"[An] indomitable young slave, July, works on a sugarcane plantation owned by her detestable mistress, Caroline Mortimer. Their lives change with the arrival of the charming new overseer, Robert Goodwin, who sets out to improve the plantation for both the slaves and the mistress. Told from July's perspective as she reflects upon her life, [it] is a tale of love, hope and defiance in the face of injustice"--Container.