Edward P. Jones
Author
Summary
The story of Henry Townsend, a black farmer and former slave who falls under the tutelage of William Robbins, the most powrful man in Manchester County, Virginia. Making certain he never circumvents the law, Townsend runs his affairs with unusual discipline. But when death takes him unexpectedly, his widow, Caldonia, can't uphold the estate's order and chaos ensues.