this more. I liked it, I just wanted to love it.
The story was told from more than a few different points of view (and some of them weren't so different), so it became a little repetitive because everyone had to include the same details in their turn at the story. The author also used the same old tool to reveal new information. That got old early on. Whenever information was needed, a character (usually the same one) asked a question, and thus the info was provided by a different character. It was so abused it was becoming comical.
Once the question and answer session was pretty much over, the story actually started to unfold and became interesting. The ending, however, felt forced as if the author was trying too hard in an obvious effort to show triumph.
The story was told from more than a few different points of view (and some of them weren't so different), so it became a little repetitive because everyone had to include the same details in their turn at the story. The author also used the same old tool to reveal new information. That got old early on. Whenever information was needed, a character (usually the same one) asked a question, and thus the info was provided by a different character. It was so abused it was becoming comical.
Once the question and answer session was pretty much over, the story actually started to unfold and became interesting. The ending, however, felt forced as if the author was trying too hard in an obvious effort to show triumph.
March 20, 2012
The plot has possibilities, but the writing is quite poor. So lacking in depth or credibility, the characters are almost caricatures. The sole redeeming quality seems to be the horrifying, blood curdling glimpse into the realities of slavery. The terrors and the dread, the subjugation and total loss of dignity are dutifully recorded as daily life unfolds. I thought I had an awareness, but this tale forces the reader to peer down into the pit. Also, one is made painfully aware of the restrictive life endured by the wife of a Southern planter. It was news to me that her freedom, too, was extremely limited. However, I'm bailing out. The characters are so exaggerated, the plot so preposterous, and the style so weak that I've lost the resolve to continue.
February 8, 2016
First time author Marlen Suyapa Bodden is a lawyer at the Legal Aid Society, the nation's oldest and largest law firm for the poor, in New York City. She drew on her knowledge of modern and historical slavery, human trafficking, and human-rights abuses to write "The Wedding Gift," her first novel.
It's a sit down, don't move type of good; powerful, true, and a fierce history not to be ignored. Themes include: slavery, racism, misogyny and violence, issues still very much in our present day
She write well and with great strength and renders wonderful characters who include complex relations of enslaved black women and oppressed white women.
It's a must read.
It's a sit down, don't move type of good; powerful, true, and a fierce history not to be ignored. Themes include: slavery, racism, misogyny and violence, issues still very much in our present day
She write well and with great strength and renders wonderful characters who include complex relations of enslaved black women and oppressed white women.
It's a must read.
October 27, 2016
I LOVE an 'oh snap' moment.
One I saw coming, but one I didn't.
One I saw coming, but one I didn't.
July 3, 2014
Once I started reading this historical fiction novel I just couldn't put it down. I normally real 3 or 4 books at a time but I couldn't stop thinking about this one so I gave up and just sat down and read through this to its finish. This is the story of a slave girl, Sarah, and her Mistress Clarissa. They both have a wild streak, Sarah wants to run, and Clarissa wants to love who she wants to love. They probably have these traits in common because slave Sarah and Mistress Clarissa are half sisters. The novel is told in two voices, Sarah's and the wife of the Master, Theodora. While we hear the slave side of things from Sarah, we hear the shocking truth of what is really going on in the Great House from the honest voice of Theodora. The Great House is filled with abuse, alcoholism, rage, and the gentle honest voice of Theodora who has accepted her husband's infidelity but has befriended his slave mistress nonetheless due to her great knowledge and loyalty to Theodora and shared hatred of her husband. As Master Allen deteriorates in health, things get worse in the house until a brutal climax that the reader doesn't see coming. Thankfully, the gentle Theodora wants to set things right. But will things go as planned?
This book kept me on the edge of my seat! I can't believe that this is the work of a debut author. The legal case in the book is apparently based on a real case which added real interest because it adds even more disgust to slavery and the actual laws that affected it at the time. The book was filled with honest emotion from all the characters. I could feel the strong emotions that all of the women were feeling at each moment in the book. I highly recommend this book and will be looking for more books by this author! 5 wonderful stars!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat! I can't believe that this is the work of a debut author. The legal case in the book is apparently based on a real case which added real interest because it adds even more disgust to slavery and the actual laws that affected it at the time. The book was filled with honest emotion from all the characters. I could feel the strong emotions that all of the women were feeling at each moment in the book. I highly recommend this book and will be looking for more books by this author! 5 wonderful stars!
