Wild, Beautiful, and Free: A Novel

Sophfronia Scott's novel "Jeannette Bébinn" is about a young woman's journey to reclaim her birthright and find her place in a world that tells her she doesn't belong. Born into slavery, Jeannette escapes and travels to different places, searching for purpose and love. She meets Christian Robichaud Colchester, a white proprietor of Fortitude Mansion, a safe haven for escaped slaves. Despite their connection, Jeannette is not convinced she belongs in his circle.

Format: Hardback
Length: 335 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2023
Publisher: Amazon Publishing

From the acclaimed pen of Sophfronia Scott, comes the captivating tale of a young woman's unwavering quest to reclaim her birthright and forge her own path in a world that relentlessly tells her she does not belong.

Born into the tumultuous world of slavery, Jeannette Bébinn found herself sandwiched between her white half-sister and the oppressive system that sought to confine her. However, the tides of fate would soon change when her father, an enslaved woman's son and a Louisiana plantation owner, met his untimely end. In a cruel twist of fate, his vindictive wife, determined to uphold the rigid social hierarchy, denied twelve-year-old Jeannette her rightful inheritance and sold her into slavery.

Now, alone and adrift, Jeannette embarked on a harrowing journey that spanned from the deep south of Mississippi to the bustling streets of Philadelphia, New York, and finally Ohio. Her sole purpose was to seek solace, love, and a sense of belonging in a nation torn apart by the impending Civil War.

Throughout her treacherous odyssey, Jeannette encountered countless hardships and injustices fueled by her mixed-race identity. She braved the treacherous waters of the Mississippi River, enduring the brutality of slave traders and the unyielding cruelty of enslavers. Yet, her resilience and determination remained unwavering, propelling her forward toward a brighter future.

In her search for purpose and love, Jeannette's path crossed with Christian Robichaud Colchester, the white proprietor of Fortitude Mansion, a sanctuary for escaped slaves. It was here that Jeannette found a glimmer of hope and a sense of belonging. She taught, learned, and grew alongside the other members of the community, forging deep connections and finding solace in their shared struggles.

However, despite their undeniable connection, Jeannette could not shake off the nagging feeling that she did not truly fit in with Colchester's privileged circle. The world around her continued to remind her that she was an outsider, a person of color who was deemed unworthy of the same opportunities and privileges as her white counterparts.

In this pivotal moment of self-reflection, Jeannette faced a critical choice: should she succumb to the expectations of others and conform to the societal norms that dictated her existence, or should she embrace her true self and carve out a path that defied convention? It was a question that weighed heavily on her heart, and one that would shape her destiny for years to come.

With unwavering determination, Jeannette chose the latter path. She refused to let the world dictate her worth or limit her potential. She embraced her mixed-race identity, recognizing it as a source of strength and resilience rather than a burden to be carried. She refused to let the color of her skin define her or limit her opportunities.

Jeannette's journey was not an easy one. She faced countless obstacles and setbacks, but her unwavering spirit and unwavering belief in herself propelled her forward. She refused to give up, no matter how difficult the road ahead may seem.

In the end, Jeannette's story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-love, and the pursuit of one's dreams. She showed that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to rise above circumstances and create a life that is both fulfilling and meaningful. Her journey serves as a reminder that we all have the power to shape our own destinies, regardless of the obstacles we may face.

As we reflect on Jeannette's story, let us be inspired by her courage and determination. Let us remember that our identities are not defined by the circumstances we are born into but by the choices we make and the actions we take. Let us embrace our uniqueness and celebrate it, knowing that it is our differences that make us beautiful and powerful.

In the words of Sophfronia Scott, "Jeannette's story is a testament to the human spirit's enduring power and the resilience of the human heart. It is a story of hope, of love, and of the unwavering belief that we can create a better world for ourselves and for generations to come."

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 148 x 217 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781662507458