If Cotton Could Talk: A Blackwashed 19th Century Pre-Civil War Fictional Story That Depicts The People, Tone And Events Of The Era.

by Alvin Marshall Hayes

If Cotton Could Talk," is a civil war era historical fiction novel about 19th-century slave life in the South. You will be introduced to a cast of characters; Black mothers and fathers who are fearless, smart, and devoted to family and justice. Heroes and heroines whose leadership gave enslaved people hope. But before freedom comes, they must survive other slaves who prove to be untrustworthy. At the same time ruthless, hostile, hateful men are determined to keep the status quo.Pre-Civil War, 1850, enslaved people could sense that their lives were going to change. Slaves reasoned that they would not be slaves forever. They developed lasting relationships and worked together across plantations to share information and protect each other. A young girl was taught to read when knowing how to read was banned, punishable by whipping or even death. Her ability to read affected everyone and helped them to prepare for freedom, unbeknownst to slave owners. Once the war began, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation declaring slaves were free, if they were in a rebellion State. The owners were determined to keep their wealth and power over the enslaved even if the South lost the war. The slaves were listening and preparing for revenge and freedom. They would be free but free to do what?A suspenseful fictional but historically authentic family saga that captures the rhythm of being African American; a style all our own, the way we talk, and the mannerism we all have. The novel describes the fortitude it took to survive and keep your dignity, like the Elders. The characters are easy to root for or against. A thriller as you bond with men and women who maneuver for a better life. There are also humorous moments and distinctive personalities just like you would find today. It is a book about people living under harsh and hostile conditions and still finding a way to keep their dignity! This is their story, an African American story. A story of love, betrayal, revenge, and redemption. A story of families, of strong Black men & women, and how America left their fate to the same people who enslaved them; free to do as they pleased with no repercussions.

Genres: Historical Fiction

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2021

Reviews

[Olivia]

Good Story, Needs Proofreader Before Publication"

While the book was quite enjoyable, the lack of punctuation, misspelling and incorrect use of words took away from the essence of the book. Many likeable characters. I realize the story used "period language", but there were just too many errors for the book to flow. For example: the word "salve" instead of "slave"; not knowing when to use "too" instead of "to". In the future please invest in a proofreader and/or editor.

[Marlo G]

Great story and characters.

[Gisselle]

I went into If Cotton Could Talk really wanting to enjoy it. As someone who loves historical fiction and reads a lot of it, I was hoping for a story that felt grounded, immersive, and emotionally layered. Instead, I found myself struggling through most of the book. The writing often felt uneven, and the characters never fully came to life in a way that made me care about their journeys. The historical setting had potential, but it never settled into a believable or compelling world.

There were moments where the author touched on themes that could have been powerful, but they were rushed or handled without the depth the subject matter deserved. I kept waiting for the story to find its rhythm or for the characters to develop in a meaningful way, but it never quite happened. By the time I reached the end, I felt more frustrated than invested.

I gave this two stars because while the premise was interesting, the execution fell short for me. I wanted to like it, but as a reader who truly enjoys historical fiction, this one was disappointing.

[Chase Jones]

This short story was great! It immediately transported me to the time period, making me feel like I was watching an episode of Roots. Hayes did an incredible job of making the setting and characters come alive.

My only complaint is that it was too short! I found myself wanting more, as the depth of the story could have easily been expanded into something longer. That being said, I highly recommend it.

[Jenna A]

The plot is good, however the author lacks detail and the intricate moments a story should have. Often times the story was jarring and jumped from characters quickly. Overall the arching plot was good and depicted a sad time in American history, I just wished character development was more prominent.

[Priscilla]

A super quick read that read like any historical.fiction of its time. While the subject matter is sensitive and spotlights the horror of the time, it does so in such a way that I feel like I've heard it before, meaning, I dont connect with any of the characters and I dont feel there is a special something that makes this story stand out. It was ok.

[Barbara MacDougall]

Eye Opening

I have read quite a few books on the Civil War but none that told the daily life & appalling conditions that slaves had to endure.
I see this is the first book in a series & I cannot wait to get the next book.
Well done, Mr. Hayes!

[Karen]

I loved it

I loved this book,the reason for 4stars is the story was much too short,didn't have character development. One chapter was pre civil war,the next was post civil



war. What happened in between? It was like reading cliff notes..

[Rankin Galen]

Freedom

I love reading about this country's past history, the good and the wrongs that were done. I loved this well written story from the side of the people that were enslaved and wronged by an elitist society.

[Karri Carpenter]

This book sounded like it would be interesting and engaging. Instead it was full of stereotypes, plot holes, undeveloped characters and unrealistic portrayals. I listened to the AI reader and it mispronounced words and made the attempt at authentic dialect sound racist and ridiculous.

[Gwen Hight]

If Cotton Could Talk ( while Black Book 1)

This is the first book in this sereies about slaves that left after the end of the war but was still hunted Sam and Joan found a home

[Timothy S. Lewis]

Did a chi!d write this?

The grammar was horrible! Many misspelled words and punctuation was kindergarten grade level. Don't waste your time reading this book.

[Valerie Britt]

Justice, the fight continues

Well written, hope more people will read this book. Wish these stories were available to students in elementary or Jr high schools.

[Michele]

great story

Interesting story about a terrible time in our history. I recommend everyone rad this book. People should know about this historical time in our country.

[veronica thrasher]

Great book. Can’t wait to read the other 2 in the series.

[Meeca]

Exceptional

I appreciate the hope that is interwoven throughout the story. I appreciate the vantage point of the relationships through the eyes of the enslaved and their captors

[LaTonya]

I enjoyed it. A quick evening read that didn’t take up too much time.