January 24, 2016
THE WEDDING GIFT, a historical fiction, is a wonderfully crafted retelling of the dark side of our U.S. history – a time when people owned other human beings and often abused them worse than they mistreated animals. The story has been told before by many other authors, but never before THE WEDDING GIFT has anyone captured so vividly the despair the slaves, who had no control over their lives, must have felt. Ms. Bodden researched her topic well and told a compelling tale of Sarah Campbell, the slave daughter of a wealthy plantation owner in the Deep South before the Civil War. Sarah was willing to risk a beating or even death for freedom. Beatings were often so severe as to cause death.
This book was a real page-turner. I honestly could not put it down. THE WEDDING GIFT, the debut novel by Marlen Suyapa Bodden, is without a doubt one of the best books I have read. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
To learn more about THE WEDDING GIFT check our Marlen Suyapa Bodden’s website at http://marlenbodden.com/.
I received this book in a giveaway hosted by Julie Valerie’s Book Blog at www.julievalerie.com.
This book was a real page-turner. I honestly could not put it down. THE WEDDING GIFT, the debut novel by Marlen Suyapa Bodden, is without a doubt one of the best books I have read. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
To learn more about THE WEDDING GIFT check our Marlen Suyapa Bodden’s website at http://marlenbodden.com/.
I received this book in a giveaway hosted by Julie Valerie’s Book Blog at www.julievalerie.com.
June 14, 2015
The fact that I listened to this story in audio-version made it all the more gripping. The narration by both Jenna Lamia and January LaVoy were simply astonishing.
This book is told by two main characters; Sarah Campbell, slave and lady's maid to the Allen Estate in Alabama, and Theodora Allen, mistress of the plantation. At the beginning the time-lines of their narrations don’t coincide – but as the story progresses, we can follow the events of their story in perfect chronology.
This is a deeply moving story – not only because of the voices of the audio narrators who do an impeccable job, but mainly because - as a reader/listener - one becomes truly invested in the lives of both Sarah and Theodora, who suffer at the hand of the men in charge.
Indeed, it has to be noted that the female gender was considered the inferior one, either black or white, they were disrespected, mistreated and discarded.
Don’t be fooled by the title of this book – this is a story that has so much to tell about the condition of the women in the Southern states in the early to mid-19th century.
This book is told by two main characters; Sarah Campbell, slave and lady's maid to the Allen Estate in Alabama, and Theodora Allen, mistress of the plantation. At the beginning the time-lines of their narrations don’t coincide – but as the story progresses, we can follow the events of their story in perfect chronology.
This is a deeply moving story – not only because of the voices of the audio narrators who do an impeccable job, but mainly because - as a reader/listener - one becomes truly invested in the lives of both Sarah and Theodora, who suffer at the hand of the men in charge.
Indeed, it has to be noted that the female gender was considered the inferior one, either black or white, they were disrespected, mistreated and discarded.
Don’t be fooled by the title of this book – this is a story that has so much to tell about the condition of the women in the Southern states in the early to mid-19th century.
June 3, 2015
2 1/2 stars. This book had so much potential. The story was really good. The book easy to read. But. But. The writing left a lot to be desired. Way too much dialogue. And the characters all sounded the same, slaves, owners, everyone. The book was told from two points of view, a slave and her mistress, but the voices sounded exactly the same. Too much historical detail thrown in just because. Details didn't follow (no hair on one page, the next hair being braided- same person). And the character development was sorely lacking.
Despite all the issues, I still enjoyed reading this book and it certainly was a good book club discussion!
Despite all the issues, I still enjoyed reading this book and it certainly was a good book club discussion!
August 12, 2023
The fakking ending tho made me goo «oooo snap , O no she dident , ooo she did, god Damn, slayyy queen!!!!!»
