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Discover a fascinating tale of family, courage, and determination that spans years amid the Civil War Era. The unnaturally-strong son of a struggling widow learns of life, love, and more during his work on a plantation.
In 1815 Charleston, South Carolina, Esther Fowler, a struggling widowed mother, catches the attention of wealthy rice planter Charles Smith and his cunning business agent, Elliot Mclean. Smith learns that the War of 1812 has ended and foresees an economic boom in the region. However, he faces a shortage of field workers for his plantation expansion plans.
Smith proposes an apprenticeship for Esther's son Johnny, who exhibits remarkable strength. Reluctantly, Esther agrees, and Johnny is sent to work on Smith's Oryza Hope Plantation alongside Black slaves. Adjusting to his new surroundings proves challenging for Johnny, with language barriers, an abusive overseer named Tillitson, and the constant threat of venomous snakes.
While Smith becomes preoccupied with social events and his relationship with a mulatto lover, Johnny yearns for his mother and friend Billy, with whom he once dreamt of becoming sailors. At the plantation, he encounters Boston, a knowledgeable field worker, and Binah, a rumored conjurer and the plantation's nurse.
Johnny receives education from Frances, Smith's daughter, who attempts to assert her superiority but finds Johnny to be independent-minded. One day, the slaves inform Johnny that his mother and sisters have relocated to North Carolina with the help of Esther's brother-in-law. They urge Johnny to persuade his stubborn brother, Elvis, to come along, and rejoin their family.
Uncertain about the validity of the message and aware of the strained relationship with Elvis, Johnny must decide whether to trust the slaves' information and embark on a challenging two-hundred-mile journey to reunite with his family or stay in an environment that will never promise safety or happiness. The story is based on actual events.
