The Alabama Black McGruders by J.R. Rothstein (Book Review #1267)

The Alabama black McGruders is the story of Charles McGruder Sr 1829 – 1900-c), his father Ned (1795 – 1853-c), and his mother Mariah Magruder (1800 – 1880-c). Charles, the enslaved black grandson of a white slave owner, Ninian O. Magruder (1744 – 1803), was born in Alabama on the plantation of his white aunt, Eleanor Magruder Wynne (1785 – 1849,) in 1829.

Charles was sexually exploited and forced to sire hundreds of children, including 52 sons. Their story is an astonishing one, and it is all about survival. The Alabama Black McGruders continue to impact the United States culture, government, law, etc.

What you particularly enjoy besides reading the book is how it is inspiring and includes reports and testimonials at the end from McGruders living today. You also get a glimpse of the role of women during and after the civil war.

The literature is written well, and the story is told in detail. You can feel every word and be sad about what the family encountered.

I recommend this book to those who like to read about American history.

Written by Jeyran Main

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