Jubilee (Paperback)

~ (Author) "MAY LIZA, how come you so restless and uneasy?..." (more)
Key Phrases: Big Missy, Randall Ware, Innis Brown (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Chronicles the triumph of a free spirit over many kinds of bondage." -- Review

Review

"Do yourself a favor by picking up Jubilee." The Chicago Tribune

"Chronicles the triumph of a free spirit over many kinds of bondage." The New York Times

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Product Details Paperback: 512 pages Publisher: Mariner Books (January 21, 1999) Language: English ISBN-10: 0395924952 ISBN-13: 978-0395924952 Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 1.4 inches Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #341,373 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Inside This Book (learn more)

First Sentence:
"MAY LIZA, how come you so restless and uneasy? Read the first page

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Big Missy, Randall Ware, Innis Brown, Miss Lillian, Marse John, Aunt Sally, Big House, May Liza, Mammy Sukey, Missy Salina, Brother Ezekiel, Miss Lucy, Brother Zeke, Granny Ticey, Grandpa Tom, Union Army, Sis Hetta's Child, John Morris Dutton, Marster Johnny, Mister Grimes, Lee County, Butler County, Abraham Lincoln, Banker Barrow, General Grant

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Citations (learn more)

This book cites 26 books:

• Chocolate Days, Popsicle Weeks by Edward Hannibal in Front Matter
• Last Hunt by Milton Lott in Front Matter
• The Negro in the South: His Economic Progress in Relation to His Moral and Religious Development by Booker T. Washington on page 397
• Going Away by Clancy Sigal in Front Matter
• Robert Penn Warren - American Writers 44: University of Minnesota Pamphlets on American Writers by Paul West in Front Matter

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	96% buy the item featured on this page: Jubilee 4.5 out of 5 stars (40) $7.88
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Customer Reviews

