The Sweet Hell Inside: The Rise of an Elite Black Family in the Segregated South (National Book Award Winner)

I thoroughly enjoyed this second book by Edward Ball. The story was mesmerizing, and I thought Edward Ball was a fantastic writer. Mr. Ball's readable writing style kept my attention, throughout this true life story of a light skinned black family, whose father was a former slave. The father was freed via the Emancipation Proclamation, and he tried a number of professions, including being a boat owner (shipping business), but his best, most constant employment was his final job and long term career as a mortician for black families. That story of the rise from slavery to a well respected professional with a middle class income and the ability to send his children to college was an amazing story. His children were all talented, but the mortician father kept a very tight ship and control over the family via his mortician career and related financial success. The original mortician pressed his children to continue his well paying profession, when the children were not interested in that. One son was a brilliant painter, and his story was a sad one. This was a fascinating story.

I have always been interested in early American history regarding slavery in the South. So, this book peaked my interest. Descendants of master-female slaves has been mostly a taboo subject, but it was more prevalent with off springs than people realize. I wanted to read what happened to the children of this white man and his slave he seemingly adored. The story is rich with detail about the family members.I've haven't finished the book, yet. One thing I do wonder about is that the female descendent, Edwina, does not seem to be listed on the family tree page. I only see Edwin and wonder if that was a "typo error" on the family tree?

I found the book to be a really wonderful read for so many reason. 1- the story took place in my grandparents, great-grandparents etc hometown and state. 2. while doing some family history research, I found out that this family are distant relatives of mine.. 3. I have looked for at major bookstores and not one issue was available or in stock

I was born and lived in Charleston, so the book was very informative. Some or the street names I remembered. I enjoyed it.

I enjoyed reading about this family. "Rich" black family in the south and how they dealt with Jim Crow, It taught me a lot of how they were treated. Things I did not know much about

This book was a gift to someone else.

Loved this story! It was a thick book but I wish it could have gone on and on.

Good but not as good as "Slaves in my family"

So far it's great,