Fox Creek
A Novel
by M. E. Torrey
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Pub Date Sep 01 2025 | Archive Date Sep 30 2025
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Description
The year is 1843 when six-year-old Monette, the pampered and beloved daughter of a French Creole sugar planter, is taken to New Orleans and sold into slavery. Sold along with her is Cyrus, a boy big for his age, torn from his mother without a chance to say goodbye.
Together they go to Fox Creek Plantation in “English” Louisiana, home to the Jensey family. While Cyrus is sent to the fields, Monette becomes the childhood playmate of Kate, the planter’s daughter, and catches the eye of Breck, the planter’s son. It’s easier and safer for Monette to pretend life is normal. That she belongs. To forget her past, even to forget Cyrus, whom she’d loved. But as the years pass, it becomes clear that children of color do not belong in the world of the white elite—at least, not as equals. The brutality and powerlessness of slavery begin to take their toll upon Monette.
Who is she now? Who will protect her? And who is that big boy from the fields who keeps pestering her?
Fox Creek is a powerful novel set during one of the most turbulent times in American history. It is a story of race, privilege, the battle of wills, and the denial of freedom. But most of all, it is a story of love, a love that transcends all that threatens to tear it apart.
Advance Praise
“A rich, engrossing tale about the antebellum South that delivers indelible characters.” - Kirkus Reviews, starred
". . . gorgeously written and emotionally harrowing . . . " - Jessica Fahey, San Francisco Book Review
"Torrey gives voice to the silenced, and she does it with compassion, skill, and a clear sense of moral responsibility." – Kristi Elizabeth, Chicago Book Review
“Riveting.” - Foreword Clarion Reviews
“Exceptional.” - Kathryn Dare, Los Angeles Book Review
“Torrey reconstructs the antebellum South with both archival precision and literary excellence." - Faith Williams, Seattle Book Review
“A searing portrait of Antebellum life . . . “ - Kyle Eaton, San Diego Book Review
“. . . a sprawling novel . . . with moving humanity and depth.” - Blue Ink Review
“Torrey is a powerful writer . . . ” - Jo Niederoff, Tulsa Book Review
“I turned the last page with a lump in my throat and a renewed sense of reverence for the power of historical fiction to awaken both the heart and mind.” - Samantha Olsen, Manhattan Book Review
Finalist, Page Turner Awards
Winner, Pacific NW Writers Association, Mainstream Novel
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9798991455510 |
| PRICE | $9.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 376 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
BOBBI-JO L, Reviewer
ARC from NetGalley
Thank you to the author and publisher.
Publish Date: Sep 01 2025
Rating: 5/5
Knowing the author's previous writing experience I did not come into the novel with too high expectations. This was her first, adult content novel. After finishing I can't wait for her next one. This novel rivals the likes of Yellow Wife. I was pleasantly pleased.
Plot:
Starting in 1843, the story follows an interracial child as she moves from being the pampered daughter of a rich, sugar planter to a slave. While on route to auction, she is protected by a boy, Cyrus. They are purchased by the same family. He is sent to the fields, she becomes a playmate to a planter's daughter, not understanding yet how her life has changed. This story follows her and the lives of those around her as she struggles to find her place in the world. She is between two races and fits in neither.
Praise:
- plot and writing style
- descriptions of environment and characters were easy to picture
- perspectives of multiple characters; seeing things from both sides of the racial divide
- characters easily able to be liked or disliked
- pulls the reader along; limited doldrums
- stimulated emotions, showing connection with characters
- realistic scenarios
- premonitions which leave the reader pondering what they mean
- the ending, everything wasn't wrapped up in a bow; leaves the reader with questions and pondering
Critiques:
- scents were mentioned regularly and I was unsure why
Fav Quote:
“...wondering if life was simply a series of compromises. Dishonest compromises that presented to the world a face of honesty and integrity.”
Would I recommend it to a friend?
Absolutely!
Nicole T, Reviewer
My reaction to the novel was deeply emotional and enthusiastic. I was captivated by the shifting points of view, the rich character development, and the emotional struggles each character faced. The story moved me to laughter, tears, and joy, and I felt deeply connected to the themes of love, family, friendship, and personal growth. While I found the ending satisfying, I wished the story continued because I was so invested in the journey.
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