January 28, 2012
Surprisingly good read as I hadn't heard much about this book, but love historical fiction. The twist at the end was a great surprise although, I was curious about certain things that had happened, but never fully disclosed (until the end). It was tough to read about slavery and the horrors they lived through. I can't imagine treating another human being in ways that words can never completely and thoroughly describe. The depths of cruelty are beyond anything I believe I could ever truly understand and resolve in my mind or heart.
I loved the characters personal strengths even if they weren't always transparent due to the way the story unfolded. I think this era of time has somewhat been romanticized and when it becomes realized how minorities and women were treated--nothing is farther from the truth. Men were selfish and thought of no one, but their own needs, wants and beliefs regardless of the cost. Collateral damage meant nothing whether you were a slave, wife or child.
In this story though, the ends are tied together as well as they could be and life moves forward while also providing a lesson in karma or depending on your view "the golden rule."
I loved the characters personal strengths even if they weren't always transparent due to the way the story unfolded. I think this era of time has somewhat been romanticized and when it becomes realized how minorities and women were treated--nothing is farther from the truth. Men were selfish and thought of no one, but their own needs, wants and beliefs regardless of the cost. Collateral damage meant nothing whether you were a slave, wife or child.
In this story though, the ends are tied together as well as they could be and life moves forward while also providing a lesson in karma or depending on your view "the golden rule."
September 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this book - it is a good story told simply and well. It’s very much a summer book, an easy read, very evocative of details with some twists and turns I didn’t expect. I never guessed the ending.
This is a great starter book if you want to get back into reading also, an easy fast read
This is a great starter book if you want to get back into reading also, an easy fast read
April 5, 2020
I give this 4 stars. It sleeps returning to 3
May 26, 2023
When Clarissa marries in 1852, her father Cornelius gifts her a slave, Sarah, who is also her half-sister!
Initially, The Wedding Gift captured my attention, but unfortunately, I soon grew tired of unnatural and stilted conversations. The setting and time period was interesting and my heart broke for the enclaved people, but yet, so much about the plot seemed farfetched, especially towards the end when the author seemed to grow tired of the story and rushed to end it.
Overall, I was not impressed by this debut novel and don't feel the need to read anything else by this author.
Location: Alabama
Initially, The Wedding Gift captured my attention, but unfortunately, I soon grew tired of unnatural and stilted conversations. The setting and time period was interesting and my heart broke for the enclaved people, but yet, so much about the plot seemed farfetched, especially towards the end when the author seemed to grow tired of the story and rushed to end it.
Overall, I was not impressed by this debut novel and don't feel the need to read anything else by this author.
Location: Alabama
December 18, 2013
I'm not sure what to think of this one, really. I found it poorly written, but there were some great ideas here.
In a nutshell: You have a cruel plantation owner who fathers a daughter with a slave woman he pretty much demands sleep with him every night. He also has a daughter with his white wife. So the daughters grow up together, one the master, one the slave, one with fine dresses and one a pauper. You get the picture; it's been done before.
The story unfolds. One wants escape. One is forced to marry. The man abuses his wife, well, everyone, actually. We see a life of servitude on both sides: the slaves' lives are horrible, but most of them are too afraid to leave due to slave catchers and harsh punishments. Who they bed, what they wear, where they go is all dictated by someone else. The women on the other side, though wealthy and in fine dresses, are slaves to their husbands. If their husbands want to bed other women, they're supposed to turn the other cheek. Their children are sent to boarding school if their husband wishes. Really, they aren't left with a ton of choices either. It was the world of the white man back then.
The story is TOLD from two POVs, the plantation owner's wife and his mulatto daughter. Notice I all-capped TOLD. That is the problem with this novel. It is all TOLD. It's literally... I did this and then he said blah blah and I went here. I mean, if my husband strangled my daughter in front of me, I think I'd feel something. I think I would be angry. Maybe I'd gasp or cry out. As for telling a story, at least mention her face changing color, her eyes bulging, SOMETHING. There was no scene setting, description hardly at all.
