
It bears the additional distinction of being among the first novels published by an African-American woman. The New York Times noted that this 1892 work was probably the bestselling novel by an African-American before the twentieth century. Instead, she devotes herself to the improvement of black society in this compelling exploration of race, politics, and class. Confronted with the truth of her origins, Iola Leroy rejects the secrecy and shame inherent to a life of passing as white.

This stirring tale of life during the Civil War and Reconstruction traces a young woman's struggles and triumphs on the path to self-discovery. Its striking portrait of life during the Civil War and Reconstruction recounts a mixed-race woman's devotion to uplifting the black community.īook Synopsis The daughter of a wealthy Mississippi planter, Iola Leroy led a life of comfort and privilege, never guessing at her mixed-race ancestry - until her father died and a treacherous relative sold her into slavery.

About the Book This 1892 work was among the first novels published by an African-American woman.
