Night Come Swiftly

by P.B. Wilson

A carefree childhood is shattered forever when Meredith overhears her father's plans to sell Tilly, their slave and her friend. Guided by true devotion, Meredith defies her father when she helps Tilly and her mother set out on the perilous road to freedom.

Genres: Historical

280 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1997

About the author

also published under the name Bunny Wilson

P. Bunny Wilson, founder and president of New Dawn Productions, is a gifted author, counselor, speaker and teacher. She speaks to thousands of people across the United States, as well as internationally, on the principals of healing past hurts, finding your life long love and maintaining a great marriage.

Reviews

[Shantelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't have anything against Night Come Swiftly. No concerns that I can think of. It was quite fascinating at some points. But, not a favorite. The ending was different and made me kind of sad. Someone else might love this book, though!

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Night Come Swiftly" spans the years from childhood through adulthood for both Tilly and Meri.

Meredith's father's fiance Agatha hatches the idea of sending Meredith to his sister's house so as to sell Meredith's slave-friend Tilly while Meri is away. In retaliation for something that she perceived to have been caused by Meri years ago, Agatha spreads a vicious rumor about her, inciting two tragic events in one day to bring great distress to Meri and others. Also causing tongues to wag hurtfully, without most knowing what truly occurred.

What a rude awakening for a young black boy just off the boat from Africa when in America he's told not to look a white person in the eye. His mother is left to explain to him how to survive in their new surroundings, which includes watching for "whites only" signs.

An interesting aspect is the lack of work these men seem to be involved in, leading me to wonder how they are supporting themselves and their families. If not for the unexpected twists, the two romances that take up a good part of the book, would have made this story more of a fairy tale.

Since 1/2 stars are not available, I give it 2, opting for a lower rating instead of the higher.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unlikely friendship between a plantation owner's daughter (Meri) and the daughter of a slave (Tilly) in the pre-Civil War south. Meri helps Tilly and her mother escape when Meri's father threatens to sell Tilly. Because Meri taught Tilly to read and write, the two are able to keep in touch via letters throughout their lifetimes.

Tilly is a poet (and later nurse) and Meri an artist. Both marry and have children. Both face losses.

[Jay VonReeve]

This was my first YA exposure to a scene of sexual assault. It was jarring at the time, so I lead with that content warning. I read this in my early days, coming back to it now with older eyes. I still find it a valuable read, but do not recommend it for the prevalent White Saviorism and edutainment based on Black trauma.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book from my childhood that was among the first to introduce me to the racial tensions of the pre- and post-civil war South. This book spans continents and decades, which can be frustrating in some books. However, this book keeps you close and connected to the main characters through their friendship and then that of their children. I used to read this book once a year when I was younger. Now it is packed from a move and I haven't located it in years. But the more dramatic or tender parts still come to mind frequently.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Fast read. An unlikely friendship turns into a lifelong bond. Highly recomend