The Life and Times of Persimmon Wilson
Persimmon “Persy” Wilson, a former slave, has only a short time to live before his hanging. Tried and convicted of killing his former master and kidnapping and raping his former master’s wife, Persy wants to make sure his side of the story is known, even if no one reads it until after his death. He begins penning the story of his life as a slave, and then later as a free man, and his long journey to reunite with the only woman he ever loved.
Persy and several other slaves are purchased by a Louisiana sugar plantation owner, Master Wilson. Among the new additions to the plantation is Chloe, whose light skin ensures she will work in the house instead of the fields. Persy and Chloe fall in love during their brief chances to be together, and they plan an escape. Before they can leave, however, the Union army is set to attack New Orleans and, fearing he will lose all his slaves, Master Wilson packs them up to head to Texas. During a fight that ensues, Persy is shot by his master and left for dead. When he recovers, Persy is determined to find Chloe and live out the life they dreamed. His journey leads him across the harsh Texas landscape and into the hands of the warring Comanche, who take him as a captive, but nothing can deter his search.
Peacock’s story is unflinching and, at times, brutally violent. Persy and the characters he meets during his travels are compelling and multifaceted, with the unfortunate exception of Chloe, who is given very little backstory. The slave narrative aspect of the novel is engaging, particularly the description of Persy’s experience living with the Comanche. Less successful is the romantic element, since Persy and Chloe’s relationship feels underdeveloped.
