I just finished reading The House Girl this morning and absolutely loved it! I am anxious to read another of Conklin’s novels housed on My Library Shelf to see if the credit goes to the story line or Conklin’s writing. I have a feeling Conklin is going to ultimately get the credit.
In last week’s update, I explained my initial understanding of the novel. Shortly after posting the update, things turned around and I found myself enthralled in a gripping tale set in the Antebellum South and modern day New York City. The story centers around Josephine, a slave girl on a tobacco plantation in Virginia. She has been treated well for the most part by her mistress, Lu Ann Bell. As part of their relationship, Lu Ann and Josephine have both dabbled in painting together. Both women are tormented. Both find comfort in expressing their feelings in the visual arts. Only one of them is a master artist.
In the 20th century, Lu Ann Bell is regarded as an important figure in the art world. Credit for the outstanding paintings found on the plantation have been attributed to Lu Ann. Enter Lina, a NYC lawyer who has found herself involved in a slave retribution case when she first hears the story of Josephine. She begins a journey to find out if Josephine or Lu Ann should be recognized as the gifted artist. If she believes it if Josephine, then she must figure out a way to track down the slave’s descendants in order to have a plaintiff for her case.
The House Girl is an insightful look into the life of the slave in the American south while also exploring our continuing pursuit of freedom from those things that hold us captive – whether it be the past, our job, or our beliefs. Conklin’s novel is not to be missed and has quickly found itself ranked among the best books I have read in 2020.
Reading for Me 
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