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Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
The setting is the deep south during the 1956 when racial tensions were running high. The story is based on the life of the author, Martha Taylor.
Martha was raised in a family that has contempt for African Americans. While both of her parents worked, Lucy took care of her. Lucy’s skin was black. While exploring the woods near her home, Martha discovered Lucy’s family and home. At first, they did not want her around fearing the repercussions. After time Martha was accepted as one of Lucy’s family. Martha and Silas (Lucy’s nephew) form a bond that surpasses mere friendship. Silas resists their bond knowing that it is not safe for Martha. Her family moves to Texas and Silas moves to Chicago. However, they never forget each other and eventually are together again.
In The Land of Cotton is beautifully written. Taylor successfully captures the essence of the period: racial tensions, war, space exploration, John F. Kennedy an Martin Luther King. The reader is transported back in time. Many think the late 50’s early 60’s were a time of innocence, but was it? In The Land of Cotton is a story of relationships, growth, and love.
