Hired Out

More about the book

Set in mid-nineteenth century Lexington, Kentucky, the narrative follows America Murphy, a slave, and her bi-racial mother, who are owned by her father, Jeremiah. Amidst the complexities of their relationship, America helps her mother as a laundress for Jeremiah's clients, highlighting the struggles and resilience of enslaved individuals within a challenging familial and societal framework. The story delves into themes of identity, family ties, and the harsh realities of slavery.