Classified as historical fiction, gothic horror story, and bildungsroman, this novel tells the story of a woman who murders her daughter to protect her from the living hell of slavery. Told in flashbacks, memories, and nightmares, the story is difficult but rewarding. This concise supplement to Toni Morrison's Beloved helps students understand the overall structure of the novel, actions and motivations of the characters, and the social and cultural perspectives of the author.