A Sitting in St. James

In this award-winning novel by Rita Williams-Garcia, set in antebellum Louisiana, Madame Sylvie Guilbert prepares to have her portrait painted after decades of managing her family's plantation. As she reflects on her life, the intertwined stories of the Guilberts and the enslaved individuals on the estate emerge, revealing deep-seated horrors, hidden secrets, and complex relationships. This epic tale explores the brutal realities of American racism while offering a profoundly human perspective, making it essential reading for both teens and adults.