Yellow Crocus - Laila Ibrahim

After Lisbeth is born, she is handed over to Mattie, who is her wet nurse and a slave. Mattie, who only just became a mother three months ago, must leave her son in the care of family while she cares for Lisbeth. 

Mattie misses her son, but begins to care deeply for Lisbeth. And Lisbeth feels the same. Mattie is the one she runs when upset, not her Mother. This bond and love they have for each other will change and shape their lives forever.

I just finished reading and all I can say is wow. I really cared about Mattie and Lisbeth. They were such good characters and despite living in the time of slavery, they were able to see each other as just people and cared for each other very deeply. I would say that Mattie was much more Lisbeth's Mother than her actual own Mother. 

There were some graphic descriptions of breast-feeding and while fully graphic, there were descriptions of some abuse and sexual matters between Masters and slaves. It's not overly graphic, but clear enough to paint a picture that things weren't as Lisbeth's Mother said they were. 

I think something this book shows that is although Lisbeth's family and others were privileged, as far as wealth, clothing, nice home and such goes, that they were in their own sort of prison too. Sure, they seemed perfect, but there were so many rules, especially for women. Rules of how you are supposed to be, what you're supposed to do. Or rather, expected to do. I think that no one had true freedom. While Lisbeth's family and others weren't slaves, they weren't free. They were tied to how they thought things were supposed to be and even Lisbeth saw that it wasn't a good thing. It was very bad.

I thought it was a very touching story and I love the mother/daughter relationship between Mattie and Lisbeth. It was so sweet. And I will admit this book made me tear up at times. 

I love this book and I definitely think this will be one that I re-read from time to time. It was wonderful.