The Fruits of Atterley is the story of an extraordinary friendship between Gus, the young master of an antebellum South Carolina rice plantation, and Promise, his slave. Gus is the son of Atterley Plantation’s owner, the socially and politically prominent Zachary Riley, and is believed to be destined for greatness. Promise, however, is the lowly offspring of Atterley’s African-born blacksmith, Abraham, and Cora, a former New Orleans prostitute.

The two are childhood companions, raised and educated together in Atterley’s main house by Rebecca Riley, the plantation’s mistress, and her commanding nurse, Hannah. While Gus chooses a rowdy troop of slave boys as playmates, Promise feels no kinship with Atterley’s slave community and wants nothing more than to grow up to be like her genteel mistress. When Gus and Promise reach adulthood, their friendship is tested as they find themselves torn between their feelings for each other and the roles that Southern society demands they play.

Support Materials and Reviews:
Cast of Characters
Sample Chapter (PDF file)
Reading Group Guide (PDF file)
Reviews