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I’d heard of the Trail of Tears, when in 1938-1939 native indians were forced from their lands to make room for white settlers. But I didn’t realize that African Americans, called Black Cherokees, were among them. These people were compelled to walk 1,000 miles in winter and many, perhaps one-fourth of them, died.
Armentia tells her story from early childhood through her old age. She and her family are owned by Mama Emma, a half-breed like themselves. Armentia’s brother Abraham, called “One Who Guards His Family,” is her best friend and protector. In the middle of the clearing where they live there is a well that provides water for all the families nearby. It is very deep, but Armentia’s mother tells her, “Even that well is not as deep as Abraham’s love for his sister.”
Abraham is beaten for stealing—but it is actually Armentia who stole honey. Later, Abraham is sold and his family never see him again. Eventually, Armentia, too, is sold and is raped by her new owner while still very young. She has a child she cherishes. Armentia names her son Abraham, after her brother, but he, too, is sold away when he was only six years old.
A star-shaped star on Armentia’s ankle that she’d received as a young girl when running is critical at the end of the novel. She is finally rewarded with love and joy in her family.
ABRAHAM’S WELL is a heartbreaking story, yet Armentia’s faith and courage in her struggles are inspirational. Foster writes with compassion and honesty, making this reader feel Armentia’s emotions. I felt I knew her as a person, not just a fictional character. Foster’s setting descriptions also make the story real to the reader. And I found the author’s notes at the end of the book as interesting as the novel itself.
Reviewed by Marie DisBrow
for The Road to Romance
March 6, 2007
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