Besides all being told, there was also a complete lack of emotion and personality in both narrators. The shocking ending was a surprise, but it was hard to feel anything because frankly, it was so contrived, I couldn't even fathom it happening. This was partly because nobody in the story had any personality. We were not able to get to KNOW anyone, so the fact that person A got pregnant by person B, well, I don't see it happening, because I can't figure out how person A and person B hooked up in the first place or why 'cause I know nothing about them or their feelings or what made them do this or that.
In the end, it made so sense, and though I was surprised, it didn't have the effect it could have had.
I like the basic story though and the mulatto girl, Sarah. She has guts and takes live into her own hands. Can't say the same for the other three women in the story--spineless and submissive, all of them. Clarissa, Emmaline, Theodora. Bleh.
Also, the prose was so stiff and formal, it made a difficult read at times. And at times, the story went on and on about things that ended up being rather irrelevant--the will and some of the side characters/stories. Some of the stories just went nowhere.
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
In a nutshell: You have a cruel plantation owner who fathers a daughter with a slave woman he pretty much demands sleep with him every night. He also has a daughter with his white wife. So the daughters grow up together, one the master, one the slave, one with fine dresses and one a pauper. You get the picture; it's been done before.
The story unfolds. One wants escape. One is forced to marry. The man abuses his wife, well, everyone, actually. We see a life of servitude on both sides: the slaves' lives are horrible, but most of them are too afraid to leave due to slave catchers and harsh punishments. Who they bed, what they wear, where they go is all dictated by someone else. The women on the other side, though wealthy and in fine dresses, are slaves to their husbands. If their husbands want to bed other women, they're supposed to turn the other cheek. Their children are sent to boarding school if their husband wishes. Really, they aren't left with a ton of choices either. It was the world of the white man back then.
The story is TOLD from two POVs, the plantation owner's wife and his mulatto daughter. Notice I all-capped TOLD. That is the problem with this novel. It is all TOLD. It's literally... I did this and then he said blah blah and I went here. I mean, if my husband strangled my daughter in front of me, I think I'd feel something. I think I would be angry. Maybe I'd gasp or cry out. As for telling a story, at least mention her face changing color, her eyes bulging, SOMETHING. There was no scene setting, description hardly at all.
Besides all being told, there was also a complete lack of emotion and personality in both narrators. The shocking ending was a surprise, but it was hard to feel anything because frankly, it was so contrived, I couldn't even fathom it happening. This was partly because nobody in the story had any personality. We were not able to get to KNOW anyone, so the fact that person A got pregnant by person B, well, I don't see it happening, because I can't figure out how person A and person B hooked up in the first place or why 'cause I know nothing about them or their feelings or what made them do this or that.
In the end, it made so sense, and though I was surprised, it didn't have the effect it could have had.
I like the basic story though and the mulatto girl, Sarah. She has guts and takes live into her own hands. Can't say the same for the other three women in the story--spineless and submissive, all of them. Clarissa, Emmaline, Theodora. Bleh.
Also, the prose was so stiff and formal, it made a difficult read at times. And at times, the story went on and on about things that ended up being rather irrelevant--the will and some of the side characters/stories. Some of the stories just went nowhere.
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
February 17, 2021
4.5 ⭐️
The author does an amazing job of showing the progression of the lives of the families on the plantation while highlighting their love for each other as well as pain and desperation they feel to keep each other safe.
Adding Theodore‘s insight was brilliant! Though the women were wealthy, they didn’t have power and were sometimes treated a little better than a slave themselves. Could they have done more to ease the abusive treatment of their slaves? Definitely food for thought.
This is truly a page turner, guaranteed to keep your heart pounding till the end. To top it off, there is a revelation that will cause you to catch your breath! This one gave me all the feels and will stay with me for quite a while!
The author does an amazing job of showing the progression of the lives of the families on the plantation while highlighting their love for each other as well as pain and desperation they feel to keep each other safe.
Adding Theodore‘s insight was brilliant! Though the women were wealthy, they didn’t have power and were sometimes treated a little better than a slave themselves. Could they have done more to ease the abusive treatment of their slaves? Definitely food for thought.
