Marked by fire

Born in a cotton field in Oklahoma just after a tornado tore through the area, Abyssinia Jackson, called Abby, is cherished by her family, her church, and the wider community. Her early years are full of warmth and belonging, but then a run of natural disasters and cruel personal attacks begins to wear down her courage and sense of self.

Abby is saved in part by Mother Barker, whose knowledge of folk medicine offers her both practical remedies and a way through her troubles. The story follows how Abby learns to endure hardship with the help of this wise, healing presence.