40 Reviews 5 star:  (30) 4 star:  (6) 3 star:  (1) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:  (3)           Average Customer Review 4.5 out of 5 stars (40 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 12 of 12 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A true classic, March 14, 2004 By  The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews One word cannot describe this book. Margaret Walker captured the essence of one woman's struggle that represented so many during a period when freedom was an elusive dream. It would take a war and many deaths before African Americans became liberated, only to realize later that the chains of oppression were still evident just manifested in other ways. In JUBILEE, Vyry is born into slavery as a result of a relationship between her mother, Hetta, and the white plantation owner, "Marster Dutton." After Hetta's death, Vyry would be placed in the mansion as a servant to the owners and their children. Her mulatto coloring would elevate her above the station of a regular field hand and qualify her to work in the "Big House." While in the "Big House," Vyry would be subjected to almost daily abuse from the "Big Missy." Sometimes her only peace of mind would come from some of the older slave women who worked in the house. But when they all finally died, leaving her all alone, Vyry starts directing her own life and dreams, even daring to find love with a free black man. Margaret Walker's JUBILEE is one of the best book written on witnessing the brutalities, triumphs and struggles of African Americans before, during and after the Civil War. In a true account from her ancestors, Walker has written a riveting tale of life as a slave. Her main character, the focal point of the book, is one that left this reader in tears from the hatred she received, but spellbound at the compassion she showed to her abusers. I was captivated by the love she showed for her husband and the stamina she possessed to keep the family and the dream alive. This novel is a fine testament to the life that our forefathers suffered in the pursuit of freedom and should be required reading for all African Americans. Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers 10 of 11 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Triumph of the Human Spirit Overcomes Despair of Slavery, February 21, 2000 By  Kay Mitchell (Pensacola Beach, Florida United States) - See all my reviews Jubilee is a story that details the triumph of the human spirit in all its many facets: love, hate, fear, forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, pride. All these exist in the character of Vyry, a slave on a Georgia plantation, the never recognized daughter of the plantation's master. Stories of slavery, the Civil War, and its aftermath are often presented as glowing tales of chivalry and glory for those bygone days, but in Vyry's story, the glory comes only from faith in God and his promises to send a new Moses to free them as he did the Israelites. Imagine the other side: picture life from a slave's point of view and glory becomes hardship, backbreaking work, separation of families, vicious beatings and no hope of freedom. Vyry's story is true, retold by her great granddaughter in all its poignant detail as history unfolds and her life changes. Her strength and compassion for all mankind plus her faith in God and His moral commandments places Vyry with all great heroines. This is a thought provoking and heartbreaking story but one that triumphs in the end and leaves the reader with a sense of regret for past injustice and inhumanity. In no uncertain terms, this book makes it clear that there could be no excuse for slavery despite its ancient history and justification. 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Triumph, December 1, 2003 By  "ivyps" (Lafayette, LA) - See all my reviews I must admit that originally I chose this book because it was the only book on the reading list that I could find at the time. While I read, I came to appreciate the book for its deeper meanings and the lingering images of slave life found in the novel. This narrative tells the true story of the black slaves before, during, and after the Civil War; and the struggles they had to overcome. This novel details the human triumph over the despairs of slavery and dispels the stereotype of the black slave. This in depth story proves the ability of the slaves to have a full range of emotions, not just hatred. For Vyry, the creation of new life offers her salvation. She is blessed with children, and when she comes to a new town she is offered a home because of her skills as a midwife. While white skin is seen as a symbol of civilization, to Vyry it is only a point of further pain under the hand of Big Missy (Salina) who sees it as her duty to put Vyry in her place. In each new home, Vyry feels a sense of renewed hope offered to her by the color of her skin and the sense of freedom that comes with being in a new place. Even when that hope is consumed by the flames of the KKK, she is able to find release by turning to God. Omens at the opening of the novel further emphasize the brutalities of the slave owners and the vagaries of nature because of the twists of fate that allow hatred and death to continue. Walker uses these vivid images to convey the triumph of the human spirit and the true glory of God through man.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read Walker takes you on a vivid walk through the life of a Creo slave girl who was born into slavery and must raise her children during the era of Reconstruction and rise of... Read more Published 1 month ago by N. Jenkins 5.0 out of 5 stars A Book That Should Be Required Reading For All Jubilee! by Margaret Walker is simply a great book. Well written with character, heart and honesty. Jubilee should be a must read for all high school students. Read more Published 7 months ago by Randolph I. Klein 5.0 out of 5 stars Great seller! The book came quickly and was in the promised shape. Will definitely but from this seller in the future. Published 10 months ago by Cheryl M. Pifher 5.0 out of 5 stars Jubilee Masterfully written! This is Vyry's story - born of a slave mother and white slavemaster - she endures the harshness of life as a slave and then as a free Black woman. Read more Published 11 months ago by Ms. 90 5.0 out of 5 stars Great read This book is definately one of all-time favorite reads. I could not put it down, and when I did, I almost wanted to cry because it was over. Read more Published on August 20, 2007 by J. Webb 5.0 out of 5 stars Add this one to the Literary Canon This is a beautiful piece of literature taken from the history books. It takes you on a journey from slavery through reconstruction into the start of what would become Jim Crow... Read more Published on December 6, 2006 by D. Jones 5.0 out of 5 stars Voices of the Old South I was 13 years old when I read *Jubilee* for the first time. I found it in the library and spent a rainy Saturday devouring the story. Read more Published on July 25, 2006 by Alesha L. Gee 5.0 out of 5 stars A must read This book was assigned reading for my daughters college literature class. She kept her copy, I read it and wanted a copy for myself. It is excellent. Published on March 25, 2006 by Wade Hyatt 5.0 out of 5 stars Jubilee A tremendous story of one woman's determination to survive. This is a no-glory novel, with deep emotions and awe inspiring human spirit. Read more Published on September 1, 2005 by Chelby 5.0 out of 5 stars If you can't handle the truth, don't read this book I think Walkers "Jubilee" was one of the best books I've read in a long while. Her style of writing is extrordinary and her descriptions of scenery and life in motion... Read more Published on August 15, 2003 by Azizi Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books (January 21, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395924952
• ISBN-13: 978-0395924952
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #341,373 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true classic, March 14, 2004