This is truly a page turner, guaranteed to keep your heart pounding till the end. To top it off, there is a revelation that will cause you to catch your breath! This one gave me all the feels and will stay with me for quite a while!
March 2, 2014
It is difficult to believe that this book is Marlen's first book.
She tells the heart breaking story of the painful and outrageous costs to all Africans who were enslaved in the U.S. through the perspective of two women on a plantation in Alabama -
Sarah is the mulatto half sister of Clarissa Allen, and is raised to be Clarissa's maid. However, Sarah begins to learn that there is a lot going on with her own family that is kept secret - her mother talks with her one day, telling her that she "visits Mr. Allen [the White plantation owner} at night" - and how many families like hers are separated from their men. Slaves were kept under control by the sale of the men or children if there was any attempt to rebell or escape.
The other woman's perspective is that of Theodora, the wife of Mr. Allen the plantation owner. Theodora puts up with physical and verbal abuse and neglect of herself by her husband, learns that he regularly visits Sarah's mother, and had a daughter, Sarah by her. meanwhile, her daughter Clarissa is pressured by her father to marry a wealthy neighboring plantation owner, yet she really loves a man of modest means. Sarah herself secretly learns to read, and yearns to escape and be free.
The complicated relationships between these women, and the viciousness of slavery are shown through the voices of the women in this novel.
She tells the heart breaking story of the painful and outrageous costs to all Africans who were enslaved in the U.S. through the perspective of two women on a plantation in Alabama -
Sarah is the mulatto half sister of Clarissa Allen, and is raised to be Clarissa's maid. However, Sarah begins to learn that there is a lot going on with her own family that is kept secret - her mother talks with her one day, telling her that she "visits Mr. Allen [the White plantation owner} at night" - and how many families like hers are separated from their men. Slaves were kept under control by the sale of the men or children if there was any attempt to rebell or escape.
The other woman's perspective is that of Theodora, the wife of Mr. Allen the plantation owner. Theodora puts up with physical and verbal abuse and neglect of herself by her husband, learns that he regularly visits Sarah's mother, and had a daughter, Sarah by her. meanwhile, her daughter Clarissa is pressured by her father to marry a wealthy neighboring plantation owner, yet she really loves a man of modest means. Sarah herself secretly learns to read, and yearns to escape and be free.
The complicated relationships between these women, and the viciousness of slavery are shown through the voices of the women in this novel.
September 8, 2013
When prestigious plantation owner Cornelius Allen gives his daughter Clarissa’s hand in marriage, she takes with her a gift: Sarah—her slave and her half-sister. Raised by an educated mother, Clarissa is not a proper southern belle she appears to be with ambitions of loving who she chooses and Sarah equally hides behind the façade of being a docile house slave as she plots to escape. Both women bring these tumultuous secrets and desires with them to their new home, igniting events that spiral into a tale beyond what you ever imagined possible and it will leave you enraptured until the very end.
Told through alternating viewpoints of Sarah and Theodora Allen, Cornelius’ wife, Marlen Suyapa Bodden's The Wedding Gift is an intimate portrait that will leave readers breathless.
What an amazing book full of so many things. Heartache, betrayal and life during the slavery times. I couldn't put it down, I was mesmerized by the story unfolding in front of my eyes of Sarah and Clarissa. Sarah's story was beyond anything I had imagined. Free meant a whole lot to them. Bodden's first novel, she really drew on what she knew and it worked well for her. I hope she doesn't stay a stranger to the literary world.
Told through alternating viewpoints of Sarah and Theodora Allen, Cornelius’ wife, Marlen Suyapa Bodden's The Wedding Gift is an intimate portrait that will leave readers breathless.
What an amazing book full of so many things. Heartache, betrayal and life during the slavery times. I couldn't put it down, I was mesmerized by the story unfolding in front of my eyes of Sarah and Clarissa. Sarah's story was beyond anything I had imagined. Free meant a whole lot to them. Bodden's first novel, she really drew on what she knew and it worked well for her. I hope she doesn't stay a stranger to the literary world.
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