A Single Drop of Ink: A Novel

by Carla Ramsey Weeks

Frederick Barret, a refugee from war-torn Saint Domingue (modern-day Haiti) overcomes hardship and loss to become a wealthy businessman in Savannah, Georgia...

Abigail, Frederick's second wife and the daughter of a wealthy Virginia plantation owner, feels she acquired her husband much as she did her clothes, as hand-me-downs from her sister...

Jessie Davis, the Barret's cook and a free woman of color, has secrets of her own and an unnatural way of knowing things...

Mammy, Dovie, Lewis, and Minda fight to stay connected as a family despite being household slaves...

Together they create a rich cast bound by love, secrecy, and servitude. Neither Abigail's goodness nor Jessie's talents can keep the household, black and white, from spiraling down a course of destruction set in motion by Frederick who is determined to forge a new life of power and prestige, no matter what the cost.

Books like Gone with the Wind did much to romanticize the American antebellum South, but real life for women and blacks in the pre-Civil War low country was far from glamorous. A Single Drop of Ink is a current and compelling story of twists and surprises that realistically portrays pre-Civil War American Southerners.

Genres: Historical Fiction

367 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2012

Reviews

[Becky Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always looking for new historical fiction books, but it was the furthest thing from mind when I met Carla Ramsey Weeks at a beer festival on River Street in Savannah, Georgia. Ms. Weeks had a booth and was selling her books, A Single Drop of Ink and The Sorrels of Savannah. I was intrigued by her description of the books and even more curious when she explained how the books came to be written.

Through an array of characters I gained a new perspective on the women of the south and their relationships with their husbands, their families, their servants and each other. I also became more aware of a population I had not considered black (mulatto) immigrants from places other than Africa.

In a Facebook conversation Ms. Weeks intimated to me that she is working on a sequel. I am anxious to see which thread she picks up, there are so many to chose from. I imagine it depends on where her research takes her, doesn't matter I will be along for the ride.

[Shannon Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure. This was written by my middle school English teacher. That said... I had NO CLUE she was this amazing! I am very critical, and I must honestly say I started off not knowing what to expect. A historical romance piece? Blah... but it was so well-researched, emotional, with great juxtaposition of characters and motivations, that it was too gripping to put down. It's quite thick, but I read the entire thing in 3 days. I was so freaking proud of her when I closed the last page, and could not believe this woman once taught me gerunds and participles as a kid. She should have been doing something way cooler than that.

[Robilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written historical novel. This story awakens you to the realities of pre-civil war life in the south. Very good tale focusing on the story of women and house slaves. It made me consider their daily experience. The book was very engaging and well developed, a pleasure to read.
This author's first novel. Looking forward to the sequel.

[Joy Padgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished rereading Carla Ramsey Weeks “A Single Drop of Ink” so I could then read her new book “The Dark Side of Civil.” Did not want to put it down again but couldn’t wait to get started on the seqeul “The Dark Side of Civil”. 5 Stars is not enough for either of her books. If you have not read either of these books put them on your “must read” list. You will not regret it.

[Lisa Flike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I love civil war romance books and this kept you guessing the author really let you get to know all the people involved. Loved it can't wait to read more from this author

[Denise Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not read this one fast enough! The hardships, the secrecy, society, all make for a thrilling read for anyone that reads about the south before the civil war. I could not find a good stopping point. I was always excited to see what the next event would bring.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok

This book was recommended. I was unimpressed but didn't want to leave it unfinished. Time to read something more exciting.

[Sandy Wenham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just discovered and read this amazing story. Heartbreaking but soulful insight into a horrible time of American history. A must-read for everyone!

[Patrice]

A very good book. An interesting look at pre civil war life in the south and very well written.

I would definitely recommend.

[Pat Creighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. And now I am on the book 2

[Charlotte Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

This book was so amazing that I could hardly put it down. It's the best one I've read in a very long time! I highly recommend it to all!

[BestChickLit.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this book Carla Ramsey Weeks has created something truly remarkable that I can easily see becoming a recommended text as part of the school curriculum. Prepare to be taken on an emotional roller coaster that is all the more poignant considering the reality behind the fiction. There is nothing idealistic about the portrayal of this pre-Civil War America and the depth of detail in even the simplest of aspects of daily life ensure that you can’t help but be transported back in time. The viewpoint varies from that of the privileged white characters to the black servants and you will find your sympathy shifting between each character as the story progresses.

It is clear that the novel is based on sound research and this fact makes it all the more sobering. I found myself in bitter tears for both the characters in the novel and those unnamed millions that it represents. This book does not shy away from addressing the realities of the time, from racial attitudes to the suppression of women: post-natal depression to the after-effects of rape. While this is certainly a must-read I would suggest you take your time over it. It has been masterfully written to convey the true gravity of the story and deserves to be consumed slowly and completely.

Review by Elizabeth Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com

[Carol Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was a wonderful read. If you are looking for a book that will involve you so much that you want the drama to continue long after you have finished the book, then don't miss this one.

[Judy Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this book. From beginning to end this book kept my interest. I didn't want to put it down. Very well researched and the fact that it is based on a real Savannah family with a historical home on the tour makes it even better. If you like historical fiction, this is a must read.

[Sunni Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

Carla writes in a way that makes you want to keep reading! I could not put this book down. Loved the blend of historical facts mixed with creative fiction!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book, would have been five stars if topic had been more uplifting.

[Michele]

I LOVED this book.