Sontia Levy-Mason’s Reviews > A Mercy > Status Update

I’m completely overjoyed that Florense finally made it to the blacksmith’s home safely. She endured so much to get there. I did not expect however that he would leave her there to travel back to cure the Mistress or leave Lina so frantic about her. I also didn’t expect for Sorrow to be so humored by her absence. It is of amaze how Terry wrote so fluidly about how everyone’s role changed… so interesting.

At first Sorrow was shunned in this story. I thought of her as an omen of bad luck. This chapter however has helped me gain insight to who she is- just a girl who was misunderstood- who came from a swell upbringing and traumatized by a night of shipwreck! I thought it was remarkable how Terry wrote about her imaginary confidant- Twin. Honestly- brilliant. Sorrow is not at all how she seems. She is so much more!

Phew! That was a close call. I thought that Florense was for sure in trouble. I would have never guessed that the green eyed woman’s daughter, Jane would have rescued her and led her to where the blacksmith resided. I’m glad she did.

Terry McMillian speaks so poetically about being a widow- illustrating every married woman’s nightmare when she explains the death of Jacob and how it haunts Mistress now that he is gone and she is sick. This book is heartbreaking. But poetic. A train wreck that I am unable to look away from- and somehow, enjoying now that I am connecting the characters, and their outlooks on life and their point of view.

So I totally understand now- Lina has helped raise Florense. Now that Jacob has died from pox and now his wife (who goes by Mistress) is dying of pox as well - Lina has sent Sorrow to find the blacksmith (a man she desires) to come back to their land/farm to help them keep their safety and help continue their future. Without a man- they are in danger - just women on land that can be overthrown. Very sad…

Jacob seems like an honorable man. I understand now that he has taken possession of the girl telling her story ar the beginning of this book. I am hoping she has a better experience than what she described at D’Ortegas plantation - which is beautiful- but apparently not all it’s cracked up to be. I’m intrigued to see where this goes.

Oh, I see. D’ortega wants Jacob to take his payment in slaves as he cannot pay Jacob back at this moment. Hmm… Jacob doesn’t seem interested. Will he?