By	The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

One word cannot describe this book. Margaret Walker captured the essence of one woman's struggle that represented so many during a period when freedom was an elusive dream. It would take a war and many deaths before African Americans became liberated, only to realize later that the chains of oppression were still evident just manifested in other ways. In JUBILEE, Vyry is born into slavery as a result of a relationship between her mother, Hetta, and the white plantation owner, "Marster Dutton." After Hetta's death, Vyry would be placed in the mansion as a servant to the owners and their children. Her mulatto coloring would elevate her above the station of a regular field hand and qualify her to work in the "Big House." While in the "Big House," Vyry would be subjected to almost daily abuse from the "Big Missy." Sometimes her only peace of mind would come from some of the older slave women who worked in the house. But when they all finally died, leaving her all alone, Vyry starts directing her own life and dreams, even daring to find love with a free black man.

Margaret Walker's JUBILEE is one of the best book written on witnessing the brutalities, triumphs and struggles of African Americans before, during and after the Civil War. In a true account from her ancestors, Walker has written a riveting tale of life as a slave. Her main character, the focal point of the book, is one that left this reader in tears from the hatred she received, but spellbound at the compassion she showed to her abusers. I was captivated by the love she showed for her husband and the stamina she possessed to keep the family and the dream alive. This novel is a fine testament to the life that our forefathers suffered in the pursuit of freedom and should be required reading for all African Americans.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Triumph of the Human Spirit Overcomes Despair of Slavery, February 21, 2000

By	Kay Mitchell (Pensacola Beach, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

Jubilee is a story that details the triumph of the human spirit in all its many facets: love, hate, fear, forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, pride. All these exist in the character of Vyry, a slave on a Georgia plantation, the never recognized daughter of the plantation's master. Stories of slavery, the Civil War, and its aftermath are often presented as glowing tales of chivalry and glory for those bygone days, but in Vyry's story, the glory comes only from faith in God and his promises to send a new Moses to free them as he did the Israelites. Imagine the other side: picture life from a slave's point of view and glory becomes hardship, backbreaking work, separation of families, vicious beatings and no hope of freedom. Vyry's story is true, retold by her great granddaughter in all its poignant detail as history unfolds and her life changes. Her strength and compassion for all mankind plus her faith in God and His moral commandments places Vyry with all great heroines. This is a thought provoking and heartbreaking story but one that triumphs in the end and leaves the reader with a sense of regret for past injustice and inhumanity. In no uncertain terms, this book makes it clear that there could be no excuse for slavery despite its ancient history and justification.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Triumph, December 1, 2003

By	"ivyps" (Lafayette, LA) - See all my reviews

I must admit that originally I chose this book because it was the only book on the reading list that I could find at the time. While I read, I came to appreciate the book for its deeper meanings and the lingering images of slave life found in the novel. This narrative tells the true story of the black slaves before, during, and after the Civil War; and the struggles they had to overcome. This novel details the human triumph over the despairs of slavery and dispels the stereotype of the black slave. This in depth story proves the ability of the slaves to have a full range of emotions, not just hatred. For Vyry, the creation of new life offers her salvation. She is blessed with children, and when she comes to a new town she is offered a home because of her skills as a midwife. While white skin is seen as a symbol of civilization, to Vyry it is only a point of further pain under the hand of Big Missy (Salina) who sees it as her duty to put Vyry in her place. In each new home, Vyry feels a sense of renewed hope offered to her by the color of her skin and the sense of freedom that comes with being in a new place. Even when that hope is consumed by the flames of the KKK, she is able to find release by turning to God. Omens at the opening of the novel further emphasize the brutalities of the slave owners and the vagaries of nature because of the twists of fate that allow hatred and death to continue. Walker uses these vivid images to convey the triumph of the human spirit and the true glory of God through man.