"A Sitting in St. James" by Rita Williams-Garcia is an absolute masterpiece that left me completely captivated. This mesmerizing novel takes us on an unforgettable journey through the complexities of American slavery in antebellum Louisiana.

The story skillfully intertwines the lives of the white Guilbert family and the Black people they enslaved, providing a deeply nuanced exploration of privilege, exploitation, and the profound impact of slavery on both enslaved individuals and their oppressors. Williams-Garcia's storytelling is nothing short of magnificent, and her authentic voice immerses readers in a world that is both shocking and dramatic.

The book is a marathon masterpiece, offering a holistic portrait of U.S. history that cannot be dismissed or forgotten. With a diverse cast of characters that reflects the rich mixing of peoples and cultures in Louisiana, the narrative challenges us to confront the legacy of chattel slavery in the context of the Black Lives Matter era.

I found myself drawn to the character-driven storytelling, as the stories of the enslaved and the slaveowners are told simultaneously. It's a powerful exploration of the inhumanity of slavery, and it forces readers to grapple with uncomfortable truths about the antebellum South.

Ultimately, "A Sitting in St. James" is a necessary and thought-provoking read that offers an unvarnished look at the crumbling power structure obsessed with artifice and tradition. It suggests that new generations may slowly, albeit not without suffering, move away from antiquated ideologies. As a 17-year-old reader, I couldn't help but be moved by this deeply impactful and thoroughly researched novel, and I believe it's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of American history and the enduring legacy of slavery.