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The New South
Atlanta, July 1881. The Civil War tore Eliza’s family apart. Can the washerwomen’s strike bring it back together?
Former slave Amanda Gardiner, a washerwoman for decades, has had enough of low wages and bad treatment. When she invites twenty washerwomen to her church to talk about working conditions, she’s astonished by the result. The washerwomen spread the word to every Black church in Atlanta. Within two weeks, they’ve created a union, and every washerwoman in Atlanta is on strike. White Atlanta begins to sweat…
Eliza Coldbrook, just graduated from all-Black Atlanta University, has a luxury afforded to few Black women. She doesn’t know what to do with herself. She doesn’t want to teach, missionarize, or get married. When her friend Ophelia drags her to the first meeting of the washerwomen, she’s willing to go. Then she attends the next meeting, and the next…
Matt Kaltenbach, Eliza’s white half-brother, fled Georgia as a child after the violence of Reconstruction. Now he’s returned, yearning to rebuild a relationship with his estranged half-sister. But she won’t even see him. At a loss, he takes a job with a newspaper unusual for Atlanta. The Beacon is dedicated to the cause of racial equality. As the strike unfolds, and the newspaper supports it, Matt is drawn in…
Will the strikers win? And when Eliza and Matt are swept into the strike, will they be able to heal the wounds of their past—and reconcile with each other?
Former slave Amanda Gardiner, a washerwoman for decades, has had enough of low wages and bad treatment. When she invites twenty washerwomen to her church to talk about working conditions, she’s astonished by the result. The washerwomen spread the word to every Black church in Atlanta. Within two weeks, they’ve created a union, and every washerwoman in Atlanta is on strike. White Atlanta begins to sweat…
Eliza Coldbrook, just graduated from all-Black Atlanta University, has a luxury afforded to few Black women. She doesn’t know what to do with herself. She doesn’t want to teach, missionarize, or get married. When her friend Ophelia drags her to the first meeting of the washerwomen, she’s willing to go. Then she attends the next meeting, and the next…
Matt Kaltenbach, Eliza’s white half-brother, fled Georgia as a child after the violence of Reconstruction. Now he’s returned, yearning to rebuild a relationship with his estranged half-sister. But she won’t even see him. At a loss, he takes a job with a newspaper unusual for Atlanta. The Beacon is dedicated to the cause of racial equality. As the strike unfolds, and the newspaper supports it, Matt is drawn in…
Will the strikers win? And when Eliza and Matt are swept into the strike, will they be able to heal the wounds of their past—and reconcile with each other?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2021
196 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Sabra Waldfogel
18 books150 followersSabra Waldfogel grew up far from the South in Minneapolis. She studied history at Harvard University and received her Ph.D. in American History from the University of Minnesota and since then, has been fascinated by the drama of slavery and freedom in the decades before and after the Civil War.
Her short story “Yemaya” appeared in the Winter 2013 Fiction Issue of Sixfold. Her first novel, Sister of Mine, published by Lake Union, was named the 2017 winner of the Audiobook Publisher's Association Audie Award for fiction. In her free time, not tired of history, she collects antiques and helps her husband sell them.
Her short story “Yemaya” appeared in the Winter 2013 Fiction Issue of Sixfold. Her first novel, Sister of Mine, published by Lake Union, was named the 2017 winner of the Audiobook Publisher's Association Audie Award for fiction. In her free time, not tired of history, she collects antiques and helps her husband sell them.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 18, 2024
While I enjoyed hearing about the washerwomen strike in 1881, I felt this book needed a little more depth to it. I liked reading from multiple POVs and it never occurred to me the impact of this strike on the community. Kudos to those women for standing up for themselves!
October 1, 2024
3.5 stars
I read this book straight after Sister of Mine and Let me Fly by Waldfogel and chose to read this after becoming invested in the characters who featured there. Let Me Fly's ambiguous ending is clarified in The Deep South, and I enjoyed reading about the lives of the more mature Henry, Rachel and other minor characters. To be honest, I wasn't really interested in the washerwomen strikes until I learned that it is based on a true story. The dialogue between the washerwomen felt little repetitive at times and although a few of them are described, it felt like they rolled into one at some points, and that felt a little one-dimensional.
