Can I just say…
I was not expecting Esther to step up like that! I mean, talk about a complete 180 in the best way possible! The first half of the book, she was just the sweetest little thing (and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that). But, let’s be honest, would you rather read about a sweet angel who does what she’s told and sews all day? Or would you rather read about a 19th century woman who is willing to put her life on the line with all of the men to protect those she loves and a cause she knows to be right?
I was actually yelling and cheering for Esther when Walters was all like, “And how does this affect our quiet Esther?” And she just comes back at him with, “It makes me wish I were a man.” Anyone else feeling all of the Lady Macbeth “unsex me” vibes? She was like, “I’ll show you quiet,” and I was here for every second of it. Definitely my favorite character in the book!
My Thoughts on African American Literature 
I have to admit, the first time I read the book I was more interested in Caddy because I was doing some work at the time on the ways domesticity was represented in material culture (thus my interest in the fact that she gathers all these household objects to stage a defense) but reading it this time it’s clear–Esther is the real hero. It was like reading the book for the first time. Her heroism was thrilling!
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