In the Land of Cotton

Martha A. Taylor
Outskirts Press (2009)
ISBN 9781432734718
Reviewed by Marcy Blesy for Reader Views (01/10)

“In the Land of Cotton” by Martha A. Taylor is the beautiful story of Martha, a young white girl growing up in the heart of the South during the 1950s and 1960s.   After bonding with Lucy, her Black babysitter, Martha discovers Lucy’s tucked-away home in the Cypress Grove.  Secretly following her to her home leads to the discovery of a fantastic cast of characters that make up Lucy’s large, extended family.  The relationships Martha creates with Lucy’s family last into her adulthood, all under a veil of secrecy.
      
Emotions of love and loss are woven in this heartfelt story amongst the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S.  As Martha’s relationship with Silas, Lucy’s nephew, grows into something special, the two must struggle internally with the prejudice of the world in which they live. 
          
There are numerous historical references throughout the book.  The reader acquires a very good understanding of the political and social events that occurred during this racially divided time in American history.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is highlighted in several speeches.  The reader also learns about the Vietnam War in relation to racial discrimination as well as about overall American unease with the war’s consequences. 
       
Ms. Taylor creates a beautiful cast of characters.  Lucy’s family is full of interesting, memorable people, specifically Mammy Grace.  Every family needs a strong matriarch.  The plot woven throughout the book is a subtle yet socially important result of racial tension during the 1950s and 1960s. 
      
I enjoyed “In the Land of Cotton” by Martha A. Taylor very much.  My only suggestion is that another edit of the book be done.  There were some errors, and while that usually turns me off in a book, this story was so important and interesting that I was able to overlook the edit issues.  With a second print, this problem could be resolved.  The story is important and told well.

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