George Stuart has returned home to his beloved Sweetwater Plantation from the Mexican American War where he assisted Jefferson Davis in successfully leading the Mississippi Rifles to many victories which allowed America to acquire the vast New Mexico territory. George's son, Robert, upon learning of his father's returning to Sweetwater, left the plantation to join and support the cause of slavery against the abolitionists in the bloody Kansas War. Lila, a slave in charge of the Big House and George's lover and confidant, has waited longingly for his safe return. She and Thaddeus, the white straw boss, have kept the plantation working to the best of their ability while waiting for George. All of the population of Sweetwater welcomed him home. George Stuart stems from a lineage of rough/tough American frontiersmen and has killed many men from an early age to current. He carries no regrets. He is a fair and honest man that cares deeply for his home, Lila, as well as all who are close to him. The Civil War looms in the near future. George knows that with his war experience he will be expected to lead men into battle. He has seen the horrors of war and knows how bad this one will be. He doesn't believe the South can win and he also believes that he will not return so he wants to train his slaves, especially Lila as a leader, to save Sweetwater Plantation. A Taste of Freedom does not shy from telling the atrocities of slavery. There is frequent violence and its description. Some chapters will be unnerving but necessary to convey how a race of people were inhumanely treated and yet maintained an inner strength, and some chapters are entertaining and funny. The reader will not be disappointed, but please don't tell how it ends.