Ophelia and Nina are lively characters but feel a little too modern for the setting, especially Nina and her life story.
It was interesting to understand the psychology of different free groups of colour, who left slavery but did not all start on a level playing field. It seems that the people of mixed heritage were given higher positions in black society, with some inheriting money from slave master fathers. We see this in the case of Rachel, and like her daughter, they both deem a washerwoman's job as beneath them. Society then still abided by the 'one drop rule' and it seems unusual today that a character like Eliza would consider herself black as she is just 1/4 black. I also noticed a separation between black people who asserted their rights and refused to be unnecessarily servile to white people (Ophelia, Rachel), and black people who wanted to assimilate and retain their deference (Ben).
Eliza is a difficult character to warm to, and her disdain for Matt seems arbitrary. Even Rachel and Henry's initial treatment of him seems out of character if you've read about them in Waldfogel's previous stories. If there was a social reason during that time to be this way, it would make sense but this isn't explained or properly explored so it seems odd. Matt being white doesn't seem reason enough for their hostility as he was a helpless child when they last saw him. Also, there is no mention of Adelaide, who had a strong bond with Rachel.
Waldfogel is becoming one of my favourite writers and I recommend this story if you enjoy slavery era historical fiction as it doesn't follow the usual character tropes as other books set in the same era tend to do
I read this book straight after Sister of Mine and Let me Fly by Waldfogel and chose to read this after becoming invested in the characters who featured there. Let Me Fly's ambiguous ending is clarified in The Deep South, and I enjoyed reading about the lives of the more mature Henry, Rachel and other minor characters. To be honest, I wasn't really interested in the washerwomen strikes until I learned that it is based on a true story. The dialogue between the washerwomen felt little repetitive at times and although a few of them are described, it felt like they rolled into one at some points, and that felt a little one-dimensional.
Ophelia and Nina are lively characters but feel a little too modern for the setting, especially Nina and her life story.
It was interesting to understand the psychology of different free groups of colour, who left slavery but did not all start on a level playing field. It seems that the people of mixed heritage were given higher positions in black society, with some inheriting money from slave master fathers. We see this in the case of Rachel, and like her daughter, they both deem a washerwoman's job as beneath them. Society then still abided by the 'one drop rule' and it seems unusual today that a character like Eliza would consider herself black as she is just 1/4 black. I also noticed a separation between black people who asserted their rights and refused to be unnecessarily servile to white people (Ophelia, Rachel), and black people who wanted to assimilate and retain their deference (Ben).
Eliza is a difficult character to warm to, and her disdain for Matt seems arbitrary. Even Rachel and Henry's initial treatment of him seems out of character if you've read about them in Waldfogel's previous stories. If there was a social reason during that time to be this way, it would make sense but this isn't explained or properly explored so it seems odd. Matt being white doesn't seem reason enough for their hostility as he was a helpless child when they last saw him. Also, there is no mention of Adelaide, who had a strong bond with Rachel.
Waldfogel is becoming one of my favourite writers and I recommend this story if you enjoy slavery era historical fiction as it doesn't follow the usual character tropes as other books set in the same era tend to do
May 21, 2022
A story of hope and triumph
I really appreciated this story, as a Black woman reading stories of the past is at often times difficult for me. Learning more and more about the evilness done to black people in this country is often like a dagger to the heart. It's why often times I stick to romance, fantasy and scifi but this book was such a suprise. There is a deliberate softness and complexity in the characters, dignity and undeniable beautiful in these women who have to navigate this unkind world. I enjoyed all the characters, and instead of just anger (justifiable) at the unfairness of these women's plight, I get to feel immense pride at the legacy left behind. The fact that we don't know more about this strike and other black led organizations is another strike against the US educational system.
Meanwhile this author did such a great job getting into the minds of these women and other white authors need to take note on how she was able to write black characters and not stick to stereotypes, Sabra Waldfogel just proved it's not that hard so no more excuses. Treat you black characters like multiple demensional human being, write them with empathy and compassion and you can't go wrong, and if you going to do a stereotype, make sure that you have more than one black character so that one black character isn't a representation of an entire ppl.
Sorry to go of on a tangent but I really do like the way Ms. Sabra Waldfogel writes and I enjoyed the story more for it.
