Venus' Story

A Story of One Slave's Survival

Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
269 Pages
Reviewed on 05/29/2023
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In 1858, Virginia, Earl Cadbury is forced to sell two of his slaves, Moses and Venus, to a brutal slave trader to save his plantation. When they hear of their destiny from Cadbury's wife, Moses decides to leave his family and make his escape to Canada. Venus decides to remain and accept her fate. As Moses makes his way to Canada, he dreams that one day he can be reunited with his wife and children. His journey is perilous as the slave catchers are never far away. Moses must learn quickly who he can and cannot trust. Meanwhile, Venus is sold many times before she finds an owner who treats her with dignity. Tibus and his son Adam see Venus as more than a commodity and make plans for her future freedom. But as events take a dreadful turn, Venus faces her worse nightmare and it seems freedom will never be hers in Venus' Story by Dickie Erman.

Venus' Story by Dickie Erman is such a fascinating read and the lives of Moses and Venus will take you on an emotional journey that you will never forget. The characteristics and mindsets of some of the characters are chilling, their brutality and inhumane treatment of the slaves is hard to believe. The language they use will make you gasp in horror and the terror felt by the slaves comes across vividly. The detail in the story really brings gritty realism to the plot, such as separating children from their parents, branding the slaves like cattle and breeding the slaves like animals. The areas of conflict were spectacular and the tension throughout was gripping. I loved the relationship between Adam and Venus; their bond was so strong and it really touched me. I have learned so much about the dreadful slave trade and it brought a horrific time in our history to life. This book will leave its mark on you emotionally but it is a story that needs to be told.

Maureen Dangarembizi

Venus’ Story by Dickie Erman is a historical fiction tale set in nineteenth-century Virginia. When the owners of a small plantation fall into debt, they are left with no choice but to sell their dearest slaves to the obnoxious slaver Fiona Basil. Venus is prized for her remarkable voice and ageless beauty while Moses is a strong, intelligent, and honest slave. Venus is left to the mercy of Fiona and the uncertain future that comes with being sold again. Will she be able to find a good master and perhaps a little happiness in her life? Moses is married with two small boys he may never see again if he gets sold. His only hope lies in the Underground Railroad that can help him run up north into Canada and freedom. Two black slaves, two dangerous paths, and each fighting to find peace in an unfair world.

In the wake of the George Floyd incident and his unfortunate death, Dickie Erman’s Venus’ Story paints a tragic yet hopeful picture. It reinforces the idea that evil is not found in a particular race but wherever greed, jealousy, and lust are allowed to flourish. I loved that this story was balanced, being a black person myself who has many white friends who are not perfect but lovable all the same. This is not a hate story. I found myself touched by the many epic scenes that portray love and kindness in the most poignant ways. Humanity may yet survive to see an age of peace and understanding if we could learn from the wealth of lessons this story teaches. A must-read story for anyone looking for a dose of reality.

K.C. Finn

Venus’ Story: A Story of One Slave’s Survival is a work of fiction in the historical fiction and emotive drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Dickie Erman. Written for all readers, the work is free of sexual content or language but does contain some moderately violent scenes which are accurate to the historical period. We find ourselves in Virginia in 1858, where cruel slave masters and some kinder souls still rule over our protagonist Venus and her fellow slaves. From their perspective, we see the difficulties of their lives, the heartbreaks, but also the incredible strength, resilience, and triumph which they possess.

Author Dickie Erman has crafted a beautifully moving work of drama and a historically accurate personal viewpoint, and this is an important story for everyone as we continue to learn about the experience and hardship of slavery. Venus is a strong protagonist with much to offer, and we root for her as we see her carry herself with grace and inner strength even through some very terrible circumstances. I really fell for the central characters, and the descriptions of plantation life and the Underground Railroad movement were very exciting in which to find oneself immersed. It is clear that Dickie Erman is an author who not only does excellent and detailed historical research but connects with the characters on a deeply emotive level to bring authentic voices to life. Overall, I would highly recommend Venus’ Story to readers from all walks of life as an educational and powerful historical and cultural read.