The Catbird Seat

In South Carolina, Gillian Culkin, a research librarian, discovers the Confederate flag represents deeper issues of race and inequality after meeting Reverend Joe Pearl. She also transcribes the 19th-century diary of a slave owner named William Medlin, whose views on slavery change, and Gil's own views on race evolve. The two narratives provide a probing and insightful look at what it means to be human within an often inhumane system.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group LLC

In the heart of South Carolina, a fascinating convergence of the past and present unfolds. Initially, Gillian Culkin, a research librarian in Columbia, finds herself mildly perturbed by the protestors gathered outside her office, fervently debating the presence of the Confederate flag proudly flying over the State House. As a White Southerner, racial issues had never been a significant concern for her. However, after a chance encounter with Reverend Joe Pearl, a local preacher and Black televangelist, Gil discovers a profound truth hidden beneath the surface. Reverend Joe enlightens her about the historical significance of the flag, revealing its connection to deeply entrenched issues of race and inequality.

As Gillian delves into her work, she is tasked with transcribing the 19th-century diary of a South Carolina slave owner named William Medlin. Medlin, a farmer with a keen understanding of Southern agricultural details, undergoes a remarkable transformation when he becomes a slaveholder. Through his recounting of the tragic journey he undertakes with his newly acquired slave, Medlin's views on slavery undergo a seismic shift. Simultaneously, Gil's own perspectives on race continue to evolve, shaped by the experiences and insights she gains.

The two narratives, one unfolding in the present and the other in the past, offer a profound and insightful exploration of the human condition within an often inhumane system. They shed light on our shared responsibilities to one another and challenge us to confront the complexities of our past and present. Through this captivating tale, South Carolina emerges as a testament to the enduring power of empathy, understanding, and the pursuit of justice.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781626349155