**"A serious, powerful novel...[Gaines] is a writer of terrific
energy."--***The Nation
*
This is the story of Marcus: bonded out of jail where he has been
awaiting trial for murder, he is sent to the Hebert plantation to work
in the fields. There he encounters conflict with the overseer, Sidney
Bonbon, and a tale of revenge, lust and power plays out between Marcus,
Bonbon, Bonbon's mistress Pauline, and Bonbon's wife Louise.