Jubilee (novel), by Margaret Walker

Jubilee (1966) is a critically acclaimed historical novel written by Margaret Walker, which focuses on the story of a biracial slave during the American Civil War. It is set in Georgia and later in various parts of Alabama in the mid-1800s before, during, and after the Civil War.

The novel begins with the death of a slave, Sis Hetta. Hetta was the mother of many of her master’s children, who all became his slaves. The plotline follows the life of Hetta’s youngest daughter, Vyry.

After the death of her mother, Vyry is put to work in the big house as Miss Lillian’s personal servant. Because Liilian is the daughter of the master as well, Vyry and she are technically half sisters and a hold striking resemblance to each other. However it is extremely frowned upon when this issue is brought up. She has a difficult time adjusting and often makes mistakes and is harshly punished by Big Missy, the wife of Master "Marse" John Dutton. She learns quickly to obey