Missus Buck by Katrina Parker Williams

If you liked "Slave Auction" and "Rock" from Trouble Down South and Other Stories, you're going to love to hate "Missus Buck," a 6850-word short story about an elderly woman, advanced in years, who fosters a spirit of hostility toward her daughter-in-law because she believes her to be a commoner. Their family descending from German aristocracy, Missus Buck believes her son has married beneath him when he weds Missus Julie, who feels the sting of her disapproval even from the first day she met her. Missus Buck shows no mercy towards Missus Julie's slaves and squares off with Missus Julie's favored slave, the feisty Rubeline.

good reads summary

This novel will leave the reader wondering about the other two books Katrina Parker Williams wrote.  The main characters are fairly well-developed.  The reader will dislike Missus Buck, as it Katrina's intention, for her snooty ways and high airs.  Miss Julie is to be pitied, the reader will pray for her to stand up to Missus Buck more, but be happy with Miss Julie's kind attitude.  Rubeline will probably be one of the reader's favored characters, she is truly spunky and fun to read about.  The dialogue was well-done, the reader will truly feel the atmosphere.  The plot is nothing extremely special, but the dialogue is fun to read and will evoke reactions with the reader.  This book is a good read for young adults/adults. 

3 1/2 stars