YELLOW CROCUS by Laila Ibrahim

Yellow Crocus is a very good look at Southern families and their relationship with slavery.  Lisbeth Wainwright, born to white plantation owners but raised by her enslaved black wet nurse, Mattie.   Mattie is forced to leave her own small child to move up to the "big house" to care for Lisbeth.Growing up with Mattie, the child adopts her deep-seated faith in God and the tradition of hunting for yellow crocuses in the early days of spring. Even though Lisbeth has freedoms that Mattie does not have, the color of the girl's skin cannot protect her from the expectations of her mother and society placed on women born to privilege in the South.  Lisbeth struggles to reconcile her love for her caregiver with her parent's expectations.  Lisbeth becomes increasingly aware of the ugly realities of the American slavery system.  Lisbeth realizes she must make a choice between her parents mores and her own mores.  Her choice brings her to a place where she receives an outstanding gift.  4 Stars