Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 2 - by Sharon Ewell Foster (Paperback)

About the Book

The destinies of a young white man, a young African-American woman, and a rebel called by God to massacre collide in this novel by the author of "Passing by Samaria," the first successful work of Christian fiction by an African-American author.

Book Synopsis

The sequel to The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part I: The Witnesses shows the story of Nat Turner through his own eyes, from growing up a slave through his violent uprising and death.

In the predawn hours of August 22, 1831, slave Nat Turner stormed into history with a Bible in one hand and a sword in the other. Leading a small army of fellow slaves in an uprising that left more than fifty whites dead, Turner became a tragic hero and a lightning rod for abolitionists. His rebellion put Virginia in the national spotlight and tore a nation's trust.

In Part I: The Witnesses, Harriet Beecher Stowe encounters a mysterious runaway slave who recounts stories of people who knew Nat Turner, both friends and enemies. In their words are the truth of the mystery and conspiracy of Turner's life, death, and confession. Part 2: The Testimony, relates the whole story--from Turner's early slave years with his Ethiopian-born mother through the uprising, his trial, and hanging--from Nat's perspective. It's a story full of greed and betrayal, faith and courage, villains and heroes.

Review Quotes

Abraham's Well

"Innovative and intriguing . . . This is the rare historical novel that both entertains and educates."-- "Publishers Weekly"

Ain't No Mountain

"There's a reason the Christian publishing industry sat up and took notice when Sharon Ewell Foster's first book released several years ago: She's good, very good, and with Ain't No Mountain she proves that she has staying power."-- "Faithfulreader.com"

Ain't No River

"Foster's ears and pen are tuned to the rhythm and pace of small-town African American life, from the barbershop to the beauty parlor, from the church to the basketball court, and her dialogue sparkles with a memorable concreteness." --Andy Crouch, Christianity Today

Ain't No Valley

"Foster makes ordinary lives seem exceptional through lively, lovable characters. She whisks us into drama and beautiful settings, using the Bible stories of Ruth and the prodigal son to frame the work and take readers to a deeper level of truth." -- "Ebony"

Passing by Samaria

"A sensitive, thoughtful look at a revolutionary time in American history. Foster's characters are unforgettable; full of life and unhesitatingly charming, they drive this powerful book."--Kweisi Mfume, former NAACP President and CEO

Passing into Light

"To me, she is one of America's best-kept secrets--but not for long! Sharon writes for those of us who want more than just words on a page, but pictures painted on the canvasses of our minds. She has proven to be 'the Picasso of the pen!'"--Bishop T. D. Jakes

"A rhapsody in prose. It is an intriguing look back that also speaks loudly to the times we live in. For a religious novel to simmer in the African American religious tradition, yet carry a universal message is a rarity. Readers will be thankful for this rare and splendid work of love, faith, and art." --Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Reynolds News Service, author, commentator, columnist

"Abraham's Well . . . [an] impressive, impeccably researched novel that deserves to be widely read; highly recommended."-- "Historical Novels Review"

"Foster wants her fiction to entertain and uplift. She achieves both goals with this sassy, funny, heartfelt tale of women looking for love and themselves in contemporary Baltimore." -- "Borders' Best of 2004/Religion & Spirituality"

"Having been a longtime fan of Sharon Ewell Foster, The Resurrection of Nat Turner still knocked my socks off! To me, her previous works were all leading up to these momentous novels. In all her stories Foster dares to tell the truth, and The Witnesses and The Testimony are no exception. More than that, they dare to expose the comfortable lies we've grown accustomed to."--Neta Jackson, author of The Yada Yada Prayer Group and House of Hope novels

"In this first novel, Foster's poetic telling is soft enough to capture and sharp enough to cut as she evokes the strength of faith needed to survive when all seems lost. This unique addition to the Christian fiction genre is highly recommended for all collections."-- "Library Journal"

"Readers who loved Foster's surprise hit, Passing by Samaria, will enjoy this second novel . . . This book is one more piece of evidence that Christian publishers are getting serious about producing literary fiction. Foster's prose is often evocative and eloquent . . . a rewarding read from an author to watch." --Publishers Weekly

"Sharon Ewell Foster is a beautiful fresh voice in today's world of fiction. Her compelling stories draw us to a place where we somehow feel we belong, a place we want to visit again and again and again."--Karen Kingsbury, author of One Tuesday Morning

"Sharon Ewell Foster merges little-known history with fiction to pen another amazing novel with Abraham's Well. . . . [It] is hard to put down. Definitely, one of the best reads of the year!"--Victoria Christopher Murray, author of Temptation and Truth Be Told

"This is simply told and moving, Foster's best work since her groundbreaking first novel, Passing by Samaria."-- "Starred Review from Booklist"

"Foster, one of the brightest lights of evangelical fiction, turns in a nuanced, often amusing tale."--John Mort, Starred Review from American Library Association

"The name Sharon Ewell Foster is fast becoming synonymous with quality African American inspirational fiction."--Pam Perry, Ministry Marketing Solutions

The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 2: The Testimony

"Every once in a while a book is published that shakes the very foundation about what you believen about an historical figure like Alex Haley's Autobiography of Malcolm X. These books are rare since they must be meticulously research and well-written. The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 2 belongs in this category. This is an extraordinary book because Sharon Ewell Foster has done something which has never been done--unearthed the truth about Nat Turner, rather than rehash and revisit the lies and distortions surrounding one of the most important people in American history. This is a liberating book, both psychologically and historically. Read it, read again and then pass it on to someone who thinks they know who the real Nat Turner is."--Raymond A. Winbush, author of Belinda's Petition, A Concise History of Reparations for the TransAtlantic Slave Trade

About the Author

Sharon Ewell Foster is a critically acclaimed, award-winning author, speaker, and teacher. Sharon is a Christy Award-winning author whose books have earned her a loyal following that crosses market, gender, and racial boundaries. Her debut novel, Passing by Samaria, was the first successful Christian fiction written by an African American, and it was selected as the NAACP Book of the Year in 2000.