I really appreciated this story, as a Black woman reading stories of the past is at often times difficult for me. Learning more and more about the evilness done to black people in this country is often like a dagger to the heart. It's why often times I stick to romance, fantasy and scifi but this book was such a suprise. There is a deliberate softness and complexity in the characters, dignity and undeniable beautiful in these women who have to navigate this unkind world. I enjoyed all the characters, and instead of just anger (justifiable) at the unfairness of these women's plight, I get to feel immense pride at the legacy left behind. The fact that we don't know more about this strike and other black led organizations is another strike against the US educational system.
Meanwhile this author did such a great job getting into the minds of these women and other white authors need to take note on how she was able to write black characters and not stick to stereotypes, Sabra Waldfogel just proved it's not that hard so no more excuses. Treat you black characters like multiple demensional human being, write them with empathy and compassion and you can't go wrong, and if you going to do a stereotype, make sure that you have more than one black character so that one black character isn't a representation of an entire ppl.
Sorry to go of on a tangent but I really do like the way Ms. Sabra Waldfogel writes and I enjoyed the story more for it.
August 25, 2021
I read an advanced copy of this book. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this unknown bit of history regarding The Washer Women of Atlanta. As an African-American woman and descendant of slaves from the Carolinas and Virginia, I learned something new about my people. Even though, I didn't get nor appreciate Eliza's unwilling and mulish attitude towards Matt. They were both put in a circumstance by their parents and it was not of their own making. I loved Ophelia and Nina's spunk and how they didn't put on airs. All in all, this was a very good read!
September 4, 2021
I loved this civil war story. The war is over and black women are still being treated badly. They wash the clothes of the white people and sometimes don't get paid when they are supposed to. They decide to form a union to get more money for their work. This is a well researched and well written book that held me captivated throughout. Ms. Waldfogel has a knack for drawing you in while reading her stories. I would highly recommend anything written by her. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
February 10, 2022
Slow Justice
I love the fact that Matt’s dad was not afraid to show his love for his children with Eliza’s mom, and The New South is not to far from 2022.
Sabra was brilliant and thorough with details and sensory. This book captured and held my attention from the beginning to the very end. I loved the bit of humor within certain chapters. This novel was well written with few or no grammatical errors. A standing ovation for entwining love with the bitterness of racism.
I love the fact that Matt’s dad was not afraid to show his love for his children with Eliza’s mom, and The New South is not to far from 2022.
Sabra was brilliant and thorough with details and sensory. This book captured and held my attention from the beginning to the very end. I loved the bit of humor within certain chapters. This novel was well written with few or no grammatical errors. A standing ovation for entwining love with the bitterness of racism.
August 20, 2024
I really enjoyed the book, and I learned a lot about the Washerwomen Society; however, I was a bit disappointed that Daniel Pereira was not mentioned in “The New South”. I was hoping that Rachel and Daniel would be a married couple instead of Rachel being with Henry. Don’t get me wrong, I liked Henry, but he wasn’t right for Rachel. With that being said, Rachel and Daniel were more authentic since they had a lot in common. Therefore, I would love to read more about Eliza and Matt and their relationships with their parents, Dr. Chensey, and Nina. Overall, “The New South” was a great read.
January 18, 2022
A Story About True Freedom
In the years after the American Civil War, Blacks were free but still oppressed. This story is about a strike for true freedom -- being paid fairly for work performed. I enjoyed this insight into the true struggles of Blacks in the post-War South, along with the sweet romances of some of the characters. A worthwhile read.
In the years after the American Civil War, Blacks were free but still oppressed. This story is about a strike for true freedom -- being paid fairly for work performed. I enjoyed this insight into the true struggles of Blacks in the post-War South, along with the sweet romances of some of the characters. A worthwhile read.
May 7, 2022
Based on a true story in 1881, about the little know fact of a strike that was formed by Atlanta Georgia's laundresses. Wonderful story, and great pace. I feel happy and proud to have read about this part of history that I knew nothing about.
January 24, 2024
Black History required read!
This story of the post-war south revealed a great deal about the continued ill treatment of persons of color. The whole series is a must read for Black History month. Ms. Waldfogel is an accomplished author. I look forward to more of her books.
This story of the post-war south revealed a great deal about the continued ill treatment of persons of color. The whole series is a must read for Black History month. Ms. Waldfogel is an accomplished author. I look forward to more of her books.
October 19, 2021
A story about the 1881 Washerwomen's Strike in Atlanta which I never even knew took place.
December 23, 2021
Great fictional series of the reconstruction
I enjoyed reading about the life after slavery. The strength and imagination to preserve is inspiring on a hard day.
I enjoyed reading about the life after slavery. The strength and imagination to preserve is inspiring on a hard day.
January 2, 2022
The New South
A very good story about life for black washer women in the 1880s and the prejudice by the police and the Atlanta Constitution
A very good story about life for black washer women in the 1880s and the prejudice by the police and the Atlanta Constitution
January 25, 2022
The New South..
I Loved Reading this book on how my black ancestors stood up for fair wages, for women's rights and in the end they got exactly what they fought for!!
I Loved Reading this book on how my black ancestors stood up for fair wages, for women's rights and in the end they got exactly what they fought for!!
October 30, 2022
An Interesting Read
"The New South" paints a picture of
struggles manifested by the curious institution of slavery. Social mores and economic freedoms are tested.
"The New South" paints a picture of
struggles manifested by the curious institution of slavery. Social mores and economic freedoms are tested.
December 22, 2022
Super Great
I cannot get enough of these stories. I love the spin of the oppressors being forced into submission and having their hatred blocked!
I cannot get enough of these stories. I love the spin of the oppressors being forced into submission and having their hatred blocked!
April 29, 2023
With many Southern roots, my Ancestry studies have a yawning gap when it comes to the topics Sabra addresses. I admire her writing style and the engrossing details she always presents.
September 19, 2021
Definitely read Sabra Waldfogel's The New South. She brings in characters and storylines you don’t normally see in mainstream historical fiction: Jews as major characters, the mixed-race heritage reality of Southern society (look how long it took historians to own up to Thomas Jefferson fathering children by Sally Hemmings), and an historic African-American event as a focal point, not a side story. I've been looking for another fiction using the 1881 Atlanta Washerwoman's Strike ever since I read Piper Huguley's 2016 novella, The Washerwoman's War in the anthology Daughters of A Nation. I enjoyed how Waldfogel's story showed there was nothing new about the new South. The triumphant last scene nicely bookends the opening first scene. Be sure to read the notes Waldfogel shares at the end of the book. I recommend you read Huguley's story too to learn why the win didn't become a gain and why to quote the late John Lewis, "Our struggle is not the struggle of a day or a week, a month or a year. It is the struggle of a lifetime."
September 4, 2021
This is a well written novel about the American South, this time in the early 1880's. The slaves have been freed, but are not free from the social chains that still bind them.
This story centers about the Washerwomen Strike that took place in Atlanta. Families hired out their laundry to washerwomen, many of whom were black. They banded together to demand higher wages and payment upfront. They were supported by people who were relatively better off.
This story includes main characters who are Jewish, also in the minority in post-war Atlanta.
The author seeks out historical events and builds the novel around them. I was captivated by this story, which describes another historic event that I'd had no previous knowledge about. It's sad to see how poorly people were treated and it struck me that some things still haven't changed.
I highly recommend this book for people who love to learn more about our history.
This story centers about the Washerwomen Strike that took place in Atlanta. Families hired out their laundry to washerwomen, many of whom were black. They banded together to demand higher wages and payment upfront. They were supported by people who were relatively better off.
This story includes main characters who are Jewish, also in the minority in post-war Atlanta.
The author seeks out historical events and builds the novel around them. I was captivated by this story, which describes another historic event that I'd had no previous knowledge about. It's sad to see how poorly people were treated and it struck me that some things still haven't changed.
I highly recommend this book for people who love to learn more about our history.
November 30, 2022
Great Story
This book gives us a view into life after slavery and the valiant efforts of Atlantas laundresses to be paid fairly for their hard work. Their rallying cry of “a dollar a dozen” kept them strong in their fight. Good work by this author.
This book gives us a view into life after slavery and the valiant efforts of Atlantas laundresses to be paid fairly for their hard work. Their rallying cry of “a dollar a dozen” kept them strong in their fight. Good work by this author.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews