"a feminist, nuanced study of the strength and solicitude of women in plantation-era society"

Clara is a satisfyingly complex character, as determined to manage her plantation and maintain her independence as she is to find various lovers and fine fabrics. When the book begins she is unconvinced of the equality and humanity of her slaves, but by its end she is empathetic to their plight and that of freedmen, one on whom she appears set to marry.

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‘The View from Belmont’ is a feminist, nuanced study of the strength and solicitude of women in plantation-era society, subtly and sensitively wrought by a writer with an outstanding ear and unsparing eye. A truly remarkable book...