Prisoners of Hope: A Tale of Colonial Virginia

by Mary Johnston

"Prisoners of Hope: A Tale of Colonial Virginia" by Mary Johnston is a historical novel likely written in the late 19th century. The book transports readers to colonial Virginia and revolves around the lives of its characters who navigate the complexities of plantation life, class distinctions, and the arrival of new indentured servants. The story appears to introduce a cast of characters including the spirited young Patricia Verney and her cousin, Sir Charles Carew, as they prepare for an upcoming social event while confronting the darker realities lurking beneath the surface of colonial society. At the start of the novel, the central character Patricia eagerly anticipates the arrival of her father from Jamestown, bearing gifts and news. As she converses with her cousin about the luxurious items he brings, underlying themes of colonial life, including the institution of slavery and social hierarchy, begin to surface. The narrative hints at a more sinister aspect of this prosperous plantation life, particularly through conversations regarding the new arrivals: slaves and convicts from England. This section sets the stage for a larger exploration of the characters' interactions, societal expectations, and the personal challenges they face as they navigate a world imbued with both